Which pitch propeller?

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: Which pitch propeller?

i'm not the prop guy. but surely a 13p for yer 17' boat w/a 3.0 in it will be too steep.

more info is gonna be in order. what ya want is to reach the top end of the spec for your engine for wot w/ your normal load and trim.

my for instance on my boat listed below.
i got it with a 21p fan blade type prop. i could barely reach the bottom of my spec (my wot spec. is 3900-4300) when i was trimmed out to the max w/o any load on board. i felt i was lugging my engine.

i went to a 19p. 1'' of pitch is generally worth 200 rpm difference from before to after. so i should have gained 400 rpm with my change. i did. with the 19p i now reach top of wot spec. w/o having to near over trim out. it was the proper change for me.

google props online. there's a bunch of info out there to help you make your choice. + i'll speculate some real prop guy will come to this thread and help ya out too.
 

Robbabob

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
678
Re: Which pitch propeller?

I have a 1997 175 Searay with a 3.0l merc. I am checking out the props here:

http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/Mercruiser/125_-_140_HP_%28All_Years%29_Propellers/437/?**********=882833276&*******=386619781

But how do I know which one to get? Can I just go on ebay and search like "13 pitch propeller"??

As Ziggy pointed out, there are many options and variations to consider.

First thing to do is provide more information... here are items we need:
1) Performance issue you are trying to correct.
2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless as a minimum.
3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required).
4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful)
5) Engine/drive make, model, year, and HP
6) Boat make model, year, length and weight

You provided some information, but the most essential is which prop you current have and the performance with it. It would only be a guessing game to give you input at this point.

Get back to us and you're likely to get your answer very quick.

Take care!
Robb
 

Oldskool

Seaman
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
Messages
51
Re: Which pitch propeller?

According to the Sea Ray prop selector, your 1997 175 3.0 should take a 14.5x21 prop. That would be if it has a 1.94:1 gear ratio. WOT would be 4800.
 

brsox88

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 15, 2010
Messages
166
Re: Which pitch propeller?

Where is a good place to find a used or new 14.5x21 prop? Ebay doesnt have much..
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Which pitch propeller?

While a 21" pitch is surely one of the sizes that should work for you; you should really try to get performance specs with your present prop. Get us the prop size(usually under the prop nut) your present max rpm and speed.
We need to know your typical load and activities.At 14 years old your boat may have performance issues or if you carry many people and do water spoorts the 21 isn't likely to do well. Prop size is listed by Diameter X pitch.Pitch is the key number
and diameter is secondary a diameter close to your present size will work. Avoid
extreme diameter changes approaching an inch.
 

Robbabob

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
678
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