Space_Tex
Cadet
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2016
- Messages
- 20
I recently purchased an 18 foot Aluminum semi-V boat with a 90 HP Mercury 2 stroke. It currently has a 3 blade SS Raptor 13.25 x 17 prop on it. I have yet to get to WOT on it because I hit about the 6000 rpm mark and back it off before I get to full throttle (this is three people on board, but acts about the same when its just me). I want to get an Aluminum prop since I use the boat in shallow areas and want the "flex" of the aluminum if I hit bottom/ debris.
My question is, if I go to a 4 blade prop, should I stay with the same pitch/ diameter or increase the pitch to bring the rpm's down even more? I've used the prop selector tool on multiple websites but it just gives you a 'ballpark' answer. I understand that the only way to truly know what is best is to try it out on the boat but I haven't found any places to buy an Al prop that has a return policy if it's not what I want. I see iBOATS has both 13.25 x 17 and 13 x 19 Hustler 4 blade props, so those look like my two options right now.
One other side note is that I am planning on installing a Mac's Riverrunner Prop guard. I understand there is increased drag with doing this and am fine with losing the top end speed but want to make sure I account for this factor when selecting a new prop (i.e. will this bring down RPMs some also?).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
My question is, if I go to a 4 blade prop, should I stay with the same pitch/ diameter or increase the pitch to bring the rpm's down even more? I've used the prop selector tool on multiple websites but it just gives you a 'ballpark' answer. I understand that the only way to truly know what is best is to try it out on the boat but I haven't found any places to buy an Al prop that has a return policy if it's not what I want. I see iBOATS has both 13.25 x 17 and 13 x 19 Hustler 4 blade props, so those look like my two options right now.
One other side note is that I am planning on installing a Mac's Riverrunner Prop guard. I understand there is increased drag with doing this and am fine with losing the top end speed but want to make sure I account for this factor when selecting a new prop (i.e. will this bring down RPMs some also?).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!