New (to me) boat and engine, no prop, need starting point.

[staticman4414]

I am restoring and old aluminum fish and ski boat. Deep V Hull, 17 Foot, Boat should be around 900lbs, plus another 900-1000lbs in Engine, people, fuel, and gear. So 1800-1900lbs total loaded weight. Installing a 1984 Mercury 115HP outboard on it that didn't come with a prop. Prior owner sold the stainless prop from it seperate from the engine. So I need to buy a prop and have nothing to go off of for a starting prop. I will be using the boat for mainly cruising, but some Tubing, KneeBoarding, Skiing. Fuel Economy would be a big plus, with top speed being minor. I figure I will cruise around 23-25 MPH, from past boating experience. I have never had an outboard boat, so not sure where to start. Either on diameter or pitch. I just want something I can cruise on plane efficiently over distances. We enjoy the ride and seeing new places.

Thanks,
Static

 

[redmen62]

A 19p or 21p would be a great place to start. If I remember correctly mercs of that era take a 13.25" diameter. The 21p should give you a little better top end, and the 19p should give you better hole shot and a little lower planing speed.

Seeing as you sound like you're more looking for water sports and cruising I'd probably recommend the 19p

 

[steelespike]

Hover your cursor over the" boat parts and accessories" a tab will drop down.
many many props will be revealed use the odd numbers too start I lean toward the 17" pitch.
The motor needs to be able to rev freely within its rpm rating 4750 -5250.
If a 17 appears too light you can still use it by keeping within the rpm range.
If too much prop you will need to go to a lower pitch.
It would be best if you can find a dealer that will loan a prop with the understanding you are buying a prop.

 

[Scott06]

Best bet here if you can find a local prop shop who will let you try a couple that would be best as you have no WOT rpm basis point to go from. I did this a couple years ago and worked great. I paid more than on line but I knew what I was buying would work.

If this isn't feasible try the 19 to start. If you can find a good used aluminum one on eBay etc to rough it in you'll lower your cost if it doesn't work out.