Looking for new prop for 2009 Tahoe Q5i

[2009Q5i]

I am currently looking for a new prop because I chewed up mine and would like to pick some of your brains.
I have a 2009 Tahoe Q5i (19.5' long 2700lbs weight)with a I/O Mercruiser 4.3L 190hp Alpha 1 drive. It came with a 3 blade aluminum 14.25" X 23" prop. The WOT is approx. 4500 rpm at 46mph. I use the boat mainly to pull tubes, kneeboards, and just ride the river.

I would like to get a new stainless prop because I have been told that it is a harder metal but there are so many choices. Should I stay with the same pitch? Should I go back 3 blade or 4 blade? What is a good brand prop to buy? How difficult is it to change the prop? Do I need buy any new hardware?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Looking for new prop for 2009 Tahoe Q5i

I would like to get a new stainless prop because I have been told that it is a harder metal

Ayuh,... For that reason alone, you probably should stay with aluminum...
If you Wack a Stainless wheel,.. It'll trash the Drive, rather than the prop...

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Looking for new prop for 2009 Tahoe Q5i

As you know, when you "chewed up" your aluminum prop, you are just looking for another prop. Like bondo said, if you chew up a SS prop, you'll be looking for more than a prop. We have different boats but they are close in weight and LOA and are powered the same. I have the same size prop you chewed up and I like the performance for sports and top end FWIW. good luck

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Looking for new prop for 2009 Tahoe Q5i

2009Q5i, I do not particularly agree with the aforementioned statements, sorry guys, as I have personally hit my stainless prop and had to get it fixed without having the lower unit messed up because the hub slipped like it should have, but if you want a great prop that will be Much better for pulling skiers and increase your hole shot and acceleration with much more usable thrust, lower planing speeds and much more acceleration then you need to purchase a Solas Amita 4 blade aluminum prop in a 21" pitch, and I doubt you will lose any top speed as well, because I show you have a prop slip of 15% right now and the Amita will lower that.

You might try reading this for a better understanding of changing props for better performance, and for the major differences between aluminum props and stainless steel.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=369057



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