Props for Force

[PuddleJumper]

I am thinking about changing from an alum prop to a SS. I have a 1996 Force by Mercury 120 OB.Before getting into specifics of pitch and brand, what props fit Force? Are they the same config as props that fit Mercury?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Props for Force

You can buy "universal" props from most manufacturers. You then buy the hub that fits your engine. Or you can buy engine-specific props. Here's the link to iBoats props:<br /> http://www.boat-props.com/propellers/ <br /><br />Before switching props, make sure you know why you need to do it. If your engine is already operating at its maximum recommended RPM you may already be optimized. Engine setup, state of tune and hull must also be optimized to get maximum performance. A new prop can't compensate for a poor running engine. Make some test runs with normal load, experiment with trim, and then note WOT RPM and speed. Then you can decide where you need to go with prop selection.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Props for Force

I don't know pitch of current alum prop. Getting back down to the boat this wkend. Currently 4800-4900 WOT trimmed. 1996 Force 120 on 22 1/2 ft Rendezvous Deck Boat. I think tis is close but maybe borderline lugging. If I change props for setup improvement I'll prolly go SS for durability and all the other pro's of SS

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Props for Force

I think about 5200-5300 is what you want for that 120...<br />The Force doesn't seem to like the higher (5500+) RPM..atleast not for very long.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Props for Force

1995 and newer Force 120s have Force powerheads on Mercury bottom ends. A Merc prop will fit if it is indeed a 1996.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Props for Force

i have a 1998 120 force motor on a 17. 3 triton bass boat14 by 24 pitch quicksilver prop ss.runs good out of hole and good top end.had a 23 pitch prop.made to many rpm's.didnt want to blow the motor just one # made a big differnce.maybe you can find a used prop and try it. i think you can return them if you dont like.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Props for Force

Thanks guys, that's what I needed to know.Rechecked over wkend. Alum 17p prop. 5000 rpm WOT trimmed up.34 mph speedometer. What prop would u all suggest for this setup?

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Props for Force

bump

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Props for Force

Any suggestions on which SST prop to go with?<br />3 blade? 4 blade? Boat used for cruising and tubing/skiing.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Props for Force

I think I would stay with 17 in SS and raise the engine 1 hole at a time until you get to the highest RPM without venting at WOT with needed trim.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Props for Force

i would go to a 18 pitch prop ss give you a little more top end i tyred to raise my motor what a big mistake i could not even drive the boat at all it was like driving a car with a wore out front end.if you like the prop you got don't change it.sounds real close to me.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Props for Force

Brad, do you have the same boat and engine???<br />Did you run a prop designed to be run at high engine heigths???<br />Every one will be different, I can promise that....<br />Why would he want to go to an 18P SS, and lose 200-300RPM and Lug the engine at 4700-4800RPM???

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Props for Force

Would you suggest a Merc laser or something different?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Props for Force

Laser doesn't really have the blade area fora 22ft deck boat..<br />I see a Lexor by Solas, or Mirage plus being better suited.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Props for Force

Thanks Walleyehed, I'll check them out.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Props for Force

i dont think you will lug the motor with a18 pitch propley has a low gear in lower unit mine dont lug at all the motor will still go over the max rpm's with the 24 pitch prop.yes i have a 17 ft triton boat with 120 hp motor.