Prop recommendation

[donwithaboat]

Was a member here a long time ago. Then had no boat and drifted away. Didn't even remember old login name so just starting over after acquiring an old boat a couple weeks ago. It's an old in-the-family boat that in its own years of dry storage has had it's propeller misplaced. Since I've got no starting point and couldn't find a reference anywhere suggesting what it might have had OE I'm hoping a good recommendation might come from this community. Thanks for any help that is offered.

The boat is a Glastron SSV-177. It's a 17' boat with the old inline six Mercruiser 165 engine and lower unit. Dry weight on the boat is 2100 pounds. Tank holds about 22 gallons as near as I can tell.

Have checked it out and the floors, stringers, transom and foam are all great. Very solid old hull. It came with the engine and drive disassembled and all the parts to rebuild all for the cost of hauling it home and dinner for the grandparents it came from.

Engine and drive and now reassembled and back in. All the electrics work. Had to replace a bilge pump and put a new set of o-rings in to seal up the trim pump being the only extras the boat needed. Now need to get a prop. Given size and weight with this engine and drive anyone mind offering a recommendation?

Thanks.

 

[SkiDad]

Re: Prop recommendation

it's hard to say, but maybe start with a 19 pitch. That way you can at least see how it runs - if it doesn't work out you'll know if you need to go up or down in pitch.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Prop recommendation

I agree that a 14-1/2 X 19 would be a reasonable starting point for your Mercruiser 165 with a 1.65 gear ratio and a WOT rpm range of 3900-4300 rpm.

That size should work OK for general purpose use. Be careful not to over speed that motor; it's happy running at 4000-4100 rpm.

A picture is worth..........

 

[donwithaboat]

Re: Prop recommendation

Thank you both. Makes me feel better have some advice that is concurred with before buying something I don't know enough about.

 

[donwithaboat]

Re: Prop recommendation

Before pulling the trigger to buy a prop this weekend just realized I have a follow on question. It's been ten years since I last had to buy one. Since even with the same diameter and pitch they're not all created equal what is a good brand/model for a good efficient prop nowadays?

Not interested in anything uber expensive. It is an old boat after all. Just wondering what's a good option now.

Thanks.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Prop recommendation

The most coat effective would be a Solas Rubex.