Best prop for a 15hp Mercury on Yam 380S

[Breedam]

Hello,

I'm from holland and I mainly use my Yam 380S inflatable on the Mediterranean Sea at Croatia. My engine is a 2003 Mercury 15hp 2-stroke, running the oem (blackmax?) 9x9 aluminium propeller. Now it's working just fine, but every time it's a bit choppy and my wive and son are in the boat it ventilates very quickly. I know it's ventilating, when I throttle back and up it grips again. Now you may know it's VERY irritating and I'm looking for a prop that may suite does conditions better. I'm also towing my son on a tube, which the engine handles very good with this size prop. now I was either looking for the Solas Saturn stainless steel 9.25x9 or 9.25x10, or the 4 bladed amita in 9.25x9 or x10. I also saw the Hustler alu prop, which comes with a hub kit. I tend to a prop which has a larger pitch relative to the oem prop, because it's a bit to light.

thanks, Marten

 

[Sea Rider]

Welcome to Iboats,

Why is that some guys wants to maximize props without even having tested current one. You don't have a prop issue, you have a engine/transom height issue. That rebadged Tohatsu needs to be height seated correctly for a nice combo water performance. Will PM sending some tech guideliness so to be aware on what to do. Standard factory delivered props works excellent on most inflatables.

Happy Boating

 

[jestor68]

My vote is for the Solas Saturn 9-1/4 X 9.

The thinner cupped blades should work to reduce(or eliminate) the ventilation issue you experience in choppy conditions.

 

[dazk14]

My vote is for the Solas Saturn 9-1/4 X 9.

The thinner cupped blades should work to reduce(or eliminate) the ventilation issue you experience in choppy conditions.

+1. Jestor is right on the money with the polished, thin bladed, cupped Saturn.

Be aware that most small Saturn's tended to be pitched an inch higher than a stock non-cupped prop (which is not uncommon), so we usually order an 1" smaller pitch.

Based on the performance you have described, it sounds like pulling the rpm's down a bit won't hurt...

and I can't imagine suggesting an 8" which seems much too small for an inflatable with a 15hp.

The nice thing about the Solas - besides looking very fast - is you'll essentially max out the boat performance, at least prop wise.

 

[Breedam]

allright, thanks guys. That's helpful