What should i be looking for??

[Freeball]

I'm in the market for a new prop but know nothing about them. I've got a 14.5ft ski boat with a '84 70hp evinrude outboard. What do i need to find a good balance between speed and pulling power? What is the advantages/disadvantages of 4 blades over 3? How does pitch and size affect performance? Any information would be helpful.

 

[nlain]

Re: What should i be looking for??

Freeball, First, Welcome to iboats, not trying to give you a hard time but read the top two sticky posts here and then add the info needed, it will get you better answers quicker with the info requested in those two posts, it is all important to get the correct answers.

 

[steelespike]

Re: What should i be looking for??

An excellent starting point is your present prop size(usually on the barrel of the prop)Also need present max rpm and speed.If you don't have a tach a tiny tach and a gps work really well for this.Prop diameter is a function of the application and usually doesn't enter directly into the selection. Pitch is described in inches and is the distance the prop moves in one revolution,disregarding slip.Higher number generally delivers more speed less power like high gear in a car. lower number
more power less speed like a lower gear.Selecting a single prop for all purposes is like picking a single gear in a car.Sometimes you need more than one prop,depending on your activities.

 

[Freeball]

Re: What should i be looking for??

Thanks, will do!