Re: Will this prop work?
I was going to PM you about a Michigan 15.75x17P prop I have, but thought I should check how proud USPS was of their shipping services.... Friggin $100+ to Au
:facepalm: I never knew shipping was sooo expensive going across the pacific...
If I get another new 16"/17P prop then it will be a Stailess Steel number
A stainless 16x17 prop won't perform the same as an aluminum 16x17 prop. The 16x17P aluminum prop looks like a good match to your boat since the engine is turning 4200RPM at WOT, but a 16x17P SS prop will drop WOT RPM about 400 RPM and probably hurt the boat's performance. achris's suggestion of a 17" SS prop with less diameter might work fine, though I think the smaller diameter will change the boat's handling a bit, unable to hold plane at low speeds. You might be up to 20-23mph on plane instead of 17-20. I used to run a large diameter 15.5x19P aluminum prop (common 19P diameter is around 14.25") and it would hold plane really well,,, though it was a terrible match to my boat.
Another though on prop selection is to go with a 4 blade prop, 15x16P or 14.5x18P, Alpha4, Mighigan Vortex, Solas whatever. They suggest dropping 1" of pitch when going to a 4 blade prop, though I'm not sure how that would work out since you are running a large diameter prop and the engine is nipping at it's recommended WOT RPM. I went from turning 4200-4300RPM with the 15.5x19P 3 blade prop to 4500-4600 RPM with a 14.5x18P 4 blade, the holeshot is MUCH better and I even picked up a couple MPH top end. (WOT RPM on my engine is 4200-4600.)
Honestly, since the 16x17P aluminum works so well on your rig, I'd just try and find another one of those. Or, as achris suggested, find a shop that will let you test drive props until you find one that works well with your boat.
