Which prop?

[KYsean]

Hey all, we got a new boat this year. 2012 Rinker 216 with 5.0 260HP Mercrusier. It came with a Mercury 21P 3 blade aluminum. My WOT RPM is 4900 and 51 MPH by the dash not GPS. That's with 4 adults and 1 youth, 3/4 tank fuel and all our water sport gear and cooler. Only 14 hrs. on the boat if that matters.

I'm pretty happy with performance but could use a little more hole shot for water sports. I don't want to loose to much top end. What would be a good aluminum prop to fit those needs? Thanks, Sean

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Which prop?

I would start looking at 19p 4 blade props for what you want to do. rpms will probably come up little so you would want to be careful if you had a light load. Im sure the holeshot and slow plane would improve noticeably. as far as specific props, someone will probably have some more input.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Which prop?

I would start looking at 19p 4 blade props for what you want to do. rpms will probably come up little so you would want to be careful if you had a light load. Im sure the holeshot and slow plane would improve noticeably. as far as specific props, someone will probably have some more input.

Agreed. 19" Solas 4 blade really woke up my boat. I replaced a 3 blade 21"

 

[KYsean]

Re: Which prop?

I would start looking at 19p 4 blade props for what you want to do. rpms will probably come up little so you would want to be careful if you had a light load. Im sure the holeshot and slow plane would improve noticeably. as far as specific props, someone will probably have some more input.

I would be concerned with RPM going smaller pitch. What about more cup in a 21? Is there such a prop? Would prefer to stay with alum. Thanks, Sean

 

[emilsr]

Re: Which prop?

I would be concerned with RPM going smaller pitch. What about more cup in a 21? Is there such a prop? Would prefer to stay with alum. Thanks, Sean

Sean; Congrats on the new boat! There are some things you can do to improve the performance of your Rinker without completely breaking the bank.....

You're at the point (power and boat weight) that you'll see a noticeable difference in performance going from aluminum to stainless. Yes they're more expensive; that's 'cause they're worth it.

Normally with a prop change you can get better holeshot or better speeds but not both. In your case though, you might get both with the right SS prop.

I had good overall results (as have others) with Turbo's 2+2TH. 20" of pitch should work for your boat. Lots of prop options...that's just one of them.

I'll save the trim tab discussion for another thread.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Which prop?

Mercuy's Alpha 4 aluminum water sports prop is available in 16,18,and 20 pitch. The 20 pitch sounds about right for your intended purposes(to maintain rpm; not raise it). The only other 20 pitch 4 blade aluminum I see is by Michigan Wheel. Not as costly as Mercury's and performs as well.

Solas and Turning Point offer 21 pitch 4 blade aluminum props that would LOWER your rpm by about 100, while still providing improved acceleration and minimal lose of top speed.

 

[KYsean]

Re: Which prop?

Thanks all for the help. Sean