New Prop needed?

[The Dougler]

Hi All,

New to boating, just picked up my new to me boat last weekend and was able to get out on sunday. Anyhow looks like there is some light damage to the prop, I'm just wondering if it's significant enough to require replacement. Here's a pic.

The details: it's a 14.25 X 21 prop. Boat is a Monterey 190LS with a volvo penta 5.0GL and SX drive. Ratio is marked as 60 on the drive. Boat weighs about 3100#s. I ran with 2 of us up to bang on 50MPH, later with 7 onboard we were still able to get up to about 45. I can't recall the rpm's though.

If the prop is still good, I would like some info on another recommended prop for cruising and towing efficiency with about 5 people on board. If it needs to be replaced I guess I'll just get a direct replacement.

Thanks for the help.

 

[truckermatt]

Re: New Prop needed?

that damage isnt too bad...

you could have it repaired. but for a secong prop with the heavy load a 4 blade would work well. 14x20p alum.

 

[The Dougler]

Re: New Prop needed?

Does changing the diameter make much difference? looks like in Volvo's prop guide for the drive it can go up to 15, I'm not sure what effect that would have on performance though.

 

[ufm82]

Re: New Prop needed?

It depends on the prop. I can turn a 14" 19pitch 4 blade Trophy only to 5300 but I can turn a 15 1/4" 19 pitch 3 blade Mirage at 5500. The Trophy is cupped more than the Mirage but the diameter of the Mirage is obviously bigger. It depends on the type of prop you are looking at.

As far as the pictured prop, the damage doesn't look to be fatal but any damage to a prop interferes with the hydrodynamics of the blades and compromises performance. However, in most cases people don't care. LOL I've seen much, much worse out there. Me? My props have to be perfect if possible- it's a quirk of mine. I've run a damaged prop but it always irks me when I have to do so. Plus, repairing an SS prop is never a cheap endeavor.

UFM82

 

[The Dougler]

Re: New Prop needed?

I think I'm going to order a new prop, but I'm not positive which way to go. It will def be aluminum, there's way too many rocks in the water here for SS. on the GL volvo says WOT should be 4500-4800 rpm. With the current prop it just hits 4500 but speed is hard to measure since I don't have GPS, and I think the speedo is not all that accurate. I'm looking for a little more hole shot and cruising speed mileage.

Right now with just me and a friend in it, it will plane out right at 2500rpm, when i've got 5-6 people on board I have to take it up to about 3000rpm for it to plane out. My thoughts were to drop pitch to either 20p or 19p, but should I look at going to 4-blade as well?

 

[marinebucaro]

Re: New Prop needed?

I too am alittle quirky about my props. The damage on your current one doesn't look to bad. The second I feel rattling in the steering column I trash can the prop. I love my boat to much to trash her. So I'd say go ahead and get a new prop do your research and if your current prop seams ok then keep it as a spare or use it on shallow lakes that you may not be familiar with.

I just ordered up a Stiletto S.S. 14.25 X 21 prop for myself today at www.dansdiscountprops.com it was about 275.00 shipping included. Way cheaper than Overtons by about $75.00 I dont work or have any affiliation with these guys but if it can save you $ may as well take a shot.
Happy Boating!

 

[Robbabob]

Re: New Prop needed?

I'm looking for a little more hole shot and cruising speed mileage.

Hi Dougler,

I'm afraid you don't get to eat your cake and have it too! The smaller the pitch, the better the hole shot, but your overall top speed will be reduced as your WOT will be attained at a lower speed.


Happy boating