Propeller recommendation needed

[rwalker2018]

Hello there,

I've got a 1995 Starcraft bowrider with a 3.0L stern drive. What is the optimal prop pitch for skiing? Any recommendations on specific products/types? I got the boat last summer and the previous owner had a plastic propeller on there that I think is costing me power/thrust.

Thanks in advance!

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

:welcome:, only plastic props I have seen were temporary spares, if you post this ? in the prop section you might get more help. they will want to know the pitch of the current prop, and what rpms its turning

 

[Bondo]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

Hello there,

I've got a 1995 Starcraft bowrider with a 3.0L stern drive. What is the optimal prop pitch for skiing? Any recommendations on specific products/types? I got the boat last summer and the previous owner had a plastic propeller on there that I think is costing me power/thrust.

Thanks in advance!

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Let's try this question in the Prop forum,....

Ya need to supply Us with abit more Info though,...

Could ya answer these questions,..??

 

[rwalker2018]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... Let's try this question in the Prop forum,....

Ya need to supply Us with abit more Info though,...

Could ya answer these questions,..??

Yes, thank you!

1) Performance issue you are trying to correct.
Very slow out of the water; long time to plane; long time for skier to get out of the water.

2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless as a minimum.
Right now it is a plastic, 3 blade propeller with removable blades *unsure of manufacturer/model and the boat is in storage

3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required).
Diameter = 15-3/10" 21" pitch

4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful)
Unsure

5) Engine/drive make, model, year, and HP
3.0L Mercruiser, 1995, 135 HP

6) Boat make model, year, length and weight
1995 Starcraft bowrider, 18 feet, 1688 LBs

 

[SkiDad]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

without knowing your RPM I would try a 14x19p aluminum prop - that would get your skier up better.

 

[rwalker2018]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

without knowing your RPM I would try a 14x19p aluminum prop - that would get your skier up better.

Thank you! You prefer aluminum over stainless steel?

 

[SkiDad]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

i have both and i run aluminum - it works best on my boat hull - but then again there is only 1 SS prop that fits my boat without fussing. I mostly suggest AL because of cost... not knowing if it's right, it doesn't cost you that much if you make an error. Craigslist or eBay have gotten me most of my props - i do have one new one called Michigan Match and it's my favorite. You may need a thrust washer depending on how that composite prop is setup.

having the type of engine you have there are literately dozens of props that will fit it.

 

[SkiDad]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

forgot to mention that a 19 may make you over rev slightly - but will really help with skiing. Just make sure you don't run the engine over 4800 rpm

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

the plastic or composite prop is nice because instead of carrying a complete prop, you just need to carry extra blades. I believe Piranha Propellers is the manufacturer. since you have that, I would suggest getting a few sets of blades.

back to your boat and prop pitch. when I was running my Avanti (similar weight to your boat) with the 3.0 and OMC I used a 17p for watersports and a 19P for cruising. the 21P was way too much pitch in my case to get out of the hole reasonably. The 19P would work if it was just 2 in the boat for pulling a skier however the hole shot wasnt spectacular. changed to the 17P and that was the ticket in my case.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

The Mercury prop selector recommends a 21 pitch prop for general usage, and says it should turn in 43 mph @ 4600 rpm. Bear in mind that Mercury's results assume a "new" engine, while your's is a '95.

So it could very well be that in your case; a 19 for general purpose, and a 17 for water sports.

Most of us end up with two props, as one prop just can't do everything.

I recommend you take a look at Solas's line of aluminum props for the best bang for the buck.

 

[rwalker2018]

Re: Propeller recommendation needed

Thank you all! Incredibly helpful and much appreciated!