Should I change prop pitch/ go to stainless.

[jimmbo]

In most cases a SS prop will improve performance, but not all cases. I changed to a SS on my current boat and it didn't do anything for upper end performance, which surprised me. However it greatly aided low speed manuevering. That surprised me greatly, but I was happy because my current boat is a sled at slow speeds. A pontoon boat handles better at slow speeds than my 19' dual console.

Depends what you think is 'Improved Performance'. My first experience with a SS was in 1985, when I replaced the Al Prop on my I6 115. Both Mercury Props, no increase in Top Speed, but a much better Grip on the Water, it not longer lost its Bite in turns when trimmed out, and could lift the Bow better at speed.
For about 8 years I ran an OMC RAKER(prop shown in Post #18), on my 150 FICHT and rehubbed it for my Volvo I/O(it is pushing my boat in my Avatar). It was/is a fantastic Prop. 20 yrs ago, I switched to a Mercury Enertia. It is ever better than the RAKER. Both Props are able to not only raise the Bow, but the entire boat out of the Water, and hold it there, reducing drag. Both also have a very solid Bite on the Water, whether running deep like on the I/O, or at elevated Heights, where 1/2 of the Blade is out of the Water like it was on my FICHT.

Enertia sandwiched by RAKERS


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