New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

[Sharps-Nut]

I am a really green boater so please bear with me. I have a 18'6" trihull boat power by a inboard 250 cid merc 165 hp motor. The prop had some nicks out of it and the cost of rewelding and possibly rehubing it was estimated at 125.00. I thought since it still works maybe put it under the seat as a spare/emergency prop and replace it with a new one. The boat runs a dash under 40 mph a wot @ 4000 rpm. I wish to pull folks of all ages on a big bertha 4 person tube. I do only figure on pulling two people in it but the only tube one on hand was a little 185 max lbs single person tube. Should I stay with same prop or change pitch. I really don't like the thought of slowing down my top end but would like to be able to pull two peple in the tube. So should I stick with the same prop or replace it with a different one. The prop that came off was a merc # 48-79574-19. The local prop shop priced me a prop same as this one for 175.00. Is that fair or can that price be beat. I took the prop off myself and carried it in so I feel no loyal commitment is owed to the shop. If I can save some money because he quoted list price than he should have had a sharper pencil if he was fair I will support him. Thoughts? Thanks Sharp-Nut

 

[MrDumb]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

Take a look at Hustlers Aluminum Props. The hub and prop sells for $110 all day long on-line. The good thing is if you want a different pitch just buy another prop for $60 or the same goes if you have to rebuild it too.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

check out ebay for props. <br />You can get a stainless 19 pitch mercruiser prop in great shape for 150-175 all day long. Who cares if they are used. Just find one with lots of pictures so you can see the blade condition. You canfind what you are looking for by typing mercruiser in the search window in the propeller catagory. I have bought alot of props for myself and my friends this way. here is a link for you. http://search-desc.ebay.com/search2...=26456&category0=6000&srchdesc=y&BasicSearch= Ckeck it out.

 

[Bondo]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

I'm thinking Your motor is Supposed to run 4200/4400rpm WOT.......<br />An 18" 4 blade Could get you up there,+ Possibly find another mph or 2......<br />A 17" like the 1 you have Might be a little Too much.... You might get your Propshop Guy to Bend it Up a little.......<br />You really Should get your rpms up some...... You're Lugging your motor........<br /><br />For a Local Shop, Your Man is Not out of line.......<br />Somewhere around Fair,+ Reasonable Prices for his work........<br /><br />But,<br />Like these Guys are saying.....<br />The 'Puter can Really Save you some Money on Props.........

 

[Sharps-Nut]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

Thanks for the feedback. Bondo I sure would have never guess that was lugging. I figured 4000 on a inline 6 was really pushing it hard. Don't take that as an insult becuase its meant as a compliment. I know nothing about a boat or prop. I think being this green I will return to the marina and consider buying from him. The posts just told me what I already know which is I don't know **** about a boat. Sometimes when you don't know you have to yield to the experts. I do like the sound of your four blade and a little more top end. I sure don't want to lug the motor and screw anything up. The thing only has 300 hours on it so I would guess thats the original prop but who really knows for sure. Thanks for the insight Sharps-Nut

 

[Bondo]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

Alot of Prop Shops will let you Try a prop....<br />Go talk to your man,+ see what he'll do for you....<br />Later in the season, you can bring an 1 1/16th" wrench to the Beach with you,+ Try your Buddies Props...............

 

[cuzner]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

Its been awhile since I had a prop redone. I was given a prop with all the blades sheared off and it only cost 50$ to get it redone.Has it realy gotten that expensive ?<br /><br /> jim

 

[Danny_Ocean]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

Not to change the subject (only alter it a little)...<br /><br />What effect does changing to a "cleaver" prop have? I found a stash of inexpensive used stainless cleaver props today and am tempted to switch.<br /><br />D. Ocean<br />Pompano Beach, FLA

 

[Spidybot]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

I guess this is a good time to suggest the booklet 'Everything you need to know about propellers' by Quicksilver.<br /><br />Free from my homepage.<br /><br />Sharps-nut: Listen to Bondo and the other advice: By getting within the recommended rpm @ wot range you'll gain both hole shot and top end, engine life, mpg and driveability.<br /><br />Different prop designs solves different problems that may occur with different setups. As your setup appears to be working fine except for the rpm issue, you may very well find your right prop among the main-stream designs with great value. By going down in pitch you'll get better hole shot and the 4-blade suggestions will help in keeping a good grip overall.<br /><br />There are very good props available and some 3-blade designs delivers good grip as well. The highly specialized props of sophisticated design and material definately will leave a bigger hole in your wallet!<br /><br />Testing is the safe solution as no advice given beats hands-on experience.

 

[Sharps-Nut]

Re: New Prop, stay the same or change pitch?

Thanks all for the suggestions. I am starting to look around and ask some questions about new props. I got in fairly cheap on this old boat so I have some room to play a little with props. I am certainly interested in treating it right and hoping it will do the same. This hole prop discusssion has sure made me feel dumb on the topic. The best thing is now I have some good ideas and can at least ask questions at the local marina and maybe get what I truly need. I sure would have never ask questions before just replaced the prop with another like it. I have couple months before the missouri winter is going to let me play and I plan on using it to get the prop I need. Thanks again for all of your time and input. Sharp-Nut