What prop for a 2001 Mercruiser 4.3L

[Jom]

Hi all,

I'm a total newbie. Not only to the forum, but to boating. I don't even know enough to be dangerous yet. Or, maybe I'm completely dangerous because I don't know anything

I busted up my prop on some rocks this weekend. I need to buy a new prop and could use some suggestions. I've read through many of the previous posts here, but all of the talk about RPMs, hole shots and planing have my head spinning.

I have a 19' 2001 Sea Ray Sun Deck with a Mercruiser 4.3L and an Alpha One Drive.

Mostly, we just cruise around the lakes here in Texas. But, I do want to be able to pull tubers and *maybe* a skier if I get a request from a friend.

I need to figure out what pitch I should buy and how many blades.

Could I please have some suggestions, including brand and why you are suggesting it?

Any help is truly appreciated.

Jom

 

[Struc]

Re: What prop for a 2001 Mercruiser 4.3L

Look at the sticky post at the top of this forum message area, and post the answers to those questions, and you will get plenty of help.

 

[Jom]

Re: What prop for a 2001 Mercruiser 4.3L

I'm not sure you're going to be thrilled with my answers, but here goes:

1) Performance issue you are trying to correct.

My prop is in pieces.

2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless as a minimum.

How do I find that out? I didn't buy it. It's not stamped on it. It's aluminum. Though with the rocks in our lakes, I am considering Stainless steel.

3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required).

If I knew for sure, I might not have to ask this question. Though I did just notice that the prop has J 14 X 23P stamped on it.

4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful)

No idea.

5) Engine/drive make, model, year, and HP

2001 Mercruiser 4.3L with Alpha One Drive.

6) Boat make model, year, length and weight

No idea on weight. 2001 Sea Ray 19'


Not really sure I've provided much more info than before.

Jom

 

[Struc]

Re: What prop for a 2001 Mercruiser 4.3L

Ok, so you had a 14" wide x 23 pitch prop on there. Without knowing what speed & RPM the boat was doing before with this prop, it would be hard to suggest anything, except to say, start where you left off. If you were happy with it, get another one the same.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the 23 pitch was probably on there as more of a top speed prop, and that you would also be safe with a 21 pitch for a better "out of the hole" performance, reducing top speed a bit, but again, either is going to be a shot in the dark.

The iboats parts area has TONS of available props to choose from, all reasonably priced. I would get an Aluminum one as your "test" prop replacement (reasonable $$), and maybe move into a SS one later based on your expirences with it.

 

[jkust]

Re: What prop for a 2001 Mercruiser 4.3L

Yes and aluminum props provide a built in fail-safe especially for unfamiliar lakes. Had you had a stainless steel prop, instead of the prop getting destroyed to the tune of $100, the insides of the outdrive take the damage to the tune of a lot more money. I use aluminum props exclusively. I can do without the extra 1mph for the extra $300 dollars in my pocket and piece of mind that this weeks lake won't get the best of me. The fact is stainless with our low power v6's ( I have the same 4.3) provides very little additional performance benefit in the big picture.
If I were you I'd get a Turning Point Hustler aluminum prop for somewhere around $100 on iBoats. They have a bit more cupping than some so a 23 may be a bit much. I'd do a 21 or 20 pitch. They take all of 10 minutes to install with a large crescent wrench. You will need to buy the hub as well. While you are at it buy a second one to keep in the boat as a spare.