Prop Change

[TXShawn]

Hi All,
I have a 2009 Tahoe 215 with the 5.0 Merc with an Alpha 1 drive. It's a bit of a heavy boat and doesn't like to accelerate well. So, I have decided to change up the prop. Currently it is running a 14.25x21 three blade aluminum Mercury. Prop is in decent condition, a couple of small dings from a local sand bar (stupid shallow Texas lakes ). Finally made it out on a calm day and got some numbers. Currently running 42mph (GPS) at 4300 RPM with normal weight load. It seems like it ran a little bit higher on the RPM when prop was new but I don't recall for sure.

So, I'd like to go with a 4 blade stainless prop. From my research it would seem that a 19 might work or possibly all the way down to a 17? Perhaps an 18 is the right, happy medium? Probably going with a Solas as that seems to be highly regarded and popular. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

--Shawn

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Prop Change

I would not change a thing. your there. ( ok maybe rebuild or replace your old prop with the same numbers. If you must look for one or 2 more MPH find a dealer that will work with you. I would spend that money on beer.

 

[TXShawn]

Re: Prop Change

Actually not looking for more speed, looking for better hole shot for skiing and tubing.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Prop Change

see if you can try a 19 SST. Just don't run it past the recommended max rpm

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Prop Change

TXShawn,

Just curious what is the gear ratio on the lower unit? My Tahoe 216 has a the same motor with a 1.47 ratio and I am still checking on props. It came with a factory 19 pitch aluminum "Black Max" on it. It is an ok prop. but looking for other options. I have tried several Mercury Stainless props. I ran the Mercury Vengenance 19 Stainless and it was good (still on the boat) and I tried the 17 and was not impressed. To much cup with the 17 I think. I am leaning toward poss. going with a custom prop.; depends on the money.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Prop Change

My 23 ft deck boat came with a Quicksilver 15.5X18(220 horse 4.3L) and it turned 4650rpm WOT with a decent hole shot.

Since our boats are in a similar weight category(over 3000 lbs) you might consider looking at the larger diameter props which are designed for boats 3000lbs and over.

 

[TXShawn]

Re: Prop Change

@theBrownskull - Gear ratio is 1.62.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Prop Change

TXShawn,

Thanks for the info. It sounds like the 18 pitch might do the trick. Our boats have the same hull and build and it would interesting to find which prop works the best. I would see if you could find a prop shop so you can try before you buy. I did this on my prior boat and found the 19 pitch Mercury Vengeance stainless was the best. I did the prop formula on my current boat and I was at 18. I went to a 17 pitch stainless and found less improvement. I am still searching for a correct prop. I did post my numbers on a prior thread.

http://http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=557587

 

[TXShawn]

Re: Prop Change

I think going local might be the way to go but I can't seem to find any actual prop shops in the Fort Worth area. With the boats being so similar, the thing that might be interesting is the difference in gear ratio.

Right now my plan is to go with Solas HR Titan 4 Blade Stainless 14.13" dia. X 19" pitch SR. Really worried about getting it online and missing on the pitch and then not being able to return to get a different one.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Prop Change

I hear you there. I got my 17 pitch online thinking it had the correct one and tried it. I found it was not what I was looking for and could not return it....now I am trying to sell it. Oh well I should have went to a prop. shop or one that will let a person return it. live and learn. I can always start a prop collection I guess.