Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

[prc03sx195]

First off HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone.

I have an 2003 Mercruiser 4.3L 190 HP that currently has a Michigan Wheel alum prop 14X23P. The prop is fairly new but has some dings and nicks from hitting some debris. The WOT rpm is right where it should be at 4700 and 49-50 mph.
What I am wondering if I should consider going to a SS prop if it is worth the add'l cash? I do want to get a new one and use the current one as a spare.
What would be a good choice? Thanks for the advice.

paul

 

[captkevin]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

Stainless is worth the money. Big improvement. Wouldn't use on if there were lots of hidden objects where you boat.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

What size/type boat are you running(weight?).How does it get up/pull skiers?
Does it seem to get to speed strongly?Is your speed by gps?
A prop change is an educated gamble at best.When you change material you add in an additional variation.
Going to a stainless will generally improve performance.
How much is the question. Could be a couple of tenths to a couple of mph.
on rare occasions maybe 5 mph.It may also improve hole shot but that may depend on the design.Some props are stern lifter some bow lifters.
I would stick with aluminum and take a look at something like the Turning Point Hustler. It is a really aggressive prop with close to stainless performance at aluminum prices.Put your info in and see what comes up.I think at 50 mph
even a small improvement would be impressive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

The prop is fairly new but has some dings and nicks from hitting some debris.

Ayuh,... As long as you're Wackin' stuff,... You might wanta wait to up-grade to SSteel...
Because, instead of dinging the Prop, you'll be replacing Outdrives...

SSteel props are Much Less forgiving...

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

I lost a prop about a year ago while coming home after dark and straying out of our channel....the rock I hit took off a blade and the lower part of the skeg. If I would have had stainless, I would have lost or damaged a prop shaft and lower unit.
For me, since I continue to boat in this area with lots of "landmines" I'll stick to aluminum...

 

[prc03sx195]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

Ok, would the Hustler H-1423 (14-1/4X23P) be a good choice? It is alum and comes with a new hub kit. The only thing I'm not sure about is it says its a 2 piece design where the Solas Amita prop is a 1 piece? I was also checking out the Solas as well. What do ya think?


The boat is a Glastron that weighs in at 3500 lbs. The boat gets up on plane pretty well and the MPH is by dash speedo.

paul

 

[steelespike]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

It seems to me that the 23" pitch is a lot of prop for a 3,500 lb boat.
I also didn't see any 3500lb Glastrons with a 190.Of course those were dry weights.
Is the 23 pitch suggested on the Hustler site?Just from watching results here
I would say give it a try.Usually results are pretty good going with the same size as original. Assuming your prop is actually a 23.Sometimes the 3.0s have trouble with the Hustlers.The 4.3 should do better.

 

[MRS]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

What size is the boat 3,500lbs for a 23p prop with a 4.3 seems not right, plus steelspike is the Hustler a vented prop? just wondering because I have a 19ft. 4.3 2,225lbs. with a 21p prop and rpms are low. Not trying to hijack just compairing notes......

 

[sleeper]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

I think your rpm's will drop a little with a hustler since it is relatively grippy for an aluminum prop. Mine did. I would go with a 21" pitch.

My boat was similar, 4700 rpm's with a 23" pitch black max, I went to a 21" turning point hustler and I see 4800rpm now at WOT.

 

[northernmerc]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

I guess everyone has an opinion. Here's mine.

I have a 4.3 in a SeaRay. It used to have an aluminum 21 pitch. Top end was about 50 mph or a bit more, but it was slow on pulling out heavier skiers.

Since I don't really need to go 50 mph, I changed to a five blade stainless steel 19 pitch. It's a totally different boat now. It lost a little speed but pulls a lot stronger.

Since changing to the SS prop a number of years ago, I haven't needed to do any prop repairs. I've felt it hit bottom a number of times, but no damage. Before that, repairing the aluminum prop was almost a weekly activity. And the SS prop looks cool with the boat on the trailer.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

On the Turning Point Hustler (I have one):

Grippy because it's cupped; Few alums are cupped (that I know of).

On hole shot with it vs current prop, it is ported meaning that coming out of the hole, holes in the side of the prop allow exhaust gasses to flow over the blades allowing the engine to grab rpm's (hence hp) much faster and acts like a prop with less pitch....which is what you want for the hole shot ONLY. Then once you get up and running, the holes seal and the prop acts like a normal one.

On the hub, it's plastic with a brass insert and yes it is sold separately, hence user replaceable if damaged. It is not rubber and it is not forgiving by design......I mean, hard plastic is not forgiving like rubber is in the rubber hubs with the ability to slip. This hub cannot slip as the brass "ears" would prevent slippage of more than 10 or so degrees but that would only occur with the plastic between the prop splines and the brass ears being stripped away. I think carrying a spare hub on board would be prudent.

One of the differences between this prop and a similarly designed SS is the blade thickness. You could expect better top end with a comparable SS due to steel being harder and less (thickness) is required for a given torque.

If you do opt for a SS and it has a rubber hub, you might be less prone to damage your prop if you hit something as compared to the Hustler. I haven't damaged mine but you can look at the hub assy and figure out for yourself what would happen in a collision.

Good luck,

Mark

 

[prc03sx195]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

Ok let me correct myself on the weight, it is 2250 lbs (I was looking at combined trailer wt) sorry.

But the boat did come original with a 23 pitch. I wouldn't mind if it pulled out of the hole a little quicker and stayed on plane a slower speeds.

Should I change pitch or stay with 23? Go with the hustler alum or spend extra on the SS (brand)???

What else can ya think about waiting for warmer weather in the east. Thanks

paul

 

[northernmerc]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

To respond to your question, whether or not a 23 pitch is suitable for you depends on how you use the boat. If you use it for skiing, other pulling, or carrying a lot of people, you may want to go to a 21 or even a 19.

The 23 aluminum that came with your boat probably is an inexpensive, all purpose prop that is good enough for the manufacturer to sell the boat. It works, but you likely can do better.

If possible, take out a few different props and try them out before buying one.

 

[prc03sx195]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

Ok so I may try the hustler alum but because of the different design do I need to go with 21 pitch or stay with the same pitch as current. I thought I read that the significant cupping of this prop changes the characteristics of the operation.
I don't have the luxury of playing with several different props to see what works best. That is why I am searching the expertise of this forum. Thank you.

paul

 

[steelespike]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

Any prop change is an educated gamble.Changing brands and design creates more
unknowns. Sometimes a marina or prop shop will let you try props if you are buying there.You would give them a deposit and try props thought to be able to work.
If your thinking more hole shot I would try a 21" pitch Hustler. If it turns out a little under propped you can still use it just watch the rpm. If you go with the 23 you may end up overpropped and you shouldn't run it that way.Did you go to the Hustler site and put in your numbers?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Considering SS prop instead of my alum 14 X 23P

Any prop change is an educated gamble.Changing brands and design creates more
unknowns. Sometimes a marina or prop shop will let you try props if you are buying there.You would give them a deposit and try props thought to be able to work.
If your thinking more hole shot I would try a 21" pitch Hustler. If it turns out a little under propped you can still use it just watch the rpm. If you go with the 23 you may end up overpropped and you shouldn't run it that way.Did you go to the Hustler site and put in your numbers?

I agree with the above. Like I said, the Hustler is cupped and that can produce engine loading equivalent to 1-2" more pitch over your OEM conventional utility (one would guess) alum. Dropping to a 21 with the ported prop should get you an excellent hole shot. Then with the higher performance Hustler design and the cup, the 21 may top out better than your current 23.....but if that's not enough, like I said SS will get you up another notch.

Mark