prop pitch ????????????

[lquested]

prop pitch,, what is it,,what does it do? which one do i need? i have an 88 bayliner capri 1900 w/ 125 hp force will use for pulling tube and ski and fishing.. please explain.. thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: prop pitch ????????????

Prop pitch is similar but not exactly the same as rear end gears on a car. The lower the gear, the faster the engine will rev and the faster the acceleration will be. Propeller pitch is expressed in theoretical inches the propeller would move forward through the water in one revolution if all conditions were perfect.

Generally speaking, the lower the pitch, the faster the outboard will turn and the greater the acceleration will be. See my description of choices for a Force 85 in the post below. Your 125 would most likely use a 19 pitch prop with an extra 17 pitch prop for heavy loads and water skiing. Again, see my previous description. Tubing does not require the same acceleration as skiing and would not require a change of props.

 

[lquested]

Re: prop pitch ????????????

how do i know which pitch i have? best to just get a 17 and leave it at that?

 

[steelespike]

Re: prop pitch ????????????

Selecting a prop is like selecting a single gear in a car transmission to do the whole job. Low gear will give excellent power but not practical for speed.
high gear gives good speed but poor acceleration.
All that being said if you typically run with a load and ski a lot then the 17 may be best.but keep in mind that when running light you may over rev so keep an eye on the max rpm.Each 1 inch change in pitch gives about 200 rpm.
Increase in pitch (higher number)decreases rpm decrease in pitch (lower number increases rpm.You shouldn't make any changes until you know
your present prop size and your max rpm and speed.Running the motor outside of the WOT(wide open throttle)max rpm range either too high or too low is bad for the motor and inefficient.