prop question

[Jeff Walkowiak]

I posted this on the prop section, maybe someone has had the same problem.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1873359&posted=1#post1873359

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: prop question

after checking with a bunch of prop companies and dialing in the exact boat and engine,, it looks like I have 2 choices 12.25 by 15 or 12.25 by 17,, I chose the 15 and will see how it works when I get it.

 

[chrisg]

Re: prop question

So by reading your other thread, you are saying you drive your pontoon in a weedy area, and wonder what can be done to prevent the weeds from tangling in the prop? ( I don't know what is ment by 'ventilation'). I cant think of anything you can do to prevent that.

 

[steelespike]

Re: prop question

So by reading your other thread, you are saying you drive your pontoon in a weedy area, and wonder what can be done to prevent the weeds from tangling in the prop? ( I don't know what is ment by 'ventilation'). I cant think of anything you can do to prevent that.

Ventilation is when a prop breaks loose because of air causing loss of grip.Often refered to as cavitation.Cavitation is actually the bubbling action that takes place in the low pressure area on the back of the blades.Severe cavitation can cause damage.Some cavitation can indicate prop efficiency.
Generally unaware of cavitation except for the typical etching that appears on the prop.
Prop design can resist ventilation and might help resist weed induced ventilation.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: prop question

I made some weed deflectors that help and a new one I haven't tried out yet,, but a 13 inch pitch seems like it would be more susceptible to collecting the weeds and maybe a 15 would not do it as bad,, the weeds don't bother regular boats or even my pwc's but the pontoons seem to push them to the center of the boat and the engine collects them,, the minute I see some weeds floating in the water I know the engine is going to cavitate.
In areas free of weeds the engine goes along just fine,,the situation really ruins the day when you have to stop constantly and put the engine in reverse to remove the weeds, or run at 3500 rpm to avoid having to constantly de-weed the prop.
when I say cavitation I am referring to the prop loosing it's bite and the engine revving way up .