Mariner prop advise

[bostonpilot]

Hi All. I asked a similar question a few days back on the prop forum, but wasn't able to get much useful info, so I thought I'd ask here.

I have 1991 15hp Mariner on my 25', 3000lb full keel sailboat. I have been finishing up the last bits of winter service and repair work on the motor and got looking at the current prop. It is rather pitted due to corrosion (the previous owner was too lazy to replace zincs...), so I was thinking of replacing it while its still on the stand.

The part number on the current prop is unreadable due to the corrsion, but it has worked ok for the 2 seasons that I've had it. From some research, it appears likely that the prop is the 9x9 version which seems to be the most popular on this motor.

Depending on where I look, I see that there are a couple of lower pitch options, mainly 9 3/4 x 6 1/2 and 9 3/4 x 5 1/2 versions. I am trying to decide which one I should get and wonder if anyone on this forum has and experience and/or advice on the topic.

I can get a new 6 1/2 from a number of sources in the $90 range, but have also found two of the 5 1/2 versions new on ebay for short money. Obviously, I'd prefer to pay less, but don't want to have motor issues.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Mariner prop advise

Without know the RPM of the engine thats a hard question to answer if the engine had good power getting started with the old prop, it could over rev and damage it's self with one of less pitch. If it was gutless getting up before it could use one of less pitch and that would be easier on it. So with out data you will have to make that decision yourself, your the one who will have to repair the mistake.