350 Mag prop Question??
 

We have a 1994 Z212 Shabah that came with 2 props. A beat up 3-blade who knows what size and a pretty dang nice 5-blade on the boat. Again who knows what size lol... Anyways we want a prop that will pull tubes and wakeboarders but keep a decent top-end. We didnt mind the 5-blade, but it seemed to bog a bit at the start and have good mid-range. any suggestions? Thanks in advance:)

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

Five blade and top end aren't two things that go hand in hand. :p

You have a lot of variables here. First off what is the pitch and diameter of the 5 blade?

The "usual" decent all around blade for a 21' w/ a 350 and standard gearing is a SS 14.25x21P. You go lower pitch if you need more hole shot and higher if you need more top end.

Outdrive gear ratio and weight load play a big role as well.

Usually 5 blades are great for hole shot and low speed cruising but will SUCK for top end. Just too much drag. If it bogs out of the hole with the 5 blade on there it might be a little to high of a pitch.

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

I have a 21P 4 blade Mecury Revolution SS and have a built 350 motor on a 210, LOVE it Great top-end and great hole-shot great all around prop.

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

Hey thanks guys. I do think the 5-blade is a bit much on the pitch so i will check out those other options. I appreciate it!

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

I have 94 212 shabah in need of a prop. What are your details like total weight number of people horse power and so on. What setup did you end up with? Did you evervfind the pitch of the 5 blase?

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

Bantamboxer,

Five blade props get an extreme amount of "bite" compared to a standard three blade. This bite can cause the bogging on takeoff as you describe. You can reduce this by having a vented prop. Venting a prop can be accomplished by drilling holes around the front edge of the prop hub. exhaust gasses are emitted from the holes upon takeoff which allows the prop and engine to spin up. Upon forward movement the holes are essentally colsed off by the water.

Mercury props have a patented PVS vent system. The website below explains their system and prop venting in general. PVS - Performance Vent System | Mercury Marine

The same concept can be accompished on any prop. Any reputable prop shop should be able to vent a prop. Good luck!

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

somewhere on the props are always the pitch or the mfg. numbers. you might try taking off the prop and looking underneath
don't guess you will never be happy and you will waste a lot of time. if you are looking for acceleration for tubing etc. try a 4 blade. the 3 blade you have is probably the right size or first prop. most alum props have the size on the side of the prop

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

I too have a 1994 212 w/ 350. Did you find the prop you are looking for? Top speed is not a big deal for me. I would like to pull tubes, and two skiers. I also notice a great deal of drift in the rear of the boat when I have one skier on the back and they cut hard to one side. There is more "sway" than I expected. Could that be because of the balance and loading of the "people" load in the boat?

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

We ended up using a 21x14.25 three blade and it works great! Good all around acceleration and speed. Plus good wake for wakeboarders.

Re: 350 Mag prop Question??
 

Thanks for the reply. Will check to see what I have on the boat. Not sure. Headed to the river right now. Have a great day.