New prop for 2006 Tahoe with 3.0 merc & Alpha dirve

[lhoover5]

19.5' open bow sport boat with 3.0L Merc and alpha drive. Currently has quicksilver 3 blade alum prop 14.25" dia x 21 pitch. Max engine rpm is 4400 - 4500 rpm. Nicked the prop on the loading ramp last night so I'm looking for a new prop. Boat used for fishing, skiing and tubing. 3 blade prop works good, but would be nice to get on plane faster for skiers. Don't think I can afford a SS prop ($300+?).

Would a 4 blade alum prop give any performance boost? What is the replacement dia and pitch?
Does a prop with rubber isolation hub compromise performance?
Who makes a great medium priced alum prop (under $200)?

 

[rschap1]

Re: New prop for 2006 Tahoe with 3.0 merc & Alpha dirve

I had found a used 4 blade aluminum Solas prop for my old deckboat.
The pitch and 4 blades were a much better fit for me.
A few mph off the top speed, but hole shot (if you can call it that with a big heavy v-6 deckboat) and mid range for tubing and wakeboarding were WAY better.
Each scenario is different, but I was happy with mine.
The Solas had a few small coil springs between hub and the prop.
They get "smeared" flat if you hit something hard enough and there were replacements for those.
I never hit anything or had any issues but seemed like a good enough set up.

 

[steelespike]

Re: New prop for 2006 Tahoe with 3.0 merc & Alpha dirve

It may be cost effective to get the prop repaired.
A 19" solas amita 4 blade for your Mercruiser 3.0 will give you quicker hole shot,stay on plane easier at reduced throttle
and probably respond better around the dock. Don't worry about the diameter if its for your 3.0 it will fit.
If you check prop sizes you will note that usually as pitch goes down diameter goes up.
The Solas props have a good reputation for quality product, predictable performance and cost.