wrecked prop. murphy at it again

[capecodtodd]

Hello
I had some friends out last night cruising and wakeboarding and I was asked the typical boat ownership questions, how much, maintenance etc... I answered not bad this year a couple hundred bucks.... and wouldn't you know it Murphy was listening and wouldn't you know it somewhere coming into the ramp I think my prop touched bottom and got a bend and 2 bites out of it. Time for a new prop so I have the typical questions like others that I have read here.
The facts.
I have a 1998 Stingray with a Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha one.
The 3 bladed prop has no numbers except the merc manufacturer # which is 48-832832-C1-21
does this mean I have a 21 pitch? what about the diameter?
I bought the boat used in 2004 and I think it is the original prop but how can I be sure that it is the proper one for my boat if it isn't? Trying to look up a new one is like deciphering a secret code. The boat goes fine up to 45+mph and it has enough power to pull a 200 pound skiier up so I don't need anymore performance.
I looked up new props on this site and there is like 10 to choose from with different prices not including the SS which is beyond my budget. What would be a recommended prop for my boat? and what is the difference between a $100 and a $150?
Thank you
Todd

 

[spdracr39]

Re: wrecked prop. murphy at it again

14.25x21P And the difference is $50.00 Solas makes a decent prop and they are relatively inexpensive. Iboats has very quick shipping and the best prices. Be sure you get a new hub also then you can get your old prop fixed and have a spare.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: wrecked prop. murphy at it again

The 3 bladed prop has no numbers except the merc manufacturer # which is 48-832832-C1-21
does this mean I have a 21 pitch? what about the diameter?

Google says 14.25x21

I think it is the original prop but how can I be sure that it is the proper one for my boat if it isn't?

WOT RPM and performance (see stickies at top of this forum for the info you need to provide) Basically, as long as the 3.0L engine is operating within it's 4400-4800 WOT RPM range and you are happy with the performance under a normal load, it's the right prop.

For recommendations, I'd go with a 20P 4 blade aluminum prop, better for watersports, but it will shave a couple MPH off top end speed...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: wrecked prop. murphy at it again

got a bend and 2 bites out of it. Time for a new prop ...

Why? That's repairable damage.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: wrecked prop. murphy at it again

Why? That's repairable damage.

Yup, if you are willing to wait a week or 2 - but you probabally want to buy a new one and repair the old one so that next time you have a spare. FWIW around here the prop repair would be $40 for a 3 blade aluminum.

I'd go with a 19 pitch 4 blade solas - I just switched from the 21 pitch merc that you have with good results. Lost a couple MPH off the top end but the holeshot is better. If you look around you can find them for about $110 shipped on sale

 

[capecodtodd]

Re: wrecked prop. murphy at it again

Many thanks for the quick replies.
I checked here on Iboats and I can have a new prop for $165 in my hand maybe in a week. Depends on shipping. One local boat shop has the replacement for $205 but not in stock and another local has it for $133 or $190 depending if I need a new hub or not. Both in stock. I'm gonna bring the old one in to be sure and they can tell me if the old one can be fixed for a spare.
Hey Murphy next time we head out YOU ARE NOT INVITED !
Thanks

 

[oldjeep]

Re: wrecked prop. murphy at it again

If you have a west marine near by you should be able to get the standard merc 21 pitch for $135 with a hub. The ones around here always have them in stock since it is one of the most common props on lake boats.

Another option would be if you have a local prop shop you may be able to pick up a used/repaired prop cheap