difference in pitch

[jokaj]

My boat with a standard crew (wife and 2 kids) requires a 17P prop as determined by the manufacture's values and WOT RPM. If I add more people or tow, I would change to a 15P prop. What benefits/non-benefits would I see by running the 15P prop with my standard crew and never running at WOT, basically just cruising? Better hole shot? Better gas mileage? Would there be more wear and tear? These questions have been running through my head and I can't seem to find the answers on the internet. Hopefully one of you knowledgable boaters would be able to put my mind at ease!

Thanks for your smarts!

joe

 

[steelespike]

Re: difference in pitch

Better hole shot.But thats about it probably seem more noisy,slightly more wear and tear on the motor probably more fuel use.Why not give it a try and get back to us.Would be interesting to see if there are advantages we missed.

 

[dlkiller]

Re: difference in pitch

You would definitely have a better hole shot, and if you throttled back to the same RPMs that you run with the 17p prop the noise should be the same. Fuel economy is hard to predict. Too many variables and each boat/motor is different.

It might use more fuel because the lower pitch prop means lower speed. It might use less fuel because it's easier to push the boat with the lower pitch prop, so the engine isn't working as hard.

Also, leaving the 15 on means never having to change props.

 

[jokaj]

Re: difference in pitch

Well I guess I will have to try it out. Hopefully, I can get some good results..

joe