1976 Evinrude 55 question

[zimme71]

My prop needs replacing for my 1976 Evinrude 55 OB motor on my 1976 Crestliner Muskie, as the current one if pretty chewed up. I purchased the boat/motor via an auction, but they neglected to include the engine's manual like they were supposed to (I'm after them on sending it to me). In the meantime, does anyone know what the best prop and pitch are for that particular motor? I'm hoping to be able to pull the kids on a tube at the very least, but based on it's performance the other day, that's somewhat doubtful. I'm a newbie at this, so any advice is appreciated!!

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 55 question

Welcome,Please read the stickies at the top of the paqe and the helps at the prop store page.We need the details on the muskie and Hopefully your present max rpm , speed and prop size usually on the barrel or under the prop nut.
I'll try to find what prop it came with but the final selection would depend on the boat,load and activities.
Came with a 12 1/4 X 15. diameter X pitch.Diameter may vary but pitch is the primary consideration.It appears the 15 was the biggest.

 

[zimme71]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 55 question

Total newb question, but what difference does the pitch make in regards to the performance? 15 pitch means what compared to 13 pitch (saw that on another thread). TIA

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 55 question

Imagine selecting a prop is like selecting a single gear in your car to do everything.
The folowing is based on the motor being able to turn the prop to the motors designed rpm.A higher number prop is like over drive or high gear boat will go faster
but with less power,slower hole shot(going from trolling speed to top apeed)
A lower prop number is like a lower gear more power less speed.The idea is to select a prop that will run near the max rpm of the motor at wot(wide open throttle).
Its critical to the health of motor to be able reach its max rpm at wot.
Again if you read the stickies at the top of the page and the helps at the prop store page it will help you understand about prop selection.