Right Boat Prop for Me

The right boat prop is essential for efficient boating, peak performance, and engine longevity. Theoretically, there is only one "perfect" prop for every boat, engine combination, and application, so choosing the right propeller for your boat is critical. In this video, we cover:

0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Consideration 1 - Propeller Material
1:18 - Consideration 2 - Number of Blades
2:21 - Consideration 1 - Propeller Pitch
3:45 - New propeller technology
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[bostondan]

I went from a 3 blade Solas to a 4 blade solas on my Parker 2320- game changer- so much better performance and fuel economy at low and mid speeds which where I almost always run, rare that I ride WOT.

[ratdude]

My boat (1976 Starcraft Montego 16, Mercruiser 888 302 V8) originally came with a 14.5" 3-bladed 21 pitch aluminum prop (which I still have, but not in good shape). While the top speed was good (approaching/reaching 60mph I'm told!), it was slow to get on plane, so the previous owners swapped it to a 13.75" 4-bladed 18 pich comprop (composite). Which ran well (but less speed), but is no longer in production, so I swapped again to a 14" 4-bladed 18 pitch Piranha prop (the ones with replaceable blades, also composite)... similar performance to the comprop although the different geometry required moving to a "high-performance" offset trim tab anode to clear. Max speed 41mph, at 4100RPM (factory spec is WOT 3800-4200). Around here, the water is rarely calm enough that going any faster in it is enjoyable/safe, so seems to be a good fit.

[alberthendricks]

Great video. When buying a new boat what are documentation fees and prep fees? Sound like I’m about to get ripped off.

[alt]

Hi Sean, can the prop effect the steering?
Our bowrider (Larson SEI 19, with Merc 135 Optimax outboard) is sometimes very difficult to steer but when I play with the trim it will dramatically improve the steering. Someone told us the prop may be at fault? Is this possible?

[tomahawksteak]

He totally missed the main thing on selecting a prop. RPMs of your engine. You want a prop that will let your engine run in the wide open throttle range set by the manufacturer. Like alot of Mercury's they run 5500 to 6000 wot . Test different props and choose one that will allow your engine to run wot in the rpm range the manufacturer has set for your engine.