Changing Props

[rinker driver]

I am the owner of a Rinker 212 equipped with a Mercruiser 5.0 260H.P., at this I am thinking about changing from an aluminum to a stainless steel prop. The present prop is a 21P and I would like to go with a 19P. Is this the right way to go? At presentthe boat will top out at approximately 60MPH and is bumping against the rev limiter. Will I lose top end speed or RPMs. I hope I can get some info from previous people who have some experience with changing props.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Changing Props

Welcome aboard!!!<br />All though I've only actually changed a few props, if you are against the rev-limiter now, you don't want to drop pitch, ie, the 19...you'd want to go up in pitch, or perhaps a higher quality prop such as stainless.<br />The big question I would have is are you by yourself when maxing out on RPM or do you have a loaded boat???<br />Also, the speed (60mph) is just a result of a particular set-up...RPM is more important than speed when trying to determine the correct prop.<br />Can you give us an RPM figure for WOT, and what is the "recommended" wide open throttle(WOT)?

 

[rinker driver]

Re: Changing Props

Thanks for your response, I was by myself with about 1/4 of a tank of fuel. I'm thinking with a heavier prop I would to drop one size in pitch. I have had seven people on board and performance did suffer. I believe the rev limiter is set at about 5200-5300 RPM. Any other response would be appreciated.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Changing Props

When you say performance suffers are you refering to hole-shot???<br />What kind of RPM do you get with the full load at WOT...??

 

[rinker driver]

Re: Changing Props

With a full load it is slow to come on plane which would be normal. I just want better response, normally I don't haul that many people in our boat (usually 4-5) but when I have a load I would like better performance. As to the WOT with a full boat, the lake was fairly choppy and I was trying to keep everyone as comfortable as possible. Do you think I will lose top end with a smaller stainless prop (2-3MPH)?

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Changing Props

Stick with 21 pitch Stainless if your banging off the rev limiter at WOT with the stock aluminum.<br />Don't worry about the prop weight. Try a 21 pitch turbo or the like. I like the Mirage+ for a bigger boat with plenty of power like you have, but there are other great props besides mercury brand. If you like to try out a whole bunch of props buy them on ebay then sell them until you find the one you like like best. If holeshot is your thing check out a 21 pitch highfive. Kind of pricey though. I only tried 15 or so props before going with a RonHill custom Five bladed prop.The price was right and I fits the Pulls like crazy. <br />check out Hill marine.com<br /><br /> Walleyehead is yanking your chain he's only changed around a million props. He tests them for manufacturers.<br />Good luck.