prop selection

[rgibber34]

I have a 1990 Rinker 206 Captiva with a 5.7 litre mercruiser and alpha 1 outdrive. I have a Quicksilver 13 3/4 X 21 prop now. It gives 54 MPH at 4500 Rpm which is right at the recommended range. I would like to plane quicker to tow skiers and not sacrifice a lot of top end...Any suggestions on a prop? 4 blade? cupped? different pitch? Do hydrofoils make a difference? Thanks

 

[Spidybot]

Re: prop selection

Props works like gears, so to speak. It is impossible to have one pitch act as two: You either have the lower (good hole shot, less top end) or the higher (good top end, less hole shot). There are shifting props around but they are very expensive.. The rated rpm at WOT shoul be respected at all times although a very low pitch may make it neccessary to easy off on the throttle to stay within the range.<br /><br />If you like, check this old post to learn all about it: Wisdom of propellers

 

[L Christopher]

Re: prop selection

Is your current prop a 3 blade? If so you may want to consider a 4 blade @ 14 X 20p prop. I have a 5.7 Merc. Alpha and changed from a 14.25 X 21 3 blade to a 14 X 20 - 4 blade. I got better hole shot and the boat planes faster. I lost 1 or 2 MPH on the top end but top end is not a issue for me. You can buy the 4 blade in aluminum for about $150 - $160 Stainless will set you back about $450. If money is no object, Mercury makes a "High Five" 5 blade prop that I hear is really great but expensive $500.

 

[rgibber34]

Re: prop selection

Thanks for the help guys!