prop brand question

[nbaffaro]

I am looking to get a new prop for my boat. I am happy with the current performance of the boat and I am not going to be changing the diameter or the pitch. My question is about brands. Is there any difference between brands and how the boat will react. I understand that two propellers from different lines might perform differently, but is there anything I can do to ensure that I am making a good decision? Props seem like an expensive guess to me.

My boat is a 185 Tracker Pro Team Aluminum Hull
Motor is a 60HP Mercury ELPTO (non-bigfoot)
Prop size is 10 3/4 x 12 pitch
WOT-5600-5800
Top Speed 37mph (speedo)
Boat weight ~1600
Cargo ~400-500
Fuel Tank 20 gallon

 

[Silvertip]

Re: prop brand question

You are very correct in that prop selection requires a lot of research, establishment of a good base line (which you've done), and a fair amount of luck. And yes -- props with the same diameter and pitch from different manufacturers and even from the same manufacturer but different product lines can perform very differently. The best chance for success is to work with a prop shop or dealer that will allow you test a prop before you buy. These folks are hard to find but they are out there and they want you to be happy. Just be a sport and buy from them when you find something you like.
If you are happy with what you have, buy an exact replacement. If you are looking for a different performance characteristic then Manufacturer and Model is important and only research and testing can get you what you want.