[J Thornton]

2001 192 4.3 SSX I have an 18 on it now it's pretty good all around. If I remember it was around 4200 to 4400 WOT at Havasu. Mostly all family stuff. Going to Lake Powell elevation is around 3,600 and would like to see as much of the lake as possible with cruising speed and fuel economy my main concern. I had performance boats pre kids they were fun but I love this little Mariah. This site is awesome thanks in advance. J

[mikeyt]

I cant quite figure out if you are making a statement or asking a question? I'm not sure of the elevation differences between Havasu and Lake Powell but once you get over 3000 ft then your engine will produce less power and the general rule of thumb is for every 1000 ft increase in elevation you will need a 1" drop in pitch. If you are boating at 3600 ft then i would suggest a prop with a 17" pitch.

[ipgregory]

2nd What MikeyT said. I have the same engine as you on a 21' Cuddy but with a Mercruiser Outdrive. I boat on Mead (1080' currently) which is a bit higher than Havasu and I am running a 19P 4 Blade quite happily. My boat came from Colorado and was running at a similar elevation as Powell (3550' or so currently) and the PO was running a 17P 4 Blade after experimenting some to dial it in. A 17P 3 Blade didn't work as well for him. Not sure of the gearing on your Penta but I think mine is 1:81 (without looking).

[J Thornton]

I started with a question but couldn't help myself I had to make a statement. I reviewed the prop section and came away with the same answer some run 19 and some 17. So 18 it is. Thanks again.

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by J Thornton

I started with a question but couldn't help myself I had to make a statement. I reviewed the prop section and came away with the same answer some run 19 and some 17. So 18 it is. Thanks again.

Is your 18" a 4 blade or a 3 blade? If its a 4 blade i suspect you will be okay on Lake Powell. You could always just stick with what you have and see how it works on Powell. If you need to change your prop, now you know what to do and a 17" 4 blade would work just fine.