Need Prop Advice

[SkiSamm]

I have a 2001 Mariah 182 Shabah with a Mercury 4.3LH inboard/outboard engine. The original prop was a 19 pitch black max, I don't recall the exact RPMs it was running at. To get more hole shot for skiing, I move to the 20 pitch Alpha 4. I noticed that at top speed I am at about 4,000 RPMs. From what I read Mercury recommends 4400-4800 RPMs. I recently purchased a Mercury High 5 21 pitch, and have not yet put it on the boat. From what I have read today, it looks like I am going in the wrong direction, and should try a High 5 19 pitch prop instead. Can anyone confirm this or does anyone have advice for me. I do a lot of watersports, so holeshot is quite important to me in a prop. Thanks.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Need Prop Advice

You need to go down in pitch to pick up holeshot. Going up in pitch will lower your holeshot and lower your WOT RPM. Going down in pitch will do the opposite.

 

[danie]

Re: Need Prop Advice

Down boy down!<br />Try 17 pitch s/s four blader for torque.<br />Wicked!!

 

[SkiSamm]

Re: Need Prop Advice

Thanks for the advice. Since I had the 21 pitch, I tried it out and it ran WOT RPMs of about 4200. I have returned the 21 pitch and the 19 pitch should be arriving soon. I think it will be just right. Thanks again.