General Prop questions???

[jwsimmons]

I have a 16" diameter x 17p prop for my boat and would like to know what the outcome would be if I went down a inch or two in my diameter. In general, is the lower the number of pitch, the more low end power. I'm looking for something I can pull skiers out of the water easiest and have been told to stay between a 17 & 21 pitch.
1985 3.0 liter Alpha one
thank you

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: General Prop questions???

Also, do all Solas props require hubbing kits for mercruisers?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: General Prop questions???

Diameter isn't the big factor, pitch is. A lower pitch gives more pulling power and raises full throttle RPMs. 3Ls typically use 15" to 19" depending on the boat and it's intended use. Ballpark, 19" for speed, 15" for pulling, 17" for average. But there are too many factors to carve that in stone.

16" diameter sounds to large. They're usually in the 14" to 15" diameter range.

Unsure about Solas props, but each manufactrer has it's own unique propshaft for the most part. I believe Solas offers separate hub kits for pretty much everything.