[fix1frank]

I recently bought a Z212 with carbureted 5.0L Alpha1 Gen2. So far my family and myself are thrilled with it. I ended up replacing the bellows right of the bat (bought a boat with a hole in it, go figure).
The information available on the site has been invaluable in my research. That being said the boat came with a 5 blade 13.5" 17pitch blade and is obviously under propped.
And yes I have already ordered The SX 105-12-90 trim tabs and if you have questions with this product call them - very helpful!
And yes I have read the prop discussion, but wondered if someone has direct experience or advice.
It appears the optimal prop is likely a @14.5", 3 blade either in a 19 or 21 pitch. With the tabs they suggested a 21 would likely be good. I have not been able to discern what was OEM.
Facts, opinions or just educated guesses are all welcome.

[GaryDoug]

What rpm do you have at WOT? It should be 4200-4600 as stated in the FSM (Mercruiser factory service manual). I would shoot for 4500 with one person aboard and a half tank of fuel. According to the FSM, you should see a shift of about 400 rpm downward for each inch increase in the prop pitch.

[fix1frank]

That is part of the problem, WOT goes to 52 and keeps climbing so I am so under propped that it can not be used as the starting point.
Does anyone know what was OEM on this boat?

[Firestone]

A key component in props is altitude. Your 17 might be perfect for 5000' elevation, but if you are at 1000' it is way under. Not sure any OEM is avaliable because of all the variables. Where you boat, what are you doing with it, what load do to expect, etc. I run a 5 blade SS 19", but I am at 5000' and use it mainly for wake boarding

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[jjt1276]

I have a 99 202 Shabah and have been running a 14.25 x 21 3 blade SS. RPM's are good and get 48ish top speed. I do have smart tabs with 80lb struts. The prop runs great if I have room to use it and I'm not loaded trying to pull a tube or someone skiing. I live on a smaller lake, and do load the boat up typically so I am trying out a 4 blade 14" x 19 pitch this year. Just want a little more bottom end/slow cruising.


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[jjt1276]

Forgot to mention I have the same motor/OD as you at approximately sea level.


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[fix1frank]

Thank you!
That is exactly the reference I was fishing for.
I just bought a used aluminum prop same dimensions as what you are running. In retrospect with your information I probably would have went with the 19 but it should put me close enough to make an evaluation.
I am @ 900 ft so similar.
Currently installing smart tabs, your impression?

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[jjt1276]

They help get on plane faster for sure. Feels like you always have weight in the now so cuts wake better as well. I have 80lb struts on the "weakest" setting. I am switching to 60lb one this year. I was already bottomed out at now getting a four blade prop. I would suggest the same for adjustability. Hopefully I'll be on hole 3 (mid range) with a "normal" load. Have you already purchased/installed the tabs yet?


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[fix1frank]

Installed yesterday. Spoke with them ahead and followed the recommendations​ for 80lb.

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[Firestone]

Looking good! They help alot! Totally agree with jtt1276 about going to 60. I installed the 80 and I am on the lowest setting. Jtt1276 can you tell me how the change works out?

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