Any prop experts ?

[Tafflad]

Just bought a replacement boat - with a 2011 4.3L MPI Mercruiser ... with only 5Hrs on the clock.

It currently has a 4 blade Aluminium 20" pitch prop.

I want to put on a SS prop .... but not sure what one to use ...
On Mercury site the Prop Selector fails with message that boat weight is outside range .... at 3,850lb yet says at top of screen suitable 8650 - 21,625Lb
(As a test I knocked 500Lb off boat all up weight and still get same error - assume tool is broken.)

Looking at options previously I have fitted "High Five", props but maybe a 4 blade is a better option for me.
On the 4 blade props in SS the options are "Revolution 4" or "Vensura"

Also I would have to go up or down 1" in pitch, and SS 4 blades only in odd pitch numbers - so assume I'd go with a 19"

Welcome any advice ...

Boat is a Monterey 194fs ...
alpha I drive (1.62)
incl people & contents weight 3,850Lb
excl fuel (36 gall tank) so total all-up around 4,100Lb

Use is 100% salt water in-shore recreational skiing, boarding, hydrofoiling ... top end not crucial, just need hole shot and good mid range performance.

I do not have option to buy & try ... so need to get choice right.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Any prop experts ?

I ran the numbers on the Mercury Prop Selector and listed the results below. I do not know why it listed the 'Range exceeded." The prop calculator is not an exact science but has worked for me. It would be nice to try the calculator with rpm numbers and wide open throttle (WOT). I had the same motor, with a carb. on it, and lower unit ratio on my last boat and I went to a 19 pitch SS. Maybe someone out there with the same setup can chime in.


Your Setup
Boat Type: Runabout - Open Bow
Usage: Acceleration / 0ft elevation
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury
Engine Type: Sterndrive
Engine Year: 2011
Number of Engines: Single Drive
Engine Family: V6s
Engine: 2011 Mercury 4.3L MPI
Drive / Gear Case: Alpha 1.62 Gear Ratio
Details

Calculated Pitch: 17.0
Calculated Weight: 4105 lbs
Calculated Engine RPM: 4800 RPM
Calculated Boat Speed: 43.5 MPH

Each boat and its use is slightly different, and sometimes different propeller lines could provide similar benefits. The propellers identified below will allow you to make a final decision based on either further research on our Web site or on recommendations from your dealer.
Current Boat Weight
Results accurate for total weight between 8650 - 21625lbs
Boat Weight With One Engine:
People & Gear:
Fuel Capacity:
Calculated Weight: 4105.2 Range exceeded. Modify your values or see your dealer.
Watch:
Step 5 Explained

Don’t Have This Information?
If you don’t know your current boat’s performance, you can
jump back to Step 4 and pick another option.

Recommended Props (14 results)
Propeller Material Blades Diameter Pitch Rotation Part #

Alpha 4 Features
AL 4 15.0 16.0 RH 834850A45

Alpha 4 Features
AL 4 14.5 18.0 RH 834852A45

Black Max Features
AL 3 16.0 16.0 RH 16440A45

Black Max Features
AL 3 15.0 17.0 RH 832828A45

Black Max Features
AL 3 15.5 18.0 RH 11324A45

Black Max Extra Cup Features
AL 3 16.0 16.0 RH 16440CP1

Enertia Features
SS 3 14.5 17.0 RH 898994A46

Enertia Features
SS 3 14.2 18.0 RH 898996A46

Enertia Features
SS 3 14.0 19.0 RH 898998A46

HighFive Features
SS 5 13.5 17.0 RH 821154A46

VenSura Features
SS 4 14.5 17.0 RH 825898A48

Revolution 4 Features
SS 4 14.625 15.0 RH 857022A46

Revolution 4 Features
SS 4 14.625 17.0 RH 857024A46

Vengeance Features
SS 3 14.5 17.0 RH 16314A46

The propeller selection(s) offered on this web site are merely suggestions based on Mercury Marine's previous testing experience. Due to the many variables inherent in any particular boat, motor and propeller combination, there can be no guarantee as to performance in a particular application or configuration. The best way to determine the best propeller for your particular application is to try out a propeller on your vessel before you buy. An authorized Mercury Marine dealer participating in our propeller demo program should be able to assist you in this process. See our dealer locator elsewhere on our web site to find the authorized Mercury Marine dealer nearest to you.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Any prop experts ?

