What style prop?

[Cat nip]

I have a 20 foot pontoon 2 log with a 60 hp evinrude both 1989. I need a 14x11 prop. My question is should I go with a 3 or 4 blade prop and will cupping help with anything? My motor is mounted pretty high up on my he transom.

 

[BigDfromTN]

I have a 24' with a 90hp. The four blade was best fit for mine. Before it would "spin out" at times in a turn and other problems. The extra surface area seems to have fixed the problems I was having. Cup will help with the "Bite as well".

How is the old prop performing now and how did it perform when newer?
What is your reason for wanting a new prop?
What RPM are you turning at full throttle?

The answers to these questions could make lots of difference.

 

[Cat nip]

The old one was old when I got the toon last year. The motor is turning 4600 at WOT
The reason for replacement is its to steep in pitch i need more rpm and its dinged up. The old one is a 15x13 3/4

 

[HotTommy]

There is a whole forum here dedicated to prop selection.

 

[ahicks]

Unless you're trying to do something special, a rig like that will work just fine with a stock (a.k.a.reasonably priced) prop. Spending more for a top of the line prop isn't going to get you anything you can feel with the seat of your pants.

 

[Cat nip]

I didn't find the answer to my question there so im asking here.

 

[cc350]

14x11 cupped will work fine in 3 blade. 4 blade will give you better take off(bite) I'd go 3 blade 14x11 cupped

 

[Cat nip]

Ok thanks all. If I won't see a noticeable difference il stick with a cupped 3 blade.

 

[Jeep Man]

Cat Nip, I have a 60 hp on my 20' as well.I have run a 3 blade 14x11 and am currently running a 4 blade 13.75x10. Other than a slightly better hole shot, there is no noticeable difference. Top end is the same. If you do decide to go to a 4 blade, you need to drop the pitch by 1. A good 14x11 should turn 5600-5800 RPM. If it isn't,you should try a 14x9. If you can test before you buy, or borrow a 14x11, then you know before spending your money.

 

[WaterDR]

With 60hp I don't think you will see any difference. In general you will get more control with steering with a 4 blade. But you will need to change pitch with it.

 

[Cat nip]

Thanks jeep man, that's what I was looking for some real world experience. I don't know anyone with a prop I can try so it will be a bit of a gamble but im sure it will be an improvement over what im running now. The term hole shot sounds funny when talking about a toon. But il admit mine gets to 20 mph in about 8 seconds.

 

[BigDfromTN]

If you have a local prop shop that will let you buy one, try it, is a good thing. If they will let you return it as needed that is worth some extra $ on the front end.

The shop I used let me try two others before going to the 4 blade and he also said if that did not bite correctly he could add some cup to the blades. Just something to think about.

 

[jetboater]

I'm running a 4 blade Quicksilver (Mercury) pontoon prop on my Yamaha 70hp (4 stroke) on my pontoon. They have replacable hubs so you order the prop and hub separately (order the hub that fits your motor.). The 4 blade give a lot of control at low speeds around the docks and the blades on the Quicksilver pontoon props are shaped to give a good "bite" in reverse without losing control and speed in forward. They advertise them as the only "pontoon specific" props on the market.

It's the best prop I've found for my pontoon---ran about $130 with the hub. (This is my third pontoon over the past 19 years and I like this prop better than the 3 blade stainless I had on my last one)

One nice thing about props with replacable hubs is if you hit something and mess up the prop, you only have to buy a new prop and reuse your old hub which saves about $35----luckily I havent had to do that yet!

 

[steelespike]

A 4 blade on any boat should respond better around the dock.A 4 blade should resist ventilation better.

 

[Tjpontoon]

I have a 24' with a 90hp. The four blade was best fit for mine. Before it would "spin out" at times in a turn and other problems. The extra surface area seems to have fixed the problems I was having. Cup will help with the "Bite as well".

How is the old prop performing now and how did it perform when newer?
What is your reason for wanting a new prop?
What RPM are you turning at full throttle?

The answers to these questions could make lots of difference.

I would like to no what size prop you are running. I have 24ft tritoon with 90 4stroke merc. Purchased used in January finally had it on the water and it felt like prop ran out at half throttle 4000 to 5000 rpm. It has on it a 13.25 13 pitch. 3 blade

 

[HotTommy]

Tjpontoon,

1. There is a propeller forum here on iboats that is likely your best source of information.
2. The moderators appreciate it when you start a new thread to address your problem.
3. There are some good prop selector websites that can tell you what size and type prop is best for your boat.
4. Have you checked to see if the prop is slipping on the hub?

 

[BigDfromTN]

I would like to no what size prop you are running. I have 24ft tritoon with 90 4stroke merc. Purchased used in January finally had it on the water and it felt like prop ran out at half throttle 4000 to 5000 rpm. It has on it a 13.25 13 pitch. 3 blade

I am running a 13 Pitch 4 blade I cant remember the diameter right off but its between 13 and 14 inch. I just got back from down there where my boat is this evening or could look at the box and verify the exact size.

 

[Tjpontoon]

Thank you BigD that would be great.

Tommy I have been on Mercury prop selector. I had found plastic insert on hub cracked so I replaced with new one and still had same problem. As for asking a question to BigD on your feed I did not know that people get bent out of shape over it I just joined yesterday. I'll start my own feed next time.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Before I bought my 24 ft pontoon boat I had a 21 ft bow rider with a 5.7 I/O It would fly with a three blade prop. But being smarter then every one else at the time I bought a four blade prop. The only thing I liked about it was the day I took it off and put the three blade prop back on. It vibrated badly on kick off .It pulled to the right.my speed lowered, planning was a pain in the butt..