Re: need help..Im stumped
Hello,
Just like they say different brand props of the same pitch will operate at different speeds and handle their own way. I have experimented with several different brand props and pitches with varying results. For example I have an aluminum Turning point Hustler 19 pitch on my 17' Sea nymph TX175 Tournament boat that tops out at 53.4mph at 5000-5100rpm.
Then I have a Stainless steel Michigan wheel Apollo 17 pitch prop that tops out at 47mph at 5300-5400rpm.
Also a Comprop 4 blade ( which I love the hell out of ) 19 pitch prop that tops out at 47mph at 5400rpm. That prop was so incredibly smooth and made the boat handle sooooo much nicer until I broke it. I was using it as my main prop I liked it so much. It was like a whole new boat. It planed out quickly and of course at lower speed got on plane. The full throttle was so incredibly smooth the engine was like a statue it was so smooth.
The stainless prop at 5000rpm started to vibrate and I had to back off the throttle because of it. Vibration isn't good for the engine and I won't test it to see what it will take. Thats why I got a 4 blade prop the smoothness is a drastic difference and full throttle is very nice.
I also have a 21 pitch Turning point Hustler aluminum prop that tops out at 47mph but is very smooth and nicer than the 19 pitch of the same brand. The 17 pitch Hustler makes the boat porpoise a lot at WOT and it becomes annoying so I back off of it after awhile. The 21 pitch doesn't porpoise at all but is slower getting up to speed which isn't all that bad really.
I just bought a Solas 4 blade Amita 15 pitch prop but haven't got to use it yet. I'm aiming at the 6000rpm redline and I think this prop will get me there. I know it won't get me to the highest speed but that isnt what I always strive for. I love going full throttle and cruising down the river but its also nice to cruise and ride nice without any bouncing up and down and having great handling.
The 4 blade Comprop was great and the boat handled fantastic with this composite prop. It was very smooth from take off to full throttle and handled very well. No porpoising at WOT and just flat out cruising. I'm upset I broke it and it wasnt even in the water. Just backing up and hit a wall and one blade broke off. Oh well its my own fault but this also gives me reason to buy another prop to test.
I want a prop that will get me to 6000 rpm yet also be very smooth. The 4 blade prop will give me the smoothness i'm looking for without a doubt but I don't know what the 15 pitch will do yet. They all have their own characteristics from brand to brand. If this prop doesnt meet my expectations I will buy another Comprop but the next one will be 17 pitch instead of 19. Those are great props and resist dings unlike aluminum props.
Anyway I hope to get the boat out Sunday with my Solas 15 pitch to see how it makes the boat handle. I got a 92 Evinrude 60hp 2 stroke that I put Boyesen power reeds in last summer and it screams. Those reeds made a very nice improvement in all aspects of engine operation and I highly recommend them.
So theres my two cents on the subject. A lot of experimenting and trial and error will find you that perfect prop. Its fun to play around with different brands, 3 or 4 blades, different pitches, etc...
Nick
