picking the proper prop

[bcoffey00]

I've got a 2005 Tahoe Q4 sf 19.5' with a mercury 115 elpto. I've currently got a mercury spitfire drop 12.75 x 19p which hits the maxium 5200rpm. Its currently got a pretty good hole shot and top speed of 41mph. I'm wantning better power for skiing also. So is there a prop that will give better hole shot I guess without losing too much top speed? Buying a new motor or boat is kinda out of the question right now...

 

[steelespike]

The Spit fire should deliver both of your needs.You could drop an inch of pitch but you'll have to watch the rpm.
You could use a stainless prop also in a 18" but hard to predict the results when changing material.Then there is the cost.

 

[Starcraft5834]

"is there a prop to increase your hole shot and not lose to much top end"? yes.. a 4 blade prop will do exactly that.. pitch? 18 likely, testing one would be the best route to get into your recommended WOT numbers..

 

[bcoffey00]

Thanks guys... I was trying to stay away from stainless because I've always heard that striking an object with a stainless prop will damage the lower unit.... And short of buying a new prop in 18p im not sure about testing? There's nobody around here that I know of that let's you test props b4 buying. Any advice?

 

[steelespike]

Just to make it clear the Spitfire strong point is delivering hole shot without losing top speed.
An 18" Spitfire if you want more hole shot.
Another way to go eliminate as much weight as possible move some weight forward.Trim down for hole shot.
Be sure the motor can trim all the way down.

 

[fishrdan]

For better holeshot, look into Smart Tabs. I don't have them, but they get rave reviews.

I agree with the 18P Spitfire, and watching the tach/RPM.

 

[SkiDad]

i personally would drop to a 17p spitfire - i don't think 5600 would hurt your engine - in fact that still might be in the range depending on your model. my engine maxes at 5500 and have one prop that will turn 5900 with me in it with no harm done. it will run 5600 all day long with 5 people in the boat and no issues.

 

[SkiDad]

maybe I'm giving bad advice about rpm - i thought for sure that engine would be higher than 5250 - that seems low. is yours a 3 cylinder or 4 cylinder 2 stroke ?

 

[steelespike]

The 115 is rated 4750 - 5250.