Best brand prop for pontoon

[TX Anthony]

I am posting this in the Pontoon section because I think there is more experience for what I am asking from pontoon owners. I have a 24ft Harris Flotebote with a Volvo I/O 130. I bought the boat used and the prop needs to be replaced. I am contemplating replacing my prop with a Cupped Black Max, I have the option of getting the factory Volvo prop as well. Any insight as to which performs better without regards to size and pitch?

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Best brand prop for pontoon

I can't really comment on specifics, though running the numbers on the "prop finder" at Boat Parts & Accessories For Your Boat - iboats -> Propellers will help. What I will offer though is some props have a "permanent" hub that allows for the quick change of the prop. My old prop was one piece and had a rubber bushing, that eventually spun out. My new prop (details below) has a sturdier mechanism. It's not the permanent hub type, but that was my second choice.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Best brand prop for pontoon

I plan on buying a Black Max in the future and that is what I would go with. They are designed for toons and are offered with a cup. They are good for 50mph.
We have an Enertia ss on our boat now but SS is to expensive to be trying out.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Best brand prop for pontoon

Prop manufacturer has little to do with performance. Yes -- manufacturer "A" may have a prop that outperforms the same style, diameter and pitch than one from manufacturer "B" in your specific application. But one manufacturer does not have the best prop for all applications. You buy the prop that provides the best performance for whatever performance factors you consider most important. Hole shot may be the main performance factor for folks towing water toys.. Top end may be the most important factor for another person. Those two props will be different in their design. The ONLY prop that is correct is one that allows the engine to reach the upper end of the manufacturers recommended WOT rpm band with what YOU consider and average load. That may be a stock prop, it may be stainless, it may be three blade, it may be four blade or even five blade. Obviously price enters the equation for lots of folks.

 

[TX Anthony]

Re: Best brand prop for pontoon

I am having cavitation issues. I put the Stingray foill on it and it helped a little. I am thinking a cupped prop may solve my cavitation problem. I just don't want to sacrifice overall performance by not going with OEM.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Best brand prop for pontoon

Your engine combo is somewhat rare on pontoons. And with an I/O, there are no adjustments that can be made to the engine height--like on an outboard.

Since you're experiencing cavitation problems, I suggest you find a good prop shop that can advise you. Their experience is free if you buy from them.

Cavitation problems on pontoons can be hard to solve. Sometimes there is water in the toons. Often all you can do is to ask the passengers on the front end of the boat to move to the back seats while you're running.

 

[a1nowell]

Re: Best brand prop for pontoon

Anthony,
I also thought I was having cavitation problems with my JC Tritoon. After doing a lot of checking I foumd that my "Down" ram on my trim was weak and would let my sterndrive tilt up the more I throttle I gave the engine. I rebuilt the ram and problem solved.

Larry