Interesting. When I run the numbers through the same selector using 4055 lbs(merc thinks gas weighs 5.6 lbs per gal), I get 19 pitches.

In 3, 4, and 5 blade SS it comes up with 19 pitch right down the line with different diameters.

It seems that 4100 lbs is a kind of tipping point with the 4.3L where the selector can't seem to make up it's mind. I get the same message when I run my boat through it, but it still gives me the correct answer in so far as pitch sizes.

Just ignore the stupid little message and hit the red button.

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Any prop experts ?

Just ignore the stupid little message and hit the red button.

I thought it was me doing something wrong ... seems you get same error.


OK then 19" pitch is what I should look for .... the 2nd part to this is ... any views (on my use) which is better prop choice ... "Revolution 4" or "Vensura"
I'm sort of leaning towards the Rev 4 ....

 

[jestor68]

Re: Any prop experts ?

Bearing in mind that the prop selector is a guide, the best judgement would be based upon what rpm the motor achieves now with your present prop.

What is the WOT rpm with the aluminum 20" pitch? That will determine what pitch you go with in SS.

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Any prop experts ?

Don't know answer to that ... and now boat is laid up until April.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Any prop experts ?

I checked the prop reviews on the net and from what I could find regarding them the Vensura is lighter than the Revolution 4. The Rev4 has larger blades as well. It seems that the Vensura is built for small size engines from what I read.

Have you looked at the HIGH5 prop? I know several people with them on their 4.3's and they work well.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Any prop experts ?

A 18 p 4 blade SS Stilleto BayPro 2 would give you everything your looking for with the weight your descrbiing. I will behave like a 19p 3 blade SS with by far more midrange punch..smoother and far less money than a merc prop.

http://forums.iboats.com/prop-questions-topics/stiletto-prop-results-nothing-short-wow-222825.html

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Any prop experts ?

Used High Five on previous boats, as I no longer need mono ski deepwater starts, thought of going to 4 blade instead.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Any prop experts ?

And that is exactly why you need to wait until spring so CAN do the WOT tests with what you consider an average load. Then an only then will you be able to make an intelligent purchase. As it sits now, you may already have the best prop for your boat.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Any prop experts ?

Monterey Boats has a website, and they're really first class rides.

Your boat and engine model aren't shown on the website, but the corresponding engine model indicates you should be using propeller "BM-19-AL". I assume it's a 19 pitch propeller--probably a 3 bladed.

Monterey's customer service department @ Phone 352-529-9181 can tell you what prop is best for all round use.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Any prop experts ?

Don't know answer to that ... and now boat is laid up until April.

Then it looks like it'll be next April before you can run a proper test. :sleeping:

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Any prop experts ?

Monterey Boats has a website, and they're really first class rides.

Your boat and engine model aren't shown on the website, but the corresponding engine model indicates you should be using propeller "BM-19-AL". I assume it's a 19 pitch propeller--probably a 3 bladed.

Monterey's customer service department @ Phone 352-529-9181 can tell you what prop is best for all round use.

They have renamed my model to the "204 fs" exactly the same, guess they wanted to included the swim platform length in the name

It is fitted with a 4 Blade 20" pitch.

 

[Tafflad]

Re: Any prop experts ?

And that is exactly why you need to wait until spring so CAN do the WOT tests with what you consider an average load. Then an only then will you be able to make an intelligent purchase. As it sits now, you may already have the best prop for your boat.

I know where you come from on that ... knowing the WOT will tell me if over or under pitch, but won't help identify which 4 blade prop to select ? ..... that was what I was trying to figure out.