Need some prop advice - 3.0 mercruiser in a 17' Invader

[ToddyPond]

Hello all,

I have a 1988 17' invader elan V171 with a 3.0 mercruiser 130 hp in it and a hydrofoil on the outdrive. Awesome boat, really happy with the hole shot with the current 17 pitch 3 blade prop but WOT rpms are too high (5100 as the previous owner used the boat to troll with). Should be 4200-4600 per the manual. I still want to have a great hole shot as I am primarily using the boat to tow skiers.

I don't know the diameter of the prop but I do have the serial number: 48 832828A45 17 P. Can anyone tell me the company that made this and the diameter?

I am thinking I should try a 4 blade 18 or 19 pitch prop. I would like the 4 blade for the hole shot and cornering. I haven't seen any 18's around though, does any company make an 18? I also have to stay with aluminum as the lake I ski in has huge glacial boulders throughout, sometimes in the middle of the lake.

Any suggestions? Do I have the right idea? Never played with props before, just did my reading, Thanks Iboats!

 

[ToddyPond]

Re: Need some prop advice - 3.0 mercruiser in a 17' Invader

Can anyone tell me if i'm on the right track???

 

[jestor68]

Re: Need some prop advice - 3.0 mercruiser in a 17' Invader

If you're happy with the hole shot and intend to use the boat primarily for water sports; it sounds as if the prop you have is doing the job.
Any time you prop your boat for pulling skiers, the prop is necessarily a step down from the general purpose prop, and will let the motor rev a little higher than "recommended" with no load on it.

Going to a 4 blade 17 will keep the hole shot, run smoother, maintain a set speed better, hold better, and reduce your rpm a bit.
The Solas Rubex 14.5 X 17 4 blade aluminum was my choice; no regrets.

Check the iboats prop section. It comes in aluminum and stainless steal; depending upon how much you want to spend.

 

[ToddyPond]

Re: Need some prop advice - 3.0 mercruiser in a 17' Invader

Thanks for the info Jester, that sounds like a good solution. I was primarily worried that others using my boat (my hot roddin' brother haha) would run it at higher rpm's too long, but then again I can just be more of a stickler. 4 Blade sounds like the way to go to me!