Prop sizing help

[lushka16]

I have a 4.3L Mercruiser on an 88 Century with a fiberglass hull. I do a lot of skiing, and I need something that has excellent pickup. I don't know the pitch of the prop that came with the boat, because it got worn out. That prop went to about 5500 RPMS (recommended is 4400-4800) after playing with the tilt, and had an ok hole shot. That one broke, and we put on a 14.25X21, which got to about 5000RPMS and had a decent hole shot. That one broke, so it's time to buy a steel one <br /><br />What would be a good setup for me? I'm mostly concerned with hole-shot, but I don't want to lose my top end too much. Should I go for 4 blades? I'm thinking ~15x19 would be perfect, but I'd like to hear some advice from people who know better

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Prop sizing help

A Vented SS would give good hole-shot and top-end in the 14 to 14-1/2X21...it might drop the R's a tad...maybe 100 or so..if it lifts better, you may not lose any RPM.<br />If you have a 21P turning 200 over now, you sure don't want a 19 that may be 600 over if you want to keep any top-speed.

 

[lushka16]

Re: Prop sizing help

Yeah, thinking about it more a 21P would be perfect. Any brand suggestions? I was looking at Stiletto Bay Pro 2, but they only come in 20 or 22. Are they any good? I'd like to spend 300 or less.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Prop sizing help

The pro 2 is a 4-bld prop and going from a 3-bld 21, you'd be looking at a 20P in 4-bld.<br />Are they good??? yea, they perform quite well in most cases.<br />Now, here's another option and I can't say where they fall in the performance range, but I will be testing a couple in the near future, and from what I can gather, it should be a good design....I'm sorry I can't give you 2 thumbs up yet, but I think it's going to be a good prop.<br />Here is the link and it's sold right here on iboats....<br />http://www.iboats.com/mall/propfinder/index.cgi?manufacturer=Mercruiser&rotation=Standard&search=Product&chart=78&pitch=21.00&prop_chart_relation_id=10991&**********=541235421&**** ***=733937387&engine_id=448&pf_new=1

 

[lushka16]

Re: Prop sizing help

Thanks for the advice walleyehed, I appreciate it!