prop replacement time

hoot

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
434
replacing damaged prop. i have a '78 MercCrusier, 250 cu in, sterndrive. running a 15.5 dia X 21 pitch aluminum prop. this combination is getting hard to find. who still makes this prop? and what is the result of dropping down in dia and keeping the same pitch?
 

beckerdg

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 9, 2002
Messages
147
Re: prop replacement time

The theoretical result is it should spin up faster since you are pushing less water with each revolution. Smaller diameter props also result in less drag in the water and could offer a slightly higher top end. There are obviously some trade offs though, too small a prop with a high horsepower engine would tend to break loose and cavitate. <br /><br />I am guessing you would not see much difference with 14.5 X 21 aluminum. You might try a 14.5 X 21 stainless and get very similar results with a slightly better top end as stainless has less flex and less drag. Generally people drop a bit in pitch or diameter with stainless compared to a similar aluminum prop. Or you might try a 4 bladed aluminum in a 14X21. Generally 4 bladed props are targeted at higher horsepower boats looking for holeshot, but more blades = more drag and a slightly lower top end.
 
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