Replacement Prop Advice

[sweetwaterec]

I've finished restoring my 24' 1987 Sweetwater pontoon boat. On it I have a 2001 mercury 115 hp, elpto outboard with a SS Mercury Laser 2 prop. Numbers on the prop are 48-16990 20p. Currently fully loaded with 9 adults and 4 small kids, 35 gallons of fuel and gear it runs WOT 18-19 mph on gps and turns 4600-4800 rpm depending on how I adjust the trim. I would like to replace the prop for better top speed for pulling a 3 person tube and potentially a skier from time to time. Any recommendations would be helpful. If other info is needed please let me know.

Thanks

 

[jestor68]

Re: Replacement Prop Advice

I'll recommend a Solas Rubex(aluminum) 13-7/8 X 17.

That Laser is not appropriate for a pontoon, as indicated by the 50+% slip it's suffering.

The Solas prop suggested is designed more for pushing with it's almost 14" diameter.

The Solas should get you into the mid 20's at about 5300 rpm. With a 35% slip, it shows 27 mph.

 

[sweetwaterec]

Re: Replacement Prop Advice

I'll recommend a Solas Rubex(aluminum) 13-7/8 X 17.

That Laser is not appropriate for a pontoon, as indicated by the 50+% slip it's suffering.

The Solas prop suggested is designed more for pushing with it's almost 14" diameter.

The Solas should get you into the mid 20's at about 5300 rpm. With a 35% slip, it shows 27 mph.

Boat is out of the water and I checked the MFG tag on the jack plate. Max recommended RPM is 5250. Should I be concerned about the Solas running at 5300?

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Replacement Prop Advice

Your current propeller is something off a bass boat--and you've probably been lugging the engine.

I've got a 1985 24' Starcraft with a Yamaha 115 2 stroke, and it's pushing a 15 pitch prop. I really need a 13 pitch. My new F150 Yamaha on a Bennington tritoon is running a 15 pitch factory prop.

I would say if you run heavy all the time, you probably need a 11 pitch prop. If most of your running is with normal loads, you'd probably be okay with a 13 pitch. Be careful on the diameter of the Mercury 115 prop, as they don't use as large a prop as a 150--under 14".

 

[jestor68]

Re: Replacement Prop Advice

Boat is out of the water and I checked the MFG tag on the jack plate. Max recommended RPM is 5250. Should I be concerned about the Solas running at 5300?

Your WOT operating range is 4750-5250 rpm. 5300 rpm won't hurt anything.