Prop change or not

[PELON66]

I'm new to boating. Recently purchased a 24 ft pontoon with a 1998 75hp Force 2 stroke. Max rpm 4750- 5250 Definitely needs a new prop. Old prop says 11 5/8 x 11D. Need a correct prop for cruising around no water sports. Just 2 to 4 people max. Any help is appreciated

 

[legalfee]

You want to get a prop pitch that will get you close to WOT RPM (accurate tach) with the weight you want to carry. I have a 1995 90 HP Force and use a Mercury Quicksilver 13 pitch aluminum. There are many Prop Selectors out there and some shops will let you try props. I got mine from iBoats. http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/

 

[ahicks]

I'm new to boating. Recently purchased a 24 ft pontoon with a 1998 75hp Force 2 stroke. Max rpm 4750- 5250 Definitely needs a new prop. Old prop says 11 5/8 x 11D. Need a correct prop for cruising around no water sports. Just 2 to 4 people max. Any help is appreciated

If you aren't towing anything, prop pitch isn't that critical. You don't need to make max power, so a prop that won't spin to full rated rpm isn't an issue. Sounds like an 11p or 12p prop will both work fine. Pontoons don't need anything special, so a cheap prop works as well as a good one. I'd find a Solas prop if it were my boat.

 

[Starcraft5834]

why do you need a new prop?

 

[PELON66]

You want to get a prop pitch that will get you close to WOT RPM (accurate tach) with the weight you want to carry. I have a 1995 90 HP Force and use a Mercury Quicksilver 13 pitch aluminum. There are many Prop Selectors out there and some shops will let you try props. I got mine from iBoats. http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/

why do you need a new prop?

one bent blade and ruff chipped edges

 

[PELON66]

If you aren't towing anything, prop pitch isn't that critical. You don't need to make max power, so a prop that won't spin to full rated rpm isn't an issue. Sounds like an 11p or 12p prop will both work fine. Pontoons don't need anything special, so a cheap prop works as well as a good one. I'd find a Solas prop if it were my boat.

Makes sense. If and when I do want max power what is the estimated pitch?

 

[ahicks]

Whatever will let the engine develop max rpm. If your max is 5000 or so, and that 11p let it turn 4750-5250, that 11 would be pretty close.

 

[legalfee]

Makes sense. If and when I do want max power what is the estimated pitch?

Without knowing your boats weight I would guess 12 x 10.5 would give you max WOT. I got that using the turning point prop wizard: https://turningpointpropellers.com/PROPWIZARD/

 

[racerone]

Use a new 11" pitch.----A new prop is cheaper than gears and bearings.

 

[PELON66]

Good advice from veterans!
Thank you