Need some prop help/advice/thoughts

[Speedliner]

Thanks to all who respond in advance.

I have a 17 foot runabout, powered by an I/O 165 hp Chevy 250 inline 6.

Typically, the boat is used for waterskiing, knee boarding, wake boarding, and cruising. Got in to a little trouble over the weekend and, to make a long story short, I need a new prop (unmarked sand bar 150 feet out from shore).

I have no idea what the current diameter/pitch/etc the current prop is other than it is not stainless steal and it is a 3 blade.

Thoughts on what I should be looking for. Also, is it worth the extra money for stainless? Lastly, is there anything I should know about before swapping them out i.e. things that need to be done to prep a prop, potential issues I could run in to, etc.

Also, the boat sits stern-heavy. The bow sits very high in the water in proporiton to the rest of the boat. I'm sure that impacts proper pitch, just now sure how!

Again, thanks in advance.

 

[towtruck1]

Re: Need some prop help/advice/thoughts

Speedliner

The boat sits stern heavy at rest? Or on plane? I assume you mean on plane, and trimming doesn't help or you don't want to trim. Nauticus Smart Tabs http://www.nauticusinc.com/ should help, as will a prop designed for that situation. But that's not directly related to pitch; IOW, you can get props to help raise the stern in different pitches.

 

[Speedliner]

Re: Need some prop help/advice/thoughts

Does the boat sit stern heavy at rest or on a plane?

Both.

The engine and outdrive are all original, so it is too old to have trim.

Thanks for the link. That should be a good start.

 

[Speedliner]

Re: Need some prop help/advice/thoughts

Bump.

Still looking for insight. Thanks.

 

[towtruck1]

Re: Need some prop help/advice/thoughts

I'll take another shot...

Also, is it worth the extra money for stainless?

Everybody has an opinion, but I think that the consensus is that unless you really need that extra edge, or have a high-performance boat, a SS propeller is more than you need. You seem to need a general-purpose prop, which sounds a lot like aluminum to me. If you eliminate SS, it will narrow things down for you ( a good thing; there are so many choices)
Turning Point and Michigan Wheel have some very good Aluminum propellers. They are available at Iboats at good prices.

Lastly, is there anything I should know about before swapping them out i.e. things that need to be done to prep a prop, potential issues I could run in to, etc.

Not really. There is a lot of info out there on installing a prop etc. Just look around a bit. But it's pretty basic, assuming you've got a prop that fits your outdrive.


I have no idea what the current diameter/pitch/etc the current prop is ...

If you take off the prop and can't find any identifying marks, a prop shop can tell you what you have. Otherwise tell us as best as you can the following:
Engine RPM (WOT)
Outdrive gear ratio
Total boat weight, loaded as you normally run.
Outdrive make/model

Somebody here can then recommend a prop. Or call a prop dealer or manufacturer and see what they say.

Finally, you might take a look at Piranha props. They are as good as Aluminum and you can change pitch rather easily. Just don't know it they have them for your outdrive.

Good Luck!
Towtruck