Does My Boat Have The Wrong Size Prop
If the boat is over-propped the engine will not reach maximum rpm and the boat will underperform. Equally, if a boat is under-propped and the engine easily reaches or exceeds maximum rpm, the propeller needs more bite to get the boat to maximum performance level.
With outdrives, adjusting the pitch of the prop is often the only option, as the maximum diameter propeller is often already installed. Increasing the pitch will decrease the revs and vice-versa. If the engine revs seem OK with the current prop, but you want better acceleration, it is often possible to reduce the diameter and increase the pitch by roughly the same amount to give added acceleration without losing the top-end speed.
Boat Prop Selector Guide
Whether you are buying a new propeller for your boat, simply in need of a replacement for a prop you lost/damaged, trying to address a performance issue or you simply want to gain better fuel economy, we can help you find the perfect propeller for all of your boating needs. Propeller Depot offers the best pricing in the marine industry on all inboard, outboard, ski/wake and stern drive propellers. Order your boat propeller today from Propeller Depot and save.
What Is The Best Prop For My Pontoon
Iboats Boat and Motor InfoHP and gear ratio of motor IMPORTANTREMEMBER, The numbers I give you will be NO better than the information you give meThe only thing I ask of you is to come back and give me a report of WOT RPM and speed for my database.Re: For HWSII What is the best prop for my pontoon?
do not have very good torque and HP curves in the lower to upper cruising RPM
Retread for hwsiii..
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Is A 3 Or 4 Blade Prop Better
If we had a dollar for every customer support inquiry we receive asking whether a 3 or 4 blade prop is better, wed be giving away free boats! Its important to note, we are talking specifically about the average recreational boating and fishing application here.
This prop advice is not related to racing. Although the physics dont change, there are a ton of other variables to consider for racing that is not listed here.
How To Choose The Best Propeller For Your Boat
Barletta Pontoon Boat with Mercury Engine
Barletta Content Manager, 6+ years Manufacturer Marketing, Brand Management, Content Marketing, Customer Experience
If youre new to boating, you may have realized that there are so many things to learn before stepping foot on your new vessel. Learning everything there is to know about maintaining and operating the boat can be a chore in itself.
Did you choose the right layout for your needs? Do you have enough capacity for the whole crew? What safety gear have you bought, and does it comply with your local and state laws?
So many questions with so much to learn. It can become overwhelming, so its important to do your research ahead of getting out on the water.
Do you know what your engines break-in period is? How many times a year does your boat need to be serviced? Is it safe to power wash the exterior? The list goes on and on.
But for some reason, theres a question that is rarely thought of until youre cruising along and notice a difference in your boats performance:
How do you choose the right propeller for your boat? In most cases, the manufacturer or dealer youre working with will choose the appropriate propeller based on a few key elements. But what if its not meeting your expectations in performance?
What if the propeller that is on the boat isnt necessarily the best choice for your needs?
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Is Your Engine Over Or Under Revving
Selecting the correct prop should result in your engine running within the designed rpm range at Wide Open Throttle . Your owners manual should include this specusually 50005500rpm for an outboard or 4200-5000rpm for a sterndriveor your mechanic or dealer may know. Allowing your engine to under rev or over rev at WOT can result in engine damage. Over revving or under revving can be corrected by selecting a prop with a different pitch.
What Material Is Best
Most outboards and IOs are originally sold with aluminum props, which are inexpensive and repairable. Inboards use three- and four-bladed props of bronze, or a nickel-bronze-aluminum alloy. Replacement props for IO or outboard boats are available in aluminum or stainless steel. These materials compare as follows:
Aluminum is the most common, least expensive material. Suitable for most outboard and sterndrive applications.
Stainless steel offers a performance advantage over aluminum due to stiffer, thinner blades and more advanced designs. Best choice at speeds over 50mph, or if your boat is running over oyster beds or sandbars regularly. Stainless costs more but is five times more durable than aluminum. Stainless props can be repaired, at a higher cost, to like-new condition, while repaired aluminum will suffer from metal fatigue and a loss of strength.
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Its Also Important To Note The Details Regarding Trimming Up During This Process
Normally you wont have the boat fully loaded when propping it out.
Its best to prop it out towards the top end of the RPM range without trimming the engine. We want to be able to add some trim to the engine and come really close to hitting the rev limiter under these conditions.
This is because whenever we load the boat up and take it out under normal conditions. There will still be room to add some trim at wide-open throttle and have the RPMs come all the way up to the top of the RPM range.
If we have to trim up the engine to get to the top of the range, then after we load the boat. We wont be able to get to the top of the range because of the additional weight that has been added to the boat.
