Prop ? from newbie

[ralphy670]

I have a Tahoe Q4 with a 4.3L alpha 1 1.81 ratio drive. It has a stock aluminum 23p 3 blade on it. I can hit about 52 mph with it but I do not like to run at that speed very often. I would rather be able to stay on plane at a lower speed. Which prop would offer this kind of performance. I am looking at a Merc High Five or similar. Any info is appreciated as I have no idea about props yet.
Thanks

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop ? from newbie

What rpm are you running at 52mph?
Maybe I'm missing something??Why don't you just throttle back to your favorite cruising speed.If the boat runs at the proper rpm range now then
any comfortable cruising speed is ok.Just don't cruise at just below planing speed, wastes gas and makes the motor work too hard.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Prop ? from newbie

What he said.....
You want your WOT to be within the engine specs, no matter what....
What is the lowest rpm that the boat maintain plane, most are in the 2800 range.....​

 

[ralphy670]

Re: Prop ? from newbie

my WOT was around 4700. I guess what I am asking is will a stainless prop show noticable improvement in performance over aluminum? I would like better performance in the 20-30 mph range.

 

[beanstyle]

Re: Prop ? from newbie

the difference between stainless and alum. is that stainless doesn't flex as much, equating slightly better power-transfer to the water, also it has much better abrasion resistance (aka sand, mud, rock chips). the downside is if you hit something with a stainless prop, it won't absorb as much of the shock as an alum. prop. meaning that you are more likely to damage your drive. aluminum is also much cheaper to repair.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Prop ? from newbie

What do you mean by "better performance in the 20 -30 mPH range"? Cruise is Cruise. You have the right prop now as the engine runs where it is supposed to run at wide open throttle. If you change the prop to one that pulls the engine off that WOT rpm band you will also lug at 20 - 30 MPH. So in effect you are asking for a solution for which there is no problem.