Starting prop for 85hp Evinrude

[Chevyls6]

Alright boys I've got a 1977 85hp Evinrude that I'm fixing up to put on my 1968 glassmaster 15ft trihull. The goal is to have good acceleration and general performance. Top speed isn't super important since this boat will be used for fishing. That being said I'd like this combo to do at least 35-40mph.

There is no prop on the engine at the moment. The guy I bought it from told me he didn't have one for it.

 

[racerone]

Start with a 17" pitch.-------Make sure you do not over speed the engine with that.----If revs go too high a 19" pitch is needed.

 

[Chevyls6]

Thanks racerone, is 13 1/4" the correct diameter ?

 

[Chevyls6]

Also are evinrude/ Johnson engines standard or reverse rotation?

 

[racerone]

Time to visit your local friendly EVINRUDE dealer.----That way you will end up with the correct parts.

 

[jimmbo]

As mentioned, a 17 will probably be close. Your engines WOT range is 4500-5500 rpm. Your engine makes its best power at around 4900 rpm.

 

[Chevyls6]

Alright guys I'll call the dealer to determine what prop I need. I was hoping to get an aftermarket unit to avoid dealer markup.

 

[racerone]

The ----" online " ---parts supplier has very little markup.---May not be able to answer any of your questions either.-----Your local dealer has a markup to keep the doors open.------May offer you priceless advice for free !

 

[Chevyls6]

Good point racerone. That's part of the reason I patronize certain local businesses even if buying online is cheaper.

I called a marine engine dealer/shop and they told me there's nobody in my city that sells Evinrude parts.

On Evinrudes website their parts lookup says the 13 1/4" by 17 will fit fine and that it's clockwise rotation.

 

[racerone]

What city is that ?------I know that most small towns had a wee Ma / Pa outboard shop at one time.------Factories learned that these folks repair too much stuff with low overhead.------The MEGA dealer now sells product but usually does not repair anything 20 years old or older.

 

[Chevyls6]

Pittsburgh, the Marine shops around here suck tbh. I went to one of them once and nobody even showed up to sell me something. I just stood there waiting to be served until I eventually left.

 

[Chevyls6]

Update: I ended up buying a 13 1/4" x 17p aluminum prop from Solas. Was a little over $100 from Amazon