Prop selection

[pelican1207]

Guys,<br /><br /> Just bought a '05 alumacraft 185cs (1500lbs) with a Yamaha 150 hp 4 stroke 25" shaft. I ordered an alum prop with the boat - want to buy SS. Help me get the most out of this purchase. Any suggestions on make? 4 or 3 blade? What about these ballistic props - looks like something different?<br /><br />Thanks!!!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop selection

Welcome!!<br /><br />Its all about the set up. A 3 blade ss prop should run higher X dimension (motor mounted higher on the transom / jack plate raised) than a 3 blade aluminum.<br /><br />A 4 blade, of the same or similar design, should run even higher. The higher the motor, the less drag from the gearcase. Less drag means better efficiency. that means better holeshot, more speed and better economy.<br /><br />Lots of folks use the Bull-istic. Its a relatively cheap prop but we've never seen one perform as well as a correctly set up Stiletto or (especially) a Turbo.

 

[bossee]

Re: Prop selection

Hi,<br /><br />Read here:<br /><br /> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/product...oke_hpv6_gyt3_alm-navigator185cs-f150tlrc.pdf <br /><br />It is this prop:<br />14-1/4 x 20 S/S, Part nr MAR-GYT3B-V6-20<br /><br /> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/otb/perfbull/propdetails/3969/MAR-GYT3B-V6-20/propsku.aspx <br /><br />If You want to spend even more $ on a Yamaha prop you could try a Pro Series or a Saltwater Series, but Yamaha Performance bulletins does not say exactly what prop is recommended then with Your boat. I guess You have to experiment some then.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Prop selection

I gotta add to Dhadley's advice....I wouldn't run a Ballistic except for a spare, and in that case, only because my trolling motor batteries were dead.<br />I would strongly lean in the direction of a Stiletto if it were me. I've ran a couple of different props on my alum 18ft'r with a 200, and the Turbo DOES perform best, and requires much less positive trim than most props because my application doesn't handle as well with high bow-lifters with much positive trim. The stiletto gives more trim range in my case, and is in the top 2 on my list of best "all-around" props. The Turbo will out-perform the Yamaha prop and leave the Ballistic on the beach...it's a good looking prop, but has a high slip-rate and cuts loose much too soon with trim at any engine height in my experience..