23 pitch on a 3.0?

[Goeb1133]

I have a 21 pitch on my 3.0 Merc. which gives me about 41-43 mph wot at 45-4600rpm. Just wondering if anyone runs a 23 on a 3.0. I'm not really interested in top end speed as much as a faster cruising speed at the same(3200)rpm. I do a few trips to the Ohio R. and often make 15-20 mile runs between "Ports of Call".I thought maybe a 23 might might preform better for this? And please, no lectures on how under powered I am. Thanks Goeb

 

[Spidybot]

Re: 23 pitch on a 3.0?

As your recommended rpm at wot is 4400-4800 you're pretty much on the sweet spot as it is.<br /><br />Going to 23" will put you approx 400 rpm down and may be too much. Your hole shot will suffer and you'll be on the edge of lugging it. A little extra load and you're bad off. Won't say you're underpowered, just that your engine is working fine as it is and really does not need any more stress. Going to 23" might make it feel underpowered.<br /><br />You will, ofcourse, get more speed at 3200 rpm but also less mpg.<br /><br />I'd keep it as is but look for an oportunity to test a stainless 22".

 

[Goeb1133]

Re: 23 pitch on a 3.0?

UU, sound advice. Thanks Goeb

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 23 pitch on a 3.0?

UUs advice is indeed sound, with one exception. If you want to stay in the 4,500-4,600 RPM Range, and you do, you will most likely have to go with a 19 Stainless. The weight and lack of flex in the blades will take up some RPM so a 22 Stainless would likly lug your engine.