Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

[derek533]

Hello everyone.

I just purchased my second boat and it is a 1999 Regal with a 3.0 Mercruiser Alpha One. WOT speed is around 43mph. The holeshot however, is really lacking. It currently has an aluminum 21p on it and I would like to get a SS. I was thinking about going to a 19p which would hopefully provide better holeshot and no loss in top speed since I am going stainless.

I saw on here a Solas Titan that I think I might get. Any recommendations as to other brands I should consider? Thanks.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

One thing you might want to try is to install smart tabs on your boat, vent your 21p prop and see how that preforms ( it will change how your boat accelrates) As to pitch on a stainless maybe a 4blade 18p for watersports or a 19 pitch 3 blade for speed, turbo or stilletto for the money they make a great prop.

You will probably need to get a preformance trim tab http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cg...=430570354&list_time=1149764174&view_id=39250

If you do a search on trim tabs you will find a overwhelming aprroval and satisfaction on there preformance. Or you can simply get a the new merc interia prop, spendy but its supposed to be a great preformer.

The above are only opinon's if you want very accurate info you should post your exact speed at full throttle, the rpm you run at full throttle, the type of hull and the weight of your boat along with the gearing and the desired type of preformace you are looking for.

 

[derek533]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

Excuse my ignorance, but what will the trim tab do for me? It already has the shark fin tab on it. Is this suppose to be better?

Thanks

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

I had installed a 20p 4 blade turbo prop, it was so much larger in size it required a new tab, dont let the size issue bring any question's to you mind, they just use tech differently

That's the old tab you see there after it had been trimmed down. The new tab i posted gives one plenty of clearance.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

Excuse my ignorance, but what will the trim tab do for me? It already has the shark fin tab on it. Is this suppose to be better?

Thanks

:} Excuse my misreading your question, yes trim tab's will be a large improvement over a shark fin, whale tale etc. I believe that type of fin is old hat my freind

http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...=835588342&session_id=893942607&view_id=55646

Its unusal to be able to bolt on a accy out of the box and get a big preformance gain and those tab's do just that.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

Excuse my ignorance, but what will the trim tab do for me? It already has the shark fin tab on it. Is this suppose to be better?

Thanks

Smart tabs will improve your hole, allow you a slower planing speed and will give you a couple MPH more. If you get them, remove your shark fin.

 

[Crownie2]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

Sounds like you are on the right track, and the Solas might give you a good bang for the buck.

What is the length of your boat and what is you top RPM's now??

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

Crownie brings up a very good point....The Tachometer.
the speedometer tells us NOTHING except the result of a change in set-up.
The Tach is the single most important gauge, and the ONLY gauge that we can use for any accuracy in choosing a prop.

 

[derek533]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

Sorry for not posting RPM's. WOT RPM's are around 4400 with a top speed of 42-43mph in decent chop.

As far as recommendations, I have found two Apollo's which are both 19p but one is 14 1/8" diameter and the other is 15 1/4". The other one I am considering is the Solas Titan which is 15".

Finally, will I need a new hub and if so, is my 1999 Merc a Flow Torq II?

Thanks for your help.

 

[derek533]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

One more question in addition to the one right above this post, do the bolt on hydrofoils do very much for planing faster?

 

[Crownie2]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

For very little money, the hydrofoils do help lift the stern to get you on plane when the drive is trimmed in. They also can help smooth out the ride in rough water.

The negatives are they might cost you a little speed on the top end and they can accentuate quirky handling traits if not the drive is not trimmed properly.

On the other hand, they can be easily removed if there is something you don't like about them.

Bob

 

[derek533]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

Hey Bob,

What difference will there be (if any) if I go with a 14 1/8" prop vs a 15" prop? Also, do you know if Apollo or Solas is considered a better prop? Thanks.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

Both are good props, and each reacts differently on any given hull.
If I went with the Apollo, I'd go with the large diameter.
It'll work better with a heavy load/lower HP application for getting up and running.

 

[Crownie2]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

I agree - I think.

I'm still not sure what your boat length/weight is.

Bob

 

[Firestar]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

I have a 14.25 X 19 Rapture SS Email 93cobra@prodigy.net

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which Prop for my Merc 3.0?

I guess what I meant by going with the large diameter, we need more push for a better hole-shot. The large Apollo is good for that...my data tells me so.