Prop Opinion

[edc413]

28' ft Pursuit. Displacement 5500 lbs.
Usually carry 200 gals fuel, 20 gals water, 4 adults.
Twin 200 HPDI Yamaha HP counter rotating.
Suggested RPM range 4500-5500

I currently have 4 blade SS 17 inch pitch, 15 inch diameter and run 5500 WOT.
Looking for either a backup set or a primary set with the current set as the backup. My primary application is fishing. Would like to optimize cruising efficiency and rough water operation.

* Are aluminum even an option for this heavy of a load?
* How much performance difference if went with 3 blade?
* Should I run a 19 inch pitch to move WOT closer to the middle of the suggested operating range?
* In an emergency would it be ok to mix 17 inch pitch and 19 inch pitch on opposite sides in the case or prop failure?

Obviously there are a bunch of trade-offs but since these can either be my primary or backup set, I would not mind shelling out the bucks if I could significantly improve performance based on my typical use. However, if that is not the case I would like to go as cheap as possible as long as I know I am getting something with decent performance and reliability.

Any specific suggestions on brand and sizing?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop Opinion

I have been very impressed with the Turbo Offshore series. They are specifically made for boats like yours running offshore. The props stay hooked up in large following seas. They seem to bite quite hard, on the boats we've ran them on they tend to run almost like the next higher pitch. The 4 blades are 14 1/2" diameter and the 3 blades are 15" diameter.

On your particular rig I wouldn't be surprised if a pair of 17 4 blade OS1 would bring the rpm down a tad. Personally I like the carrying ability of the 4 blade props.