Propellers; Light load/general use/heavy/etc.???

[WEH]

I have noticed, while looking for a spare prop for my 9.5hp outboard, several different diameters and pitches with cryptic (to me anyway)descriptors such as: "light load" or "general use" or "normal load" or "heavy load" etc.<br /><br />I think I understand "general use" as a compromise design with a diameter and pitch to allow the motor to run at the specified RPM for "general use" and with a "light load" the diameter and/or pitch can be increased without lugging the motor or decreasing the diameter and/or pitch will give more power for "heavy loads" but exactly what constitutes a "light load" or a "heavy load"? This seems a bit vague to me.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Propellers; Light load/general use/heavy/etc.???

C C, Im not an expert but but I think The ratings are fairly clear Especially with the little 9.5 First light load,in my opinion, would be you and what ever light gear you use for fishing.<br /> A medium load would be you and a friend and what ever light gear you need for fishing. And so on.<br /> Now if you and your friend are 250 lbs and you are bringing along a live well and a 60 qt. cooler<br /> you are in the heavy weight zone very easily.<br /> The right boat will help you a lot.The little Light weight 12 and 14 footers dont carry a load as well as the larger 12, 14 and 16 footers.Im<br />talking bare bones boats without a lot of<br />weighty do dads to slow them down.<br /> I think you will be surprised at the capacity and performance of "full sized" a 12 or 14 ft utility.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Propellers; Light load/general use/heavy/etc.???

I think the most important thing is a propellor that lets your motor operate in the upper quarter of the maximum RPM range. This keeps your motor from lugging or overspeeding with possible harm to the engine. Agree that the descriptions are vague, but guess they have to be since there are so many variables.