Prop question

Purple_Shabah · 03-14-2011, 07:43 PM

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

The boat is a 182 Shabah with a 4.3 Mercruiser.

Anybody have any thoughts? or good suggestions?

Spring is coming

Oregondunes · 03-14-2011, 08:43 PM

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.

***mikeyt*** · 03-14-2011, 11:42 PM

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?

Purple_Shabah · 03-15-2011, 12:08 AM

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:P1010256.jpg

***mikeyt*** · 03-15-2011, 03:28 AM

uh, yep that looks like a prop.

Purple_Shabah · 03-15-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyt

uh, yep that looks like a prop.

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

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.

bbrophy58 · 03-19-2011, 01:17 PM

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?