GPS Speedo

jlh3rd

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 10, 2017
Messages
1,060
anyway.
Since my gps speedo does a reset anytime there is the slightest interruption in the electrical supply, it helped me diagnose a corroded section of the power wire from the battery to the ignition switch before it left me stranded.

yep, prop for correct rpm, speed is what your left with.
 

ratdude747

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 30, 2023
Messages
472
Tachometer is the best, speed is not a real factor
Technically, it can be if comparing props of different types (material, blade count, rake, diameter, etc.), although the "is is a correct prop" determination is a factor of WOT RPM and what the engine's spec calls for.
 

Jeff J

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
565
I never noticed any performance differences between materials and number of blades but I don’t have a need or desire to squeeze every bit of performance out of a boat. Diameter and pitch make noticeable differences.
 

Mc Tool

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 7, 2024
Messages
1,519
I never noticed any performance differences between materials and number of blades but I don’t have a need or desire to squeeze every bit of performance out of a boat. Diameter and pitch make noticeable differences.
Yeah ,I bought my last prop of aliexpress ....Solas ...80 bucks ....coulda spent 4 hundy, and if I feel like goin all posh I can paint it a different colour 😁
 

redneck joe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
Messages
15,230
Yeah ,I bought my last prop of aliexpress ....Solas ...80 bucks ....coulda spent 4 hundy, and if I feel like goin all posh I can paint it a different colour 😁
i run upstream as far as I can / should so I just budget a new Solas every year.
 

Mc Tool

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 7, 2024
Messages
1,519
i run upstream as far as I can / should so I just budget a new Solas every year.
Heh , when I got my project Tohatsu the prop was so munted I couldnt suss the pitch or dia , I had to go google and then I still had to take a guess as to the correct pitch for it ....just went with the one it listed as the one it was sold with ....works good 🙂
 

ratdude747

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 30, 2023
Messages
472
I never noticed any performance differences between materials and number of blades but I don’t have a need or desire to squeeze every bit of performance out of a boat. Diameter and pitch make noticeable differences.
I have. I have an 18 pitch 4 bladed prop that hits middle of WOT range under load, while I have a 19 pitch 3 bladed prop that hits top of WOT range under load. The 19 runs a bit faster. But the 4 blade has more lift and doesn't respond to trimming... and also has a buttload of rake to the point of not clearing a standard Mercruiser trim anode (which is why I stopped using it). Both of those are Piranha composite props; I also have 21 pitch blades for the 3 and was able to quantify it (lower WOT, higher top speed, worked well and was in-spec for light loads without towing anything). Sure, it's mostly for bragging rights, but the GPS speedo is how I was able to quantify that.

FWIW, I have a 19 pitch 4-bladed Solas AL prop that my boss gifted me from his junk pile... not as much rake as the 4-bladed Piranha. Later this season I'll give it a try (and hope the hub isn't spun).

The other thing I use the GPS speedo for the odometer and being able to roughly qualify fuel economy. I have had substantial differences between props, and since I don't refuel on the water, can be useful for planning future outings (namely, figuring how much a difference is made and being able to make the right prop/blade choice).

Not everybody boats the way I do. I don't fish. I don't really cruise/raft up. I'm usually in motion (sometimes towing a tube, and potentially towing a skier someday in the future)... sometimes stopping to eat lunch or take a swim. That's what my boat was built to do. So for me, the GPS speedometer is very useful.
 

Mc Tool

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 7, 2024
Messages
1,519
I have. I have an 18 pitch 4 bladed prop that hits middle of WOT range under load, while I have a 19 pitch 3 bladed prop that hits top of WOT range under load. The 19 runs a bit faster. But the 4 blade has more lift and doesn't respond to trimming... and also has a buttload of rake to the point of not clearing a standard Mercruiser trim anode (which is why I stopped using it). Both of those are Piranha composite props; I also have 21 pitch blades for the 3 and was able to quantify it (lower WOT, higher top speed, worked well and was in-spec for light loads without towing anything). Sure, it's mostly for bragging rights, but the GPS speedo is how I was able to quantify that.

FWIW, I have a 19 pitch 4-bladed Solas AL prop that my boss gifted me from his junk pile... not as much rake as the 4-bladed Piranha. Later this season I'll give it a try (and hope the hub isn't spun).

The other thing I use the GPS speedo for the odometer and being able to roughly qualify fuel economy. I have had substantial differences between props, and since I don't refuel on the water, can be useful for planning future outings (namely, figuring how much a difference is made and being able to make the right prop/blade choice).

Not everybody boats the way I do. I don't fish. I don't really cruise/raft up. I'm usually in motion (sometimes towing a tube, and potentially towing a skier someday in the future)... sometimes stopping to eat lunch or take a swim. That's what my boat was built to do. So for me, the GPS speedometer is very useful.
I dont get how a prop could give you lift ,I thought they just thrusted along the shaft axis.....but in any event I just stick with one prop per motor that fits it ....like as long as it fits the wot criteria, Im happy . Now days I dont go that far from the ramp in the sea or that fast in the lake...mostly trolling in the lake ...and enjoying the scenery , so it aint that bigger deal .🙂
 

Mc Tool

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 7, 2024
Messages
1,519
Blade Geometry can provide a directional Thrust, not parallel to the Propshaft
Yeah I sorta forgot that about the trim tab /anode being there for a reason .
So changing a prop to maybe a 4 blade for example may give you a bit of lift similar to trim tab or adjusting outboard trim angle ? I get that more blades gives more "grip" on the water....with accompanying disadvantages .....like not best for all uses .
Ha ha ...its all a bit moot coz there is no way Id spend 4-5 hundy on a prop 😆
 
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