What Prop Should I Get?

[jbrandon47]

I'm buying a 2006 G3 Eagle 175 with a 90 Yami 2-Stroke on it. I'm going to swap the Yami with a 2003 Mercury 2-Stroke, I'm pretty sure. Anyways my question is I'm looking to buy a stainless steel prop for the boat...What is the best prop I can get to get the most speed out of the boat? I know you can get props that are all about hole-shot and some that are all about top speed...Having a 90 on a smaller aluminum boat I'm not sure having a prop specialized for hole-shot will be something I need to worry about? Not sure really.....any advise? I want it to go fast but I still want to be able to get it out of the hole and up to speed quick.
Thanks!

 

[jbrandon47]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

Before anyone asks the reason I want to swap is the Merc. has far fewer hours on it and plus for some reason I just don't like the Yamaha....

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

The 15 foot boat in my avatar uses a stainless 19 pitch prop and hole shot is acceptable. Now, given that the 90 merc probably will make my 90 HP Chrysler look sick, and depending upon how large and heavy the 16 footer is, I suspect that as a starting point either a 13 X 19 or a 13 X 21 pitch would do. At this point, because you have no specific numbers, it is a crap-shoot and if at all possible try to test a couple of props. Before buying a stainless, test the engine on the boat with the exsisting aluminum prop. The same brand and size in stainless will give about 400 RPM more and a couple of MPH more too.

I did have a friend with a 16 foot fishing boat with walk-thru windshield and helm powered with a 4 cylinder 90 HP merc (1990s vintage) He used a 19 pitch stainless and acheived about 2 MPH more than me.
Hope that helps a little.

 

[jbrandon47]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

I'm buying a 175, also I'm looking at more of what brand of prop should I get?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

So your going to put a Merc 175HPV6 on a 16 foot aluminum boat? Is it rated for it? Most boats that size are rated for a max of 115HP, or less.

You will want to look for a prop with good rake. That will give you the best performance, IMHO. Stainless steel props with rake are common. A lot of the V6 mercs have a 2::1 gear ratio. If so, you will likely want a 23" pitch prop. Look at the prop calculator here on iBoats and see what they have. I bought a raked alum prop last year, from iBoats. I like it a lot, and it was about $100.

We have a prop selection forum here at iBoats. You can ask there as well.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

Here's a novel thought! Why not wait until you get the boat, install the engine you want, then see how the boat performs. Only then can you determine what prop you need -- just like the READ THIS FIRST sticky at the very top of this forum suggests. If the engine doesn't have a prop to use as a bench mark, borrow one or check with any marine dealer as they generally have a pile of props you can buy reasonably. You should have a spare anyway. You would be extremely lucky to select the "perfect" prop on the first try without any bench mark data to go by.

 

[jbrandon47]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

The boat is an Eagle 175 I'm putting a 90hp engine on it

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

It may have changed, or might be a slightly different model, but the website says it's rated for a 75HP motor.

As for the prop, wait and see, try the one it comes with first. You will need a working tach to get it right.

 

[jbrandon47]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

Yeah I'm buying the '06 version which is rated for a 90hp...I don't know I figured maybe someone made what would be considered an above average prop for top speed....?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What Prop Should I Get?

I have a small go-fast with a 125 on it. It top out at 60. Now the reason for this statement. This boat goes 60 MPH at 5900 RPM with a stainless 21 pitch cleaver racing prop. I put a Ballistic stainless 21 pitch on it and surprise: the Ballistic loads the engine down to about 4500 RPM BUT---Top speed still remains 60 MPH.

Since I bought this prop I have tested it on various boats and have never been dissatisfied. It does have a high rake and does tend to bow lift for more speed. So: There is a brand (Michigan Ballistic) that you can try. Can't recommend pitch, just brand. That's just my opinion--others may chim in with other brands. Of course, if you want to go all out and money is no object, buy a custom prop--Hill, etc.