Who Makes this?

[MacGyver76]

This prop came with my boat but I can't find nothing on it.

I have a Mercruiser GM 181ci 140HP Inline 4cyl serial # 6319447 and Mercruiser Alpha 1 Sterndrive Serial # 6330599.

The blade is a 3 piece Blue has AM-BL-1517 on it and U.S. Pat. 4417852 on it. on all 4. One came extra.. I am trying to find out the brand and if it is a 15in dia 17 pitch or if that is what it means..

I have a 16' V-Hull and it works good I believe. Don't want to change, but need another blade for it and don't know where to get it.

If anyone has any info on this or have seen this let me know. I have tried googling whats on it and nothing comes up. Googled the U.S. Pat. 4417852 didn't help either.

I attached a couple of photos so you can see one of the blades.

Thanks in advanced

 

[MacGyver76]

Re: Who Makes this?

Anyone have any Ideas on this?

Had my wife take it to Boat City Prop Shop here in OKC and they didn't know much about it only that it was know about ten years ago and they quit making it but didn't know for sure.
Any one have some blades like these just laying around? Maybe Sale????

Guess may have to just buy the standard 1 piece... Just liked the idea that if one blade bends or what have you that you just replace that blade with out buying a new prop ... I know the Piranha is like that I believe that is what I read..

But any more info would be appreciated

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: Who Makes this?

Youll be better off with a new aluminum prop. Any of the plastic props are good for a quick fix but I wouldnt run one as my main prop.

You may have to do some trial and error testing with some props to figure out what works best.

Problably start with something around the 17 to 19 pitch for that small boat Im thinking.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Who Makes this?

Propulse Composite props makes props for many brands.These are 4 blade adjustable props with 3 pitch settings.I've seen a couple of reports here with amazing results.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Who Makes this?

No reason to shy away from the composites. He has a mall boat and 3.0 liter, well below the limitations of these props.

We have had good luck with the COMPROP's. My father has been running one since 2000 and I had one behind my 4.3 for a while(I am running SS now).

I did manage to shear all four blades off of it one time(it was my fault), but they replaced it no questions asked. I had a new one in a week.

 

[MacGyver76]

Re: Who Makes this?

Thanks for the replys,

Well what are the thoughts about the Piranha prop?

15/17 is what I have now and works good. Start off fast, levels out fast, top speed is good. We took it out this weekend and camped.. Trying still work out the small bugs. Just got finished rebuilding the motor a few weeks ago and put it back in the boat. Had carb problems last weekend. So rebuilt carb and still needs to be tweaked. , We just got back from camping this weekend. The boat did fine. But with the 15/17 prop, the tach showed 4500-4600 WOT. There was one point that the WOT was at 4800. Need to recheck the timing and get the carb adjusted. Don't know what the max RPM's on this eng is but the size pitch of the prop did fine. May try a 19 to see what my speed goes to or even the 21, but that may be too fast for just tubing and having fun with the family

Is there any performance issues between the alum, steal, and between 3, 4, 5 blade props. Mainly will coast around, tube, maybe do the knee board, and sometime ski..

Thanks for all the info.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Who Makes this?

the 17" your are running now sounds like it is correct to me. Switching to a 19" will increase your hole shot time and make it difficult when pulling tubers and skiers(sp?). It will lower your WOT RPM, and probably speed as well.

Don't even think about a 21" prop.

 

[MacGyver76]

Re: Who Makes this?

the 17" your are running now sounds like it is correct to me. Switching to a 19" will increase your hole shot time and make it difficult when pulling tubers and skiers(sp?). It will lower your WOT RPM, and probably speed as well.

Don't even think about a 21" prop.

I thought it would make my speed faster to go up one.. But its all new to me and still don't quite understand it. I will most likely stay with the 17 cause I like how it is, of course haven't tried any others but it handles good. I may just try the 19 just to see how it does.

What about performance issues with the different type, IE, Aluminum, plastic ( I know shouldn't be used for a perm prop), steal , or what other choices you have.
Thanks

 

[180shabah]

Re: Who Makes this?

This is going to bring out ALOT of opinions.
Typically, SS is moer efficient due to the thinner blades. Aluminum is cheaper and easier to repair, but stainless requires fewer repairs.(holds up to dings a little better). Composites are comparable to aluminum.

Four blades(in general) give you better low speed tracability, better hole shot, lower minimum planing speed, but sacrifice a little top end.

If you decide to stick with aluminum, I've had great results with my Hustler. However, based on what you said above, interested in cruising, tubing skiing, I would probably be looking at a four blade prop with a 16" pitch.

 

[MacGyver76]

Re: Who Makes this?

This is going to bring out ALOT of opinions.
Typically, SS is moer efficient due to the thinner blades. Aluminum is cheaper and easier to repair, but stainless requires fewer repairs.(holds up to dings a little better). Composites are comparable to aluminum.

Four blades(in general) give you better low speed tracability, better hole shot, lower minimum planing speed, but sacrifice a little top end.

If you decide to stick with aluminum, I've had great results with my Hustler. However, based on what you said above, interested in cruising, tubing skiing, I would probably be looking at a four blade prop with a 16" pitch.

Hmmm.. Interesting.. Will keep that in mind.. Thanks again for all your info..

 

[brin]

Re: Who Makes this?

Hi there did you manage to find out where these alluminum props come from in USA as I have one and impressed with its performance the photos dont show the blades rather large cup blades we have just fitted a turbo 230hp diesel in front so need to alter the blade pitch to 18 pitch cheers.

 

[MacGyver76]

Re: Who Makes this?

Hi there did you manage to find out where these alluminum props come from in USA as I have one and impressed with its performance the photos dont show the blades rather large cup blades we have just fitted a turbo 230hp diesel in front so need to alter the blade pitch to 18 pitch cheers.

Nope never did. Asked a few boat shops and they said they were discontinued a long time ago. That is all I know.. I ended up buying a new 1 piece prop..