Prop questions

utfyrfytr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 14, 2014
Messages
230
Last winter I put a 1989 Yamaha 70hp 2 stroke on my 1997 16' aluminum Crestliner. I don't know the make of the prop but it is a 13.5"X17 SS 3 blade. The boat weight is probably around 2000 lbs loaded. Currently I am running at 4600 RPM at WOT. It doesn't jump onto plane but it is okay. I get conflicting info about WOT RPM's as 4500-5500 and 5000-6000. I think through research that the lower RPM is correct. My question is should I change to something like a 13.5X15 to increase the RPM's to something closer to top end or just leave it as is? I would also like to know if anyone knows for sure what the WOT range truly is. If it is the higher 5000-6000 then I should really look at changing props. Any info is appreciated.
 

jlh3rd

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 10, 2017
Messages
1,061
I'd prop it for hitting the higher rpm range, if not the max. Then when I add weight, the motor rpm won't drop below the min.
 

boscoe99

Commander
Joined
Aug 22, 2013
Messages
2,306
Red line RPM for a Yamaha 70 HP two stroke is 5500. Yamaha suggests propping the motor so that when at WOT, boat loaded, motor trimmed up to the point of best efficiency, the motor turns at or near the red line RPM. Best performance, best engine life. Even though you may never run at WOT again.

If the boat is operated at a lighter than normal weight, mind the tachometer.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
14,363
Going from 4600 to 5500 is going to require quite a drop in Pitch, about 4 inches. I would make sure the Motor is performing at its Best too.
Compression, Is the Timing Advancing fully, are the Carbs opening fully too
Also is the Tach set correctly, and is it accurate?
Is the Boat loaded evenly, and is the Engine trimmed for best performance? If the Motor is trimmed in too close, the Bow will plow and Engine Rpm will be lower than what it could be
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,864
Lowering the prop pitch 2" gives about 400 RPM gain. Your boat may vary, but that is the rule of thumb.
 
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