Thats all for now folks! Now that you have a better idea of how to correctly prop your boat for the best results. Remember to share this article with a fellow boater! We also encourage you to check out one of these other helpful articles that we have written!
Understanding A Boat’s Propeller Pitch
A boat propeller has two basic dimensions: diameter and pitch. These dimensions are used to describe the propeller, usually in inches, and always stated as diameter x pitch. For example, a propeller described as 14.5 x 19 has a diameter of 14.5 inches and a pitch of 19 inches. These dimensions are often stamped or cast right on the propeller. Recreational boat propellers are usually offered in two-inch pitch increments within a prop model line, but some high-performance props are offered in one-inch increments to allow for fine-tuning boat performance.
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Should You Pitch Up Or Pitch Down
Engine rpms and pitch are inversely related. Increasing the pitch will decrease engine rpms and decreasing the pitch will increase engine rpms. As a general rule, a two-inch increase in pitch will result in a reduction of 300 to 400 rpm. Conversely, a two-inch decrease in pitch will result in an increase of 300 to 400 rpm. Going back to the question of performance at WOT, if your engine is under revving, consider a propeller with less pitch. If your engine is over revving, consider a propeller with more pitch.
How Propellers Work
The propeller has a hub surrounded by blades of the same length and size. The blades are twisted so that they push water toward the rear as they turn. This pushing is what propels the boat forward in the water. Most blades rotate in a right hand direction when viewed from the rear. Left hand propellers are paired with a right hand propeller in dual-engine installations to keep the boat stable and reduce steering effort.
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Where You Use It
Think about where you normally take your boat. Is it a river or a lake? Do you like to take it out deep sea fishing?
This will help decide the material and pitch of your new propeller. The big thing to consider here is what conditions you might be subjecting your boat propellers to.
Some people like to stay in shallower waters where their propellers might get caught on debris or hit many rocks. If this is the case, then you might consider a stainless steel propeller. It will be less likely to get damaged in these conditions.
On the other hand, deeper, open waters have a lot more flexibility. Aluminum has much less chance of getting damaged or caught in something out there. Stainless steel can offer a little more speed.
Saltwater speeds up the rusting process compared to freshwater. Since aluminum doesn’t rust, those who like the ocean and saltwater lakes should consider these boat props. Even with the anti-rust coating, eventually, stainless steel propellers will rust and corrode.
Meanwhile, freshwater won’t rust stainless steel propellers as quickly. This gives freshwater boaters a little more flexibility when shopping for propellers.
Aluminum Or Stainless Steel Prop
Another choice to make is choosing between aluminum and stainless-steel materials. Common with new package boats are aluminum props, which are inexpensive and repairable. Consider these differences when thinking of upgrading to stainless steel. Thinner blades and more advanced designs give stainless steel a performance edge over aluminum. Stainless costs more but is five times more durable than aluminum. Stainless props can be repaired, at a higher cost, to like-new condition, while repaired aluminum will suffer from metal fatigue and a loss of strength.
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The Meaning Of The Numbers On A Prop
Typically, most propellers will have specific information engraved on them. This information usually consists of two to four sets of numbers and letters.
One being the propeller diameter, the second being the pitch length, third representing the rotational direction and fourth being the bore/shaft diameter.
An example of these numbers displayed resembles the following: 15.6 x 15 | RH | 1 ¼
Learning About Boat Kit Propeller Compatibility
If you are relatively new to the world of RC boating, then all this talk about math, propeller testing, and engine burnout can be intimidating. After all, hobbies are supposed to be easy, right? Not a problem. There are some easy ways to handle finding new propellers for your boat:
- Check out the name, make, and model of your RC boat kit. Boat kits made by major manufacturers are fairly popular and well-known in the RC world. In some cases, propeller makers will mention some of the more popular kits their props are compatible with.
- Poke around online RC boating forums. The RC boating community is one thats extremely supportive and open to helping newbies. Going onto online forums and asking for help as a newbie is a great way to get suggestions on propeller sizing for your boat.
- Its also totally okay to read reviews on propeller add-ons made for your RC boat kit. If your kit is extremely popular, you might find reviews that offer advice on propellers that are made with your kit in mind. Picking those propellers, or even just finding ones with similar measurements, is a good way to get great results.
- Read your boat kits pamphlet. Some boat kits come with pamphlets that offer guidance on propeller sizing, as well as information about the best propeller material for your boat to use. Heres hoping you didnt throw out that pamphlet!
