Need a new Prop for my Mercruiser 5.0L MPI Alpha 1 stern drive?

[squale]

I have the following Caravelle deckboat here: <br /> http://www.caravelleboats.com/Boats/DeckBoats/deck_boat_specs.html <br /><br />I have the 5.0L Mercruiser MPI putting out 260HP with the Alpha I stern drive.<br /><br />It says the standard prop size is: 14 1/4 x 21 <br /><br />Now this is my first boat so I really don't know much about the prop sizes, etc. All I know is that the boat come with a 4 blade aluminum prop on it. But now the prop is already a bit bend on some of the edges and a little nicked up and not very smooth anymore from hitting bottom in shallow parts of the lake I ride on.<br /><br />So I have to go ahead and buy a new prop, and I wanted to get like 2 props, one to put on the boat, and one to keep onboard for emergency purposes. So I was looking for help from you guys on what prop options I have available to me, how much they vary in price, and what specific props I should go with. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Need a new Prop for my Mercruiser 5.0L MPI Alpha 1 stern drive?

Is this a new boat for you? If not, are you happy with the performance of the prop you have? If so, buy another one like the one you have. You might also take it to your local prop shop and have them give you a price to get yours reconditioned. It's amazing what they can do with a damaged prop - for usually cheaper than you can buy a new one. If you go the new prop route, I would simply keep the old one, nicked up and all for your spare.<br /><br />Since you mention that this is your first boat, the more important recommendation on the page you noted is the RPM range of your engine. It is difficult to simply say that a 14 1/4 X 21 prop is best for you. There are many variables at play. As long as your RPM range is good at wide open throttle then you have the right prop.

 

[squale]

Re: Need a new Prop for my Mercruiser 5.0L MPI Alpha 1 stern drive?

yeah this is a new boat so I am not sure what exactly I need. I was looking at the Mercury Alpha 4 aluminum props. I believe this is what is on my boat right now. But I don't know what size I need or how much they are..<br /><br />I am looking for a good and cheap online boating place to get stuff from.. any suggestions.

 

[tylerin]

Re: Need a new Prop for my Mercruiser 5.0L MPI Alpha 1 stern drive?

I am looking for a good and cheap online boating place to get stuff from.. any suggestions

You're here

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Need a new Prop for my Mercruiser 5.0L MPI Alpha 1 stern drive?

The problem with buying something online right now is that you do not know what you need apparently. There are many places that sell props - some are even cheap - but they will only sell you what you ask for. Be sure to take your boat and try it out on the water first and see how it performs. Then you can know what you need to do with your prop. For a point of reference, if my memory serves me correctly, a change of one inch in pitch will change about 200 rpm - one way or another. (Less pitch, more RPM)

 

[squale]

Re: Need a new Prop for my Mercruiser 5.0L MPI Alpha 1 stern drive?

hey while we are talking boating stuff, who makes the best fenders and fender adjusters?

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Need a new Prop for my Mercruiser 5.0L MPI Alpha 1 stern drive?

If you look on the hub of the prop between the blades you should be able to see a stamped number followed by the letter P such as 18P 18 pitch or 20P , most four blade props have even numbered pitches and most 3 blade props have odd number pitches. As far as a quality fender goes I myself like Taylor products, I have had the same set of Taylors now for 14 years and they still clean up like new a bit expensive but hold out well to U.V rays and take a beating at the docks, I suggest you buy the biggest fenders your boat can handle don't forget to consider the length as well as the diameter the fenders, mine are 8inches in diameter and 14 inches long they hold my 20ft wellcraft of the dock very well.