prop suggestions for an 86 merc 50 3 cyl.

[a_ockels]

I need to put a new prop on my 50 2 stroke, I'm thinking of putting on a stainless one, i've tried getting numbers off the prop and can't read whats left of it. I'm pretty sure it's a little under propped but don't want to throw money away and I don't have a tach to dial it in. I'm also not worried about every last mph I can get I just don't want to over rev it and tear something up. It seems to cavitate some now but the prop is pretty rashed up. any suggestions?

 

[hotrod53]

Re: prop suggestions for an 86 merc 50 3 cyl.

My '77 4 cylinder 50hp had a 13 pitch when I got it, I bought a used lower unit which had a 12 pitch on it.

 

[mr 88]

Re: prop suggestions for an 86 merc 50 3 cyl.

Try the prop forum would be suggestion #1,Suggestion #2 would be to have your specs posted as well.MFG of boat,length,average number of people and gear.Wood,aluminum or fiberglass,tri hull deep V flat bottom etc.If you do not care about speed you are throwing your money away by going to SS as well as the potential of hitting a object in shallow water as most smaller OB's seem to gravitate towards the shallows.That hit may damage your prop shaft with a SS as they do not take a hit like a aluminum one does,a lot more flex and give in aluminum.

 

[a_ockels]

Re: prop suggestions for an 86 merc 50 3 cyl.

I wasnt aware that motors over 25hp weren't shipped with props, so I guess there never was a factory prop for my 50. that said I finally took the prop off and found the numbers it is a 15P my application only goes up to 17P on the prop finder and the only solas prop is a 15p. Also that's the second time someone has told me the stainless prop would be a bad idea and it makes perfect sense. it's my first boat and a friend kept telling me to get stainless so I wouldn't break it but I'd much rather replace a couple 100 dollar props than break the lower unit. anyway's thanks for the help I'll be ordering the solas 15P in the a.m.

 

[a_ockels]

can someone decode my prop part number?

can someone decode my prop part number?

finally found the part number on my prop it is as follows
48 73140 A40L 15P I know the 15P is 15"pitch but does anything give me the diameter there? the only solas that the prop finder comes up with for my 50Hp mercury 2 stroke is an 11" 15P any bigger than that and all I can find is michigan wheel and I hear bad things. the prop that's on there now is really chewed up and looks like it could be 10 or 11" I don't have a tach and it feels and sounds like it's revving too high I'm figuring on ordering the solas 15 P I just wanted to make sure my old prop was about the same size, didn't want to find out I had a smaller prop as the motor was assembled wrong when I got it and I've done alot to get it back on the water.

 

[a_ockels]

Re: can someone decode my prop part number?

Re: can someone decode my prop part number?

ok fyi propmd.com has an oe number listing so I figured out it was a 10 and 1/8" prop. but why the L after the A40? I'm pretty sure it's a standard rh rot. prop. they didn't have an L on the propmd site just A40

 

[steelespike]

Re: can someone decode my prop part number?

Re: can someone decode my prop part number?

First thing is you need to continue this discussion in your original post.
I have to go back there it find the motor again and any other points that may have been made.
Diameter is a secondary consideration.Very generally as pitch goes up diameter goes down. As the number of blades go up diameter goes down.
I would ignore diameter unless it seems to be an extreme.
If it appears to be clockwise rotation from behind the boat I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[QC]

Re: can someone decode my prop part number?

Re: can someone decode my prop part number?

I merged these to eliminate any confusion. Carry on . . .