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Choosing The Correct Propeller Will Give You The Best Of All Worlds For Performance Sailing Club Racing Motor Sailing Or Motoring
Should you ditch your fixed propeller? If your goal is to sail or motor to your destination more quickly, whether to the anchorage for cocktails or to your first waypoint on a passage, then a folding or feathering propeller delivers just that – less drag than all fixed propellers.
The average boat equipped with a folding or feathering propeller will gain between 0.75 to 1.5 knots of boat speed under sail over a boat with a fixed-blade propeller. In the folded or feathered position your boat will steer better and point higher due to unobstructed water flow to the rudder.
Many sailors often say We do not race, we do not need a folding or feathering propeller. But once they have seen equal sized boats passing them, they will consider this upgrade in order to sail and motor faster with the added benefit of 100% reverse thrust.
Investment Comparison
What is the extent of your winter budget, and what other investments for your boat are you considering? If you had the option to purchase a new genoa for the same price as a folding or feathering propeller, ask yourself the following questions:
- Will it increase your sailing speeds by approx. 1.0+ knots?
- Will it allow you to go to windward better in all conditions from flat calm to heavy winds?
- Will it maintain this performance over 10 or 15 years?
- Will it improve your backing down and manoeuvring?
- Will it increase your fuel economy and therefore increase your cruising range?
How do they work?
What to look for
Blade Shape
Diameter
How To Choose The Right Propeller
Let me start by saying, Ive been an avid boater all my life. Ive driven numerous different types of boats and have always been pleased with the propeller that was included from the factory every time.
If youre new to boating or dont have a strong opinion on the type of speed and performance youre getting out of the ride, then you might have the dealer recommend a prop or roll with what the boat manufacturer provides.
For instance, here at Barletta Boats, we try to find a middle ground prop that allows the motor to spin close to its max RPM. This way, youre getting a propeller that is made for your boat and will achieve near-peak performance without breaking the bank.
The traditional method of selecting a propeller takes the horsepower, boat weight, and hull type into account. Then the pitch and diameter are selected that allow the engine to run at the top end of the RPM range.
Once the boat is loaded with people and gear, this method typically provides good all-around performance. Some boaters may have different performance goals such as better hole shot or faster top-end speed, which will require a change in the pitch and diameter.
You generally want to find the comfort zone for props on your specific boat. If youre hitting the rev limiter, youve got too low of a pitch. Think of this as a 10-speed bike and youre going downhill on the highest gear.
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What Are The Problems You Are Looking To Solve
What are some of the issues you are facing?
- Is your boat sluggish when coming out of the hole, or are you having issues hitting the kind of speeds you want?
- Is it a fuel consumption issue?
- Do you want better all-around performance?
- Maybe your current prop is ventilating excessively?
As soon as you define the problem, you will be in a much better position to find the perfect solution.
If All Else Fails Start With What You Know
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Sea Ray Boats
Knowing how to find the right propeller for your boat can be difficult. If youre still unsure which diameter, pitch, or cupping your propeller should be, start with what you know. Look at the existing propeller on your boat. Record those measurements and decide if your boat needs more power, speed, and efficiency or better capability in shallow water. Then, when choosing a new propeller, you can plan to make minor improvements over your old one.
You need your boat to perform well in every setting. And one of the best ways to ensure your engine power is harnessed to the max is pairing your boat and engine with the right propeller. Though it might seem like a simple concept, theres a lot that goes into finding the perfect propeller.
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Tips On Choosing The Right Propeller For Your Boat
Does your boat take a long time to get up on plane? Maybe not hitting the top speed you think you should? Are you looking for better all-around performance and fuel economy? Apart from keeping your boats hull clean and your engine tuned, selecting the right propeller is one of the easiest actions you can take to get the most out of your boat.
First of all, note that the primary criterion for selecting a propeller is to make sure it allows the engine to turn up to a speed within the range specified by the engine manufacturer usually within 500 revolutions of absolute top rpm. This ensures a long life for the engine, neither lugging it down nor letting it over-rev. Your engine probably came with a propeller that achieved that basic requirement, but you can select a variety of props that will allow the engine to turn up yet have differences in pitch and number of blades, plus possess more subtle characteristics. For example:
Propeller Size
Expressed with two numbers, diameter and pitch, with diameter always stated first. Diameter is two times the distance from the center of the hub to the tip of any blade. Smaller prop diameters generally go with smaller engines, or with fast high performing boats. Pitch is the theoretical forward distance, in inches, that a propeller travels during one revolution. Think of pitch as speed, or as the gear selection on a cars transmission.
Pitch
Material
Three or Four Blades
