Prop question
 

I'm thinking about upgrading to a stainless steel prop for this spring and I'm just wondering what size would be the best to go with.

I thought maybe a little better hole shot would be nice as the top speed is already faster than I normally would go, maybe a little better fuel economy wouldn't hurt.

Not much water sports, mostly just cruising the lakes and bar hopping by water:yes_grin:
The boat is a 182 Shabah with a 4.3 Mercruiser.

Anybody have any thoughts? or good suggestions?

Spring is coming:wink_thumbup:

Re: Prop question
 

if you have an aluminum one now, just switching to a stainless will do all that you've just described your looking for.

the aluminum props flex and stainless way less.

might think about this.............if you have a 3 blade, switching to a 4 blade (better hole shot, less top speed), then if you do and you have a 21p now, switching to a 19p (again better hole shot, less top speed). I strongly disagree with reducing overall diameter.

Re: Prop question
 

I run a 4 blade 20" SS prop on my 180 which for me is a good mix of cruise & water sports. I wouldn't drop to a 19" - 4 blade from a 21" - 3 blade though as you would add about 5-600 rpm at WOT which may put you well over your recommended range of 4400-4800rpms at WOT. What prop do you have on now?

Re: Prop question
 

I'm not really sure, it's encased in tarp in a shelter and covered with snow right now so I can't get at it, but here's a picture of it if that helps.
I had a stainless steel prop on my last boat (140 horse Evinrude outboard) I liked it a lot more than this aluminum one.
http://P1010256.jpg
Or here:Attachment 2888

Re: Prop question
 

uh, yep that looks like a prop. ;)

Re: Prop question
 

Ha Ha, yep that's what they look like! You can tell it's a picture from last spring. Look no nicks on it and is that green grass??? boy I've forgotten what it looked like:shakehead:

So ya, I can't really tell what size it is, I just thought some members here could give opinions on what pitch/size has worked best for them.

Re: Prop question
 

Hi Purple. I have posted a few times here on props and have gotten great advice from Mikey. I have a 182 Shabah with the 4.3 in it running a 19 pitch aluminum prop. It has great dig and a top end that varies from 46 - 48. I have this obsession with hitting 50 mph, so I bought a 21 pitch Turning Point Hustler aluminum performance prop for about 120 dollars. I will test it out next month and post results. I have to say, my guess is that the 19 is best......but we will see. I would love to hear your numbers with the 19 ss. RPMs, speed, hole shot, etc. What are your numbers now?

Re: Prop question
 

I'd be interested in hearing what the Turning Point prop does. Keep us informed! :yes_grin:

Re: Prop question
 

Ya, me too! Let us know.

Re: Prop question
 

We are getting 5 inches of snow tomorow in New England....so it may be a little while before I can test her out. I will definitely post results.

Re: Prop question
 

So what's the big deal?? get out there and get boating!!:eek_animated::eek_animated:

I live in Wisconsin... 5" of snow? that's just a light dusting:rolling_laugh:

Re: Prop question
 

You know what....you are right! What is a little snow anyway. I may have to dodge a few icebergs, but that just makes it more fun.

Re: Prop question
 

I think we got a little more than 5" here in southern Ontario and its still comin' down heavy. And its mixed with ice pellets which makes it very heavy to shovel. :(

Re: Prop question
 

And dock at your favorite waterside bar:wink_thumbup:

Re: Prop question
 

snows melted, what happen with the new prop?

Re: Prop question
 

Okay so here is what happened with the 21 pitch Turning Point aluminum prop I bought to replace my 19 inch stock aluminum prop. The Turning Point is a little bit smaller in diameter than my original prop, I think it is 14 x 21 versus the 14.25 x 19. The Turning Point is more aggressively cupped and looks a bit more fragile, maybe thinner? My boat topped out at 46.6 mph (GPS, really the first time I used that method and it is reading a bit slower than my speedo) with the TP and was only able to get to 4400 rpm's fully trimmed, the low end of aceptable range. As Mikey predicted, hole shot was worse but acceptable with just my wife and me on board and 3/4 tank. The TP prop seemed to cavitate quite a bit in corners and on takeoff, lost grip a lot. It is a bit louder too, maybe due to the venting. So the day after I tested the TP I went back to my trusty 19 inch stock aluminum prop, complete with a few minor dings. Top speed was identical at 46.6 mph and RPM's maxed right at 4800 fully trimmed. Hole shot, cornering and acceleration from all speeds is much better. These boats with the 4.3 are very fast and sporty and fun when propped right! I guess Mariah knows best when outfitting their boats. I am back to my original prop and use the TP as a spare. There is nothing that I liked about the TP prop and would NOT recommend it. My best bet for improved performance would probably have been to go to a stainless version of the 14.25 x 19 prop. Still might do that although I have a bad case of 2 foot-itis and may move up after the season. I really love my 182 but could use something a tad bigger for the river we boat in.

Re: Prop question
 

I have gone with a Solas Stainless steel 4 blade,14.5 x19........ I haven't had a chanced to try it out yet but will report back!