Changing out prop on 2005 Stingray after long storage

[jbourne210]

So I picked up a 2005 Stingray with a 4.3 MPI Mercruiser in it. She's been in storage for over 5 years, so I've been taking it slow getting her water ready. I knew my prop was nicked and with some deformation on the leading edges of the prop, but I didn't know how much of an issue that would create. Well, I put her in the water for the first time yesterday, and while the engine sounded, and ran very well, I could feel a slight vibration in the throttle/gear shift lever. Nothing terrible, but I was leery of everything, so I took note of it. I'm not even sure it's an issue; it might be normal??
The prop is a 14.25 X 21P, and based on the serial numbers, it looks like it was part of the Mercury family. The prop has never been changed from what came out of the dealership. My brother owned the boat, so I trust that fact. I'm planning on going with the same size/pitch prop (and having the old one repaired to keep as a spare), but here's my question. Which BRAND to go with. There are so many to choose from, and damn, you can get lost just trying to filter it all. I guess I should rephrase my question. Are there any brands to stay away from?

Oh, and here's my boat data:

1. Slight vibration in throttle/gear shift lever.
2. Mercury (?), 48-832832A45 21P, Aluminum
3. 14.25 X 21P
4. No data for WOT (still taking it slow)
5. 4.3 MPI Mercruiser, 2007, 220 HP
6. 2005 Stingray 195LR, Not sure of the weight, will locate, and report back.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jkust]

There's a good write up specifically about Stingray where they tried a whole bunch of props with detailed results. Thinking it came off of the Stingray site but not exactly sure.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you could simply take the dinged prop and get it repaired or buy the same prop as a starting point, especially if your brother had good results with it.

however if the prop has never come off, lets hope it does. most props need to be removed annually and the splines greased with prop grease or you end up cutting the prop off.

 

[roffey]

FYI, I have a 198 stingray with a 4.3 TKS (190hp). the boat came from the factory with a 23p.

 

[roffey]

There's a good write up specifically about Stingray where they tried a whole bunch of props with detailed results. Thinking it came off of the Stingray site but not exactly sure.

http://www.stingrayboats.com/product...s/tb03_06.html

 

[jbourne210]

Wow, those are some fast responses!

I appreciate all the good information. Looks like I have some research to do!!!

 

[QBhoy]

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...-and-topics/10326172-stingray-198lx-prop-size

Roffey's post earlier. Check out the link I posted in this.
Crazy fast boats with a 4.3 in them. Amazing. There is a red and white one in my marina that isn't a million miles of my boat. Super slick hulls. Will easily run at 60mph well trimmed and with the right prop.
Without looking at the link again, I seem to remember a 4 blade was surprisingly good on her.
The guy in my marina runs a laser 2 (21 or 23 I think) on the alpha. I clocked him at 60 sitting next to me. That was with the spray hood canopy up (a uk front part of a full camper canopy)

 

[SkiDad]

just file the nicks a little with a round file and run it at full throttle and trim up a little - it you are at 4600-4800 i would use the same prop and keep that one as a spare. At 21p it was likely used for water sports.

It could over rev with that prop so just over rev it for 5 seconds to see where you are. if you hit something like 5200 and you want to play it safe jump up to a 23p. Here the thing you gotta be aware of - this all changes when you switch brands so i would stick with the same brand/prop so you get the results you are looking for.

is the prop Aluminum or Stainless ? you should post a pic of it if you can.