Picking out a new prop plz help!!!

[ann8280]

I have a mercrusier 4.3 sterndrive engine. the book says it is a 14x24 prop can i put a 14 1/2 x24 prop on it or will that be a bad idea or dose that not mater?
i want to put a stainless prop on the boat can anyone suggest a good one?? and are stainless good? one more what happens if you do run in to a rock or rough area with your stainless prop dose it break or will it stand its ground. ??
thanks in advance
Annie

 

[steelespike]

Re: Picking out a new prop plz help!!!

You should confirm what size prop is on the boat.Numbers should be on the barrel or under the prop nut.
Diameter simply follows the prop design.If the prop is intended for your setup
it will work.Sometimes an extreme design may require an anode change to clear it.
Why a stainless prop?imo a stainless is for that final little bit of performance you might want.Yes they can improve overall performance how much will depend on the present prop.Improvement could vary from a few tenths to a few mph.There are plenty of al props that do very well.
Stainless can cost 3 times as much. and probably cost twice as much to repair.
Some use them to resist soft contacts mud, sand etc.But rocks are rocks .
Also a ss prop can transmit more stress to the drive train from an impact,where aluminum crumples easier.A ss prop may depend on the hub to protect the drive train an al will likely crumple before the hub slips.

 

[ann8280]

Re: Picking out a new prop plz help!!!

ok so i can use a 14 1/4 x 23 prop too??? sorry not 14x24 its a 14x23 lol sorry . is it good to get a stainless steel or is it just better to keep the req ones? more risk i am guessing...thanks for the quick responce ..thanks again.

annie

 

[steelespike]

Re: Picking out a new prop plz help!!!

Have you read the stickies at the top of the page and the helps on the prop store page?these may help you understand prop selection better.
Your motor must operate within its rated rpm range,usually on a label on the motor.
If your present prop is a 23 then a 23 should work.
But you should note your present performance.Max rpm and speed with one aboard.How is your Hole shot?If you tell us your boat details, your present performance and your typical activities and load we can tell better if you need a size change.Are there any performance changes you would like to make.
As far as ss its your call.What are you trying to accomplish?Is it worth the expense.
are you likely to be making many hard contacts?(rocks)
In a broad generality higher number pitch has less power but more speed,lower number more power less speed. This all is assuming the motor can operate within its rpm range.

 

[ann8280]

Re: Picking out a new prop plz help!!!

thank you very much for your advice.. i will look into all of that info ..thanks again.