2003 Jetcraft 1925 SK Prop Pitch?

[HighWest3006]

Hey all, I have been browsing this forum for a while and just registered. I need some advice regarding prop selection for my boat. I recently purchased a 2003 Jetcraft 1925 SK with a 2004 Mercury 115 EFI 4-Stroke. The previous owner used the boat mostly at high altitude (Tahoe) for pulling skiers and the like. The prop on the motor was a 14" 11 pitch aluminum prop, which got me up to about 28-29 MPH at sea level in typical conditions for what I do (mostly bay fishing). This was at roughly 5800 rpm. I did not want to go higher for fear of over reving the motor. After I returned from that trip, I switched to a 14" 13 pitch aluminum prop that also came with the boat. This allowed me to get up to 31-32 MPH, again at roughly 5800 rpm. The max rpm that the motor is rated for is 6000, and it appears to have plenty of power left. I feel as if I am still very under propped and would just like to maximize the efficiency and potential of the boat. I am also interested in getting a stainless prop, both for performance and for durability in salt water. The Jetcraft dealer stated that a similarly equipped 2011 model 1925 Jetcraft came stock with a 13" 19 pitch prop, and that in stainless he would recommend 20 or 21 pitch. Since this is not a cheap investment, I would like to get it right the first time. What size and pitch would you recommend? Also, any particular make or model prop? Again, I am leaning towards stainless. Thanks for the help!

 

[craze1cars]

Re: 2003 Jetcraft 1925 SK Prop Pitch?

Based on the info you've provided, it simply is not possible for you to get it right the first time without a great deal of luck. You need to take your boat to full trimmed out WOT top speed with a prop, and get top RPM/top speed data to know for sure what you need. Sounds like you haven't done that yet, and for a valid reason.

So far we know 11 and 13 are too small. So I believe that means you might need a 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23.

Roll the dice.

In my opinion your absolute best source of info is the dealer recommendation. Sounds like 19 to 21 might be in the ballpark. But I question why he'd recommend a 20 or 21 in a stainless if the stock prop was an aluminum 19. Usually when going to stainless you might need to go down an inch in pitch to maintain RPMS...not up in pitch as he is recommending.

See if that dealer, or any other dealer, will loan you a used prop he thinks might be close for a test-drive. With that data, recommendations can be made. Otherwise, we're just guessing with your dollars.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 2003 Jetcraft 1925 SK Prop Pitch?

It appears the Jetcraft is a relatively light 1100 lbs dry weight for a 1925.
Doesn't tell us much but would seem to indicate a 20 or 21 would be a reasonable prop.
If your buying from the dealer maybe he would let you test some props with the understanding your buying from him.
A sizable deposit is probably required.

 

[HighWest3006]

Re: 2003 Jetcraft 1925 SK Prop Pitch?

Thank you all for the advice! I will get in touch with the dealer and see if I can go about trying a few different props.