Prop Size

[evin268fs]

In the middle of purchasing a used 1998 Stratos 16.8 268 FS Stratos, with a 1998 115 Evinrude Intruder, carborated, I am curious because I do quite a bit of Slalom skiing. I am thinking a 4 blade prop would be best. On past boats I have run 3 blade propellors but have heard 4 blade hole shot is considerably better. What pitch would you recommend for this application a 17 or 19, what do type of top speed will each produce, I believe the 115 is the max HP for the 268 FS

 

[Ron G]

Re: Prop Size

So what pitch and blade are you running now and whats your WOT?the 4 blade may have better holeshot,it all depeands on the brand of prop.

 

[evin268fs]

Re: Prop Size

Not sure, just purchasing the boat, havn't picked it up yet, Used to have 87" 18 ft Tidecraft Wilfire with a 86" 115, with a 18" Raker, ran 5,500 rpm, engine lost the low end punch it once had, but still ran great in the top end. I believe I heard Rakers are cupped quite a bit, so an 18 is more like a 20. Had to get a 15P for skiing but tore it up on the river, ran about 6100 RPM, (kept it down around 5600 or it would blow out on plane, trim up and back off the trottle) I plan on adding the boyesen reeds (for the acceleration) to the new motor and a ski pole. I am hoping to be able to run a 19P 4 blade, since I run quite a bit on a river I have been looking at the Comprop and Solas Aluminum 4 blade and the Michigan 4 blade alluminum, instead of another stainless, I will still have the Raker, and whatever is on it now.
Supposedly the composite props handle sand better than alluminum is this true? I'll keep the raker for running on the lake.