prop selection

[Boneyard16]

I have a 1983 mercury 50 horse (serial # 6419128) on a 1976 16 foot trihull. I just picked up a prop on ebay part number 48-73134-a40-12. The prop I replaced was 48-73138-14. Besides the 14 vs 12 pitch difference what are the major difference I will see. I had very little hole shot and planing was a luxury. Best guesses on how the 12 will work? Is the prop I got the right one for the motor?<br /><br /><br />------------------<br />If it floats.........put an engine on it

 

[JB]

Re: prop selection

Ahoy, Boneyard. Gotta Tach??? Rpm is the secret to evaluating prop performance.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . . <br />JB

 

[Boneyard16]

Re: prop selection

Tach isn't working at the moment.....silly question on that where would i hook it up on that mercury.....previous owner cut the wires. Any other ideas on the performance?

 

[JB]

Re: prop selection

Well, the 12" prop should be like downshifting your truck. If you were overpropped with the 14, it will be like downshifting going uphill. . . .better accelleration and maybe better top end. If the 14 was the better prop you will still get better accelleration but be at risk of over-revving at WOT.<br /><br />You really need a tach, Boneyard. Your ears and the seat of your pants aren't adequate to monitor what is happening with your engine.<br /><br />If the 12" prop doesn't solve your problems getting on plane, look into a hydrafoil and maybe trim tabs. Both can do wonders for a marginal package.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . .<br />JB

 

[Boneyard16]

Re: prop selection

Thanks for all the help JB. The tach is on the console, however, the previous owner....cut every wire on the thing. Is it easier to try to rewire it or get a new tach set up. Any assistance on th rewire?<br /><br />------------------<br />If it floats.........put an engine on it