Prop selection, will higher pitch help fuel use

[SamLin]

I have a 1987 Baylinner 5.9 ltr 260hp with a 15 x 15.5 prop. My prblem is I'm useing alot of fuel. I was told to install a higher pitch prop. like a 15 x 19.
Can anyone tell me if this is a good idea or will it cause me problems. I'm new to this size of boat ( 27.5') and could use your help. Thankx

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Prop selection, will higher pitch help fuel use

Prop Questions and Topics.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop selection, will higher pitch help fuel use

Ayuh,......

While going Up 4" of prop will lower the rpms,.....
It'll cause the motor to be Lugging,.... All the time......
That could actually Lower the fuel economy,.......
And,......
It Will lead to accelerated Engine Wear, or possibly catastrophic engine Failure........

For a motor to perform Properly,....
It must be proped so it Can reach it's rated rpms at WOT.........


Btw,.........
Welcome Aboard to the forums here at iboats.com..................

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop selection, will higher pitch help fuel use

I have a 1987 Baylinner 5.9 ltr 260hp with a 15 x 15.5 prop. My prblem is I'm useing alot of fuel. I was told to install a higher pitch prop. like a 15 x 19.
Can anyone tell me if this is a good idea or will it cause me problems. I'm new to this size of boat ( 27.5') and could use your help. Thankx

If the motor is operating within its proper max. rpm range then you are probably close to your proper fuel use.You may be able to tweak your performance with a more sofisticated prop or a slight pitch change.Tell us your max rpm and speed and the typical load.Generally speaking your most practical MPG will be at a speed slightly higher than planing speed.or slightly faster than no wake speed.You could get terrific MPG at say 1,000 rpm but not to practical to get from here to there.
A 24ft 225hp boat might get 6.5 mpg at 1,000 rpm,1.1 mpg at 3,000 , 2.2 at 3,500(planing) but will get 2.7 at 4,000 rpm.By the way the ball park GPH(gallons per hour)at WOT (wide open throttle)for your motor is about 26 GPH.

 

[SamLin]

Re: Prop selection, will higher pitch help fuel use

Thank you for your help, I will do the math next season to figure it out.
I am so glad I found this site, it's the best, and so are all the helpful people who ase it.
Again thanks and have a happy holiday season.