Looking for right prop

[joharley]

Hello,
First i would like to find out what the numbers on my prop mean. This is what I have. It is a Quicksilver 48-31460-A3-15. I am using it on a 1984 115hr, mariner. My boat is a 1984 17' ozark bass boat all fiberglass. not sure what it weighs. I got it running last week for the first time in ten years. It ran between 5600rpm and 6000rpm at top speed of 33.8 mph. My mechanic says it should run around 5000 - 5500 rpms. So I am looking to see if I need a new prop so I can run more effiecient. Any help would be great.
Thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Looking for right prop

If your 15 is in good shape then we'll be looking at something in the 17" range. I'd look for something with good bow lift. Most bass boats can take advantage of the technology. I'd even look at the Stiletto Bay Pro I. Let me know if you need help finding one.

 

[joharley]

Re: Looking for right prop

so the pitch is the 15, But what do the other numbers mean 48-31460-A3-15? Or are they just serial numbers? If someone could send me a link on how to measure your prop? How to determine what rotation it is? and the pros and cons of aluminum vs stainless? It would be greatly appreiciated.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Looking for right prop

The rest of that number is the Mercury part number. The first number of a prop is the diameter, probably 13 1/4" for your prop. That would make it a 13 1/4 x 15. The pitch is how far, in theory, it will travel forward in one revolution with 0% slip. If the prop turns clockwise in forward gear it's refered to as a right hand rotation. If you want to reduce the top rpm then you go to more pitch. Usually about 200 rpm per inch of pitch when comparing the same model and style of propellers.

 

[joharley]

Re: Looking for right prop

Dhadley,

That was great help, I will try a 17" inch prop and see what results I can get. Can you tell me if I should go with stainless steel or aluminum.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Looking for right prop

I'd go with a ss. Stainless props are more capable of holding design.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Looking for right prop

Dhadley is absolutely right stainless is best.However you will find them very expensive both to buy and repair and sometimes only offer minor improvement over a good aluminum prop.If you have an aluminum prop now you might check out the aluminum Turning Point Hustler.There have been some very good results posted here for a lot less than a stainless.
Of course the Hustler may only privide minor improvement as well.

 

[Captainpants]

Re: Looking for right prop

Hey, I have been looking for that exact prop! I sold one with that same serial number to upgrade to a higher pitch to get more top end. I was wondering if you'd like to trade? I have a Mercury/Mariner aluminum prop made by Michigan with a 21 pitch that is in excellent shape! I have an old '64 Mercury 100HP outboard that is just too tired to try and push a 21 pitch prop. I need to go back to a 15 again. It is a 15 spline, 13 1/4? diameter, with a 4" back that goes inside the lower unit. They should swap perfectly, cuz like I said before, I had that exact one before. This prop should let your motor run at a lower top RPM, and give you a higher top speed. Aluminum props damage easier than a steel prop, and they flex a little too. Let me know what you think. Thanx!!!

 

[Captainpants]

Re: Looking for right prop

Hey, I have been looking for that exact prop! I sold one with that same serial number to upgrade to a higher pitch to get more top end. I was wondering if you'd like to trade? I have a Mercury/Mariner aluminum prop made by Michigan with a 21 pitch that is in excellent shape! I have an old '64 Mercury 100HP outboard that is just too tired to try and push a 21 pitch prop. I need to go back to a 15 again. It is a 15 spline, 13 1/4? diameter, with a 4" back that goes inside the lower unit. They should swap perfectly, cuz like I said before, I had that exact one before. This prop should let your motor run at a lower top RPM, and give you a higher top speed. Aluminum props damage easier than a steel prop, and they flex a little too. Let me know what you think. Thanx!!!