Prop for 2007 Tahoe Q6 SF 4.3L 190HP (Carbed) 14.25 x 21 orig alum prop

[ronq]

I am looking for a new higher end prop. The Merc prop selector comes up with mostly 22 and 23 pitch props. I was looking at Enertia props due to a couple of folks in the Tahoe forums that are running them and love them. The are running the 20P but both of them have the 4.3 MPI 220 HP. My WOT 4400-4800 and I have had it up to 4700 at about 46n speedo which is about 1-2 slower than GPS normally, but I didn't look at GPS at the time. I still had some left in throttle, but didn't push it. I should also mention that I have smart tabs installed (which are the best mod I've ever done to this boat). I am curious if anyone with a Q6 SF what prop they are running. My though was to go with the Enertia 21 like my current pitch, but the selector has 22. I use the boat for the family and pull a tube, but mostly we just ride around and sometimes fish.

 

[SkiDad]

you really didn't state why you want a new prop - the one you are running seems to doing a good job. But if you stay same pitch and go to stainless it will probably give you a little better performance - i wouldn't expect too much more speed

 

[ronq]

I am really just looking for better performance. I'm happy with the speed, but I think stainless will perform better overall especially with towing the tube. My prop is older, but in good shape so I was going to make it my spare since I don't have one. I was going to just go with same 21 pitch or 20 until the selector seemed to think I need a 22 or 23. Just trying to figure out what similar boats to mine are running before I spend $500 dollars if I can't find a place that has some test props.

 

[alldodge]

My understanding is you have a 21 pitch aluminum now. Going from an aluminum to SS will improve your performance, reasoning behind this is the SS prop won't flex when torque is applied. In your first post you stated

I have had it up to 4700 at about 46n speedo which is about 1-2 slower than GPS normally, but I didn't look at GPS at the time. I still had some left in throttle, but didn't push it

So your currently turning right close to 4800 rpm which is your maximum. Installing a SS prop you will easily increase your WOT to the 4800 and maybe a smidge more but not necessarily. If you went to a 20 pitch your rpms will increase around 200, which would put you over the max. Going to a 22 would lower your rpms around 200 max.

I have smart tabs installed (which are the best mod I've ever done to this boat).

The only may you could get more speed (top end) is to remove the spring tabs, but that is not an option. So my suggestion is to stick with the 21, but also do some more testing with different load outs before buying. This will give you more info on how the boat responds to differences.

Did notice your post in the Tahoe section

 

[ronq]

AllDodge, Thanks for the reply. I will probably go with the Enertia 21. I was confused that the merc prop selector was giving me 22 and 23 selectrions. There were a couple of folks in the Tahoe section that are running the Enertia 20 and had great things to say. I messaged one of them, but haven't heard back. I agree with you that the 21 is a good place to start. I am hoping to be able to test some props, but not sure yet. I have no real issues with my current prop other than it can be a little sluggish when towing Big Mable (tube) with a 2 teenagers on it, so I think the SS prop will help with some of that and I like having a spare just in case which my current prop would be perfect for.

 

[Bondo]

I am hoping to be able to test some props, but not sure yet. I have no real issues with my current prop other than it can be a little sluggish when towing Big Mable (tube) with a 2 teenagers on it,

Ayuh,.... Goin' to a taller prop will make that worse,....

Bigger prop, lower rpms, less power down low,.....