Prop???

[kwlambeth]

I just bought a 94 rinker 180 and i know its in need of a new prop. it has a mercruiser 3.0 it will mostly be used for just cruising around but some tubing and knee boarding will happen as well. the prop now is a 15.1/2x19 should i stick with the same size prop or what size should i get?? and what is the difference in a stainless and aluminum prop??

 

[tmh]

Re: Prop???

There is a prop forum - I'm sure one of the mods will move this for you so don't post twice.

The "prop guys" will need to know more about your current performance. What it WOT speed with current prop? Is it aluminum? The specs you gave on the prop seem odd - is it a 3-blade 19" pitch? Is the current prop damaged? Boat weight?

Your boat is a bit underpowered, especially for water sports. SS gets you a bit better performcance but less so as the engine hp goes down, from what I understand. It may be you'll want two props with that boat - maybe a 19" for general cruising around and a 17" for water sports to get up and moving with more power.

Again, the prop guys will get you squared away, i'm still a bit of a novice but have picked up some useful info here.

hmmmm....was tis already in the Prop forum!?!? I'm losing it......

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Prop???

If you were happy with the existing prop and it lets the engine rev at or near the top end of its recommended wide open throttle rpm band, replace it with exactly what you have. Not knowing what your engine turns at wide open throttle means we can't advise you whether you should step up, down, or keep the same pitch. In my view, the performance difference between aluminum and stainless props is not worth the huge difference in cost for the average recreational boater. Stainless does not flex as much as aluminum. Aluminum is cheaper and flexes more. Stainless is more durable. Stainless generally does perform better.

 

[kwlambeth]

Re: Prop???

ok so i found out the boat came factory with a 13x19. the prop i have is like an early 80s model prop and its in real bad shape. the motor is basically new so until this past weekend i wasnt running at WOT. well now that i thought i could run WOT (the book says max rpm is 4400-4800) at 4800rpm i still have about 1/4 throttle left so what would be causing this?? today i picked up a 14x19 prop that is in almost perfect shape and i'm gonna try it out friday.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop???

ok so i found out the boat came factory with a 13x19. the prop i have is like an early 80s model prop and its in real bad shape. the motor is basically new so until this past weekend i wasnt running at WOT. well now that i thought i could run WOT (the book says max rpm is 4400-4800) at 4800rpm i still have about 1/4 throttle left so what would be causing this?? today i picked up a 14x19 prop that is in almost perfect shape and i'm gonna try it out friday.

Give the new prop a try let us know max rpm and speed if possible.
You can get your old prop repaired and if you wait and see how the new one goes you can maybe get the old prop repitched for skiing.