Prop Replacement. How much difference . . .

[daphotoguy]

I have a 1990 Force 90 outboard. The prop on it right now is a 12.5x15. It's very chewed up and I was considering replacing it with a 13x19. I'm pretty sure the motor has enough room for a 13. I know I should get lower RPMs with a slightly higher top speed, right?? How much less PUNCH out of the hole would I have by going with a 19 instead of a 15 pitch? I want to wakeboard and tub behind this boat. I also have no tachometer on the thing so I don't know if I would over rev or not. What do you guys think? Stick with a direct replacement or try the different size?

 

[alcan]

Re: Prop Replacement. How much difference . . .

You don't give enough info for anyone to give you any meaningful advice. Size and weight of boat engine rpm now,etc. You need to know where you are before you know where to go. My guess is the prop you have now is about as close to perfect as it is going to get as far as size and pitch are concerned. The change you mention would be fairly drastic. Why not get the chewed up prop you have now repaired and see if it makes you happy.

 

[daphotoguy]

Re: Prop Replacement. How much difference . . .

Hmmmm . . . well, the size of the boat is an 18 foot Bayliner Capri. No idea how much it weighs. No tach in the boat so I have no idea what my RPMs are. <br /><br />Your post was helpful. You feel the change in prop size and pitch would be fairly drastic. That's really what I needed to know. See, to me, I figured they might be so similar that I'd hardly notice the difference. I also didn't know I could repair a prop. I've got my eye on a replacement and when I get it installed I'll take the old one SOMEWHERE and get it repaired.<br /><br />PS - Is it very difficult to replace a prop? It looks pretty simple from what I can tell but are there any gotchas?

 

[alcan]

Re: Prop Replacement. How much difference . . .

There can always be gotchas. Usually swapping a prop is a stright forward deal. If the last person who did it, did not use prop shaft greese (anti-corrosion greese)you could be in for fun.

 

[CoachHolland]

Re: Prop Replacement. How much difference . . .

You're not going to be happy with a prop that pitch. A 19 will be too much for this motor and that size boat. About the best you can get will be a 17 pitch for the most top speed and decent hole shot. However, hole shot is not going to be quite as good as with that 15. The 19 will reduce your top speed and hole hot though.<br /><br />As far as getting them repaired, that's the cheapest way to go and if it is an aluminum one, you can even do it with one of those bronze hammers... can't remember the technical name for it... and save even more money if it's not in too bad shape. Then give it a coat of paint, oven bake it on for an hour or so and you've got a darn near new prop.<br /><br />Removing the prop is simple as turning a bolt on my Force. Might need a breaker bar first time out though. No problems with mine, but I understand that some can be on there pretty tight.<br /><br />Anyway, regardless of what you do with this prop, it's not a bad idea to get another. You never know when a spare will come in handy.