Prop options for Merc 60hp? Help please...

[JoeMan]

I have a Merc 60 outboard, 1987. It's not the Big Foot of course. It has a small 3 fin prop, and it takes the motor up to what I think is a high rpm in order to move my 16 foot aluminum runabout at a good speed. I do not have a tach, but I'm getting one. I'd like to get your suggestions for which prop I can move "up" to in order to get better top end speed while bringing the rpm down. I'm not so concerned about "getting out of the hole" on take off, I realize that a bigger prop gives better top end but worse take off. If you could be specific as to pitch and whatnot, since I've not bought a prop before. Thanks in advance!

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Prop options for Merc 60hp? Help please...

...I realize I said "bigger" prop. I know that the suggestion might be for a prop which may be larger while still having enough clearance, or a 4 fin job, or just increased pitch. But I'm sure a number of you guys have lots of Merc outboard experience and can suggest a good one.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Prop options for Merc 60hp? Help please...

Joe, There is a whole forum just for prop questions. The basic answer is that you should have a prop that spins at max RPM for your motor at full throttle. So if your tach shows high RPM, you should "move" up in Prop pitch to slow the motor down and hopefully increase boat speed. This of course is based upon the current prop being in good enough shape to evaluate its performance. You should post your prop pitch and make, your RPM readings at full throttle, and your motor serial number. The folks here can look up the max recommended RPM and advise on what to do.

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Prop options for Merc 60hp? Help please...

Thanks Chris.

 

[JB]

Re: Prop options for Merc 60hp? Help please...

What Chris said, Joe.

Post that data in the Prop Forum for best results.

Good luck.