bf45 prop pitch question

[Bruce Williamson]

Hi, I recently put a bf45 on my 18' pontoon. It has an 11" pitch prop on & runs wot at 5900-6000 rpm's. Should I stick with the 11 pitch or maybe go to a 12 or 13. It's got a teriffic hole shot for a pontoon, but only about 13 mph top speed in calm water. My main concern is engine life & fuel economy. Some tube pulling & very little skiing will be done. TIA for your help.

 

[Bruce Williamson]

Re: bf45 prop pitch question

^

 

[Spidybot]

Re: bf45 prop pitch question

Your rpm is within the recommended range (close to high end limit) so you're ok.<br /><br />Each inch up in pitch reduces rpm by 200 and reduces hole shot while it adds to the top end.

 

[Bruce Williamson]

Re: bf45 prop pitch question

What are the benefits/drawbacks of going from an 11" pitch OEM 3 blade prop to a 13" pitch OEM Honda 4 blade prop in this scenario. Thanks for the help!!

 

[Spidybot]

Re: bf45 prop pitch question

You'd get less hole shot, a little more top speed, a better grip (as 4 blades in the water holds better).<br /><br />In effect, if you have no problems with grip/ventilation, the extra blade won't mean much.<br /><br />Most prop concerns regards some kind of problem with ventilation or performance.