which brand prop

[gaj72]

Hi all... I'm looking into ordering a 3 blade aluminum prop for my 2003 Bayliner 195 3.0 liter. Boat used for tubing, fishing (trolling plate), some skiing, and just cruising around the lake with wife and kids. Pretty happy with the performance of my current size prop(14.5 x 19p) just not sure which brand to go with. Currently considering Solas amite, TP hustler, and Quicksilver black diamond. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[steelespike]

Re: which brand prop

Really shouldn't make any changes without telling us your present specs.Max rpm and speed lighly loaded.Max rpm and speed with typical load.Typical load?Brand of prop.If the number begins with 48 its a Merc.I have heard that the 3.0 sometimes struggle with the Hustler.Don't know if its difficult to get the right match or just plain too agressive. H? any thoughts?
The solas amita 4 blade can be very effective but again get us your specs first.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: which brand prop

Spike, until I see some numbers I don't know for sure, but for tubing and skiing I am sure that the Amita is a good choice. But if he has to troll real slow it might be too fast for that, it will depend on what he does the most of and how slow he has to troll, and if he can lower his idle speed a little bit.



H

 

[steelespike]

Re: which brand prop

I just meant did you have any thoughts on the Hustler being a poor match for the 3.0?I know its pretty tough to make any suggestions without any numbers.
Wouldn't the trolling plate control his speed pretty well.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: which brand prop

Spike, some people troll as slow as 1.5 MPH and that is very hard with a 4 blade prop. I still don't know that a hustler will always change RPM the way I expect them to, that is the only reason I am leery of them. But they are an excellent aluminum prop, with a lot of blade geometry that is not in normal aluminum props.



H

 

[gaj72]

Re: which brand prop

Thanks guys, I will have to wait until I can get the boat out to get accurate numbers. The slowest I usually troll is about 2mph, but as far as wot rpm I dont have any solid numbers( newbe still experimenting with trim).Hope to get boat out neext weekend depending on weather. Typical weight is about 450 lbs of people plus full tank of fuel.
Current prop is original merc prop which is slightly bent. My plan is to replace it then have it repaired for spare. Noticed the great prices here on I boats compared to dealer!

 

[steelespike]

Re: which brand prop

I would suggest getting the prop repaired and then get the numbers.

 

[gaj72]

Re: which brand prop

Thanks spike , thats what I will do. Hopefully I can find a shop to repair it at a reasonable price.

 

[steelespike]

Re: which brand prop

An I/O prop is usually more cost effective to repair than a small to medium outboard.