Best Stainless Steel propeller specs replacements for a Mercruiser 470

[barko]

Hello Everybody,
I hope evrything are well for this boating season 2012.

I have an 18' Bowrider Fiberform 1977 with Mercruiser 470. I got this boat 3 months ago and I made it come back to the water again after 2 years (according to the previous owner it was sitting on his driveway for 2 years).

So far the boat has only minor problems like tune-up, fuel filter change, gauge fixing and Fuel valves replacements and this are all working properly now. The major that I encountered is the overheating and was solved by replacing the water pump impeller in the lower unit.

Now I would like to ask your suggestions, I would like to replace the propeller with Stainless Steel and make the attached propeller as my back-up (current prop is 14 1/2 x 19). The boat will be use for family cruising , fishing and tubing.

Very well appreciate your kind experienced and suggestions.

Have a great day everyday!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Best Stainless Steel propeller specs replacements for a Mercruiser 470

Welcome, We need a little more info. Read the stickys at the top of the prop forum and get us the information requested.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Best Stainless Steel propeller specs replacements for a Mercruiser 470

Your recommended full throttle operating range is 3800-4200 rpm.

Run a test with the current prop to use as a starting point.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Best Stainless Steel propeller specs replacements for a Mercruiser 470

My boat is very similar to yours.
The 19p (3 blade) will suit you fine for most everything. Its what I use almost all the time. I only switch to my 4 blade 16p when pulling a skier. It helps getting the skier out of the water with out trying to drown them.
If you go to a lower pitch you will need to watch the RPM's closely. You can over rev the engine with less than a 19p. And trust me, a 470 doesnt like that.

Also if I were you, i'd ditch the idea of a SS prop. They will make no difference in performance on that boat (or mine) can you can spend the money in a better place.

You will hear a ton of people knocking the 470 on here and other places. In my opinion they are wrong. Its a great motor as long as you take care of it.

 

[barko]

Re: Best Stainless Steel propeller specs replacements for a Mercruiser 470

Hello and Good day everybody!

@Steelspike: Thank you for the welcome and will do what you mentioned.

@ Jestor68: Thanks man for the responsed even it is incomplete details. When I did the WOT yesterday (August 26) my RPM went only to 4200 and it won't go to 5000 or 6000 (my RPM/speedometer is in one gauge). Just like you mentioned it is within the recommended operating throttle. What does this mean?

@biffleman: Thank you as well for your great experienced.
I agree to you the 470 looks like a great engine for a medium family boat and you are right just take care of it and it will take care of you as well.

Based on your opinins and suggestion If I will pull a tube what is the recommended diameter/pitch specs that will not hurt the engine.

Thanks again guys this is an awsome forum.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Best Stainless Steel propeller specs replacements for a Mercruiser 470

Barko; Your prop is perfect. It is allowing the motor to operate right at the top of it's full throttle operating range(4200) with a light load.

That prop should give you good all around performance and have plenty of power for pulling tubes.

If you feel like spending the $ for a SS prop, I recommend the same size and design.