What prop are you 3.0L Merc. guys using?

[imported_Captain Morgan]

Please don't bump me because I'm asking a prop question here. I want to hear from the people running a 3.0L Mercruiser I/O on a smaller boat like mine(17') to find out what type of prop they are using and what they like or dislike about it. I'm running a 13.75" prop with 21 pitch. It has just okay power out of the hole and a top speed of 39mph at 3900rmp wot when it's trimmed just right on flat water. My props a bit bent and I'd like to replace it. I'm considering a 19 pitch for better hole shot. So what is everyone else running?

 

[Don S]

Re: What prop are you 3.0L Merc. guys using?

You would be better served to post this question over on the Prop forum. That's what it's there for.
Here's a quick link to it.

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewforum;fid=40

 

[ron7000]

Re: What prop are you 3.0L Merc. guys using?

Bayliner 2002 19' with 3L, I mostly run the original prop, 21" pitch. Not sure exact diameter. Mine tops out at about 5000 rpm at ~45mph, I've done some carb work which has helped immensly. What year motor do you have? With 3900 rpm, 39mph, on a 17' boat it sounds like the motor may need a tune up or some work, the power isn't there. Or you're boat's a lot heavier than mine.
I've have an old heavy quicksilver 13.5" diamter I think x 21 pitch stainless which performs ok, and have a stiletto 14.25x20 4-blade from another boat that's ok as well, but I've had the best all around performance from the original aluminum 3-blade 21".
Last year I bought a comprop 13.5x20" pitch prop and it's nice except that I really need a 22" one- the motor hits 5k rpm real easy with it. I'd be happy to sell you mine for a fair price, I don't use it anymore. They can be gotten from overtons for around $100 shipped otherwise. It was a good prop for skiing though, the 4-blade gave better bite than the 3-blade pulling slalom skiers up. Mine also sits in the water so I prefer the aluminum or plastic over stainless for corrosion reasons.

 

[imported_Captain Morgan]

Re: What prop are you 3.0L Merc. guys using?

You would be better served to post this question over on the Prop forum. l]

Thanks Don, but the reason I posted here was because I wanted to hear from the Mercruiser people who had first hand experience running the same thing as me. The prop forum was not yielding too many results.

 

[Macgyver0856]

Re: What prop are you 3.0L Merc. guys using?

30' Bayliner 175 , 14.25 X 21 prop . (stock prop) good all around prop, good top end and ok holeshot with skiier ...

 

[kbetts]

Re: What prop are you 3.0L Merc. guys using?

1979 176 Imperial with 140 Merc., I am running a 21 pitch 14.25 stainless Mercury Quicksilver prop. This prop seems to work good everywhere, sking, tubing, good holeshot and tops out at 44mph on GPS. If interested, I can get you a part # off my prop.