propping an old steury

[schalmat]

Hi guys,,,havn't been on for awhile but i have a question.I have a 73 v-518 Steury with a 165 Mercruiser 6cyl.Last year I put a new prop on it,,,got a good deal on a 14.5 x19p.the boat flies at w.o.t on smooth lake,about 4100 to 4200 rpm with just my wife and I,I'm guessin bout 42mph.But we usually take guests and like to tube and ski.Boat weighs about 2000 lbs.With 4 adults and one on a tube ,,,It really struggles to get planed and get to speed.It had a 15x 15p prop on it when i got it that was kind of beat up,[maybe 15.5in].I would like to have a little speed,but I need it to pull.Would I be better to go back to the 15.5x15p or have it repaired and re-pitchd to a 16p. I welcome the advice
Thanks
Matt

 

[steelespike]

Re: propping an old steury

Not knowing your wot rpm and speed with that load its difficult to predict final rpm and speed with the change.
All that said it will improve your hole shot but you'll have to watch the rpm with a light load.I think the 16"
would be a little more flexible as load changes.