Help with Prop pitch and brand

[pjbass]

I posted a thread over in the Johnson outboard section in regards WOT RPM operating range for my 1997 Johnson Fast Strike 175 HP. I bought this motor rebuilt from a dealer last year and still trying to get the kinks out of it. The response I got from people are telling me it should be between 4500-5500 RPM's. But they are asking me what I have on for a prop size and pitch, I couldn't tell them because there is nothing stamped on the hub telling me pitch or diameter. But I did find a number on the side of it stating "HH87771". This is a stainless steel prop and I don't know how to determine the pitch of it.

Can anyone give me some insight?

[PROPer]

Do you know the manufacturer of the prop? Any other markings on it?

[pjbass]

There is no manufacture label but those numbers. I was wondering how can I measure the pitch on the blade.

Right now, the motor's AV is an inch above the keel, running between 4300-4800 rpm in/out of 50 mph(GPS). So, now knowing what my engine spec says, I was wondering if the prop needs to be change or should I try to raise the motor up one bolt size.

[Dhadley]

That number sounds like a number a prop shop put there after a repair. You may have to remove the prop and look closely at the hub to find the numbers. That motor is very capable of 5800-6000 rpm and likes it there.

[PROPer]

If there are no numbers around the hub, the only way you are going to know how much pitch is in there is by taking it to a prop shop. They should be able to measure it on a Hale MRI. Dhadley is right, your motor should be getting closer to that 5800 range.

[pjbass]

I just found numbers on the side of the prop stating "HH87771" and did some research on it. I found out it was a reconditioned prop and the company that did it was H&H Propellers here in MA. I called them and gave them the numbers which they responded that the prop is a 14.75 x 24. Now that I know the pitch, I'm probably going to drop it down to either a 22 or 21 inch pitch.