Stainless Prop selection question
 

Hi Folks!

The background:

I have a 84 19' four winns horizon with a new 140hp mercruiser I/O.
It has a stock 14" X 17" pitch 3 blade aluminum prop. The boat tops
out around 35 mph. I use the boat for fishing and water skiing in Cape
Cod bay.

The dilemma:

I want to replace the prop with a Raptor 3 blade prop for better
performance and a little more top end speed. I was thinking that I
could go up to a 14" X 19" pitch. However, I do not know what the rpm's
are at full throttle but would like to get the prop now ahead of the
season here in New England.

The Question:

Does this sound reasonable or do I have to wait until I have the
boat in the water to see what the rpm's max out at full throttle?
Can/should the prop diameter be changed instead -say 14.5? I thought
I would post here to get other people's thoughts or experiences before
talking to a dealer. Thank you in advance!


chris....

Stainless Prop selection question
 

You need to know your RPMs at WOT before you can make a logical choice. I'm
working on replacing my 4 bladed prop now and my prop man is giving me
loaners until we can come up with exactly what I'm looking for.

--
Bill
Chesapeake, Va


"Christopher Rugg" wrote in message
...
Hi Folks!

The background:

I have a 84 19' four winns horizon with a new 140hp mercruiser I/O.
It has a stock 14" X 17" pitch 3 blade aluminum prop. The boat tops
out around 35 mph. I use the boat for fishing and water skiing in Cape
Cod bay.

The dilemma:

I want to replace the prop with a Raptor 3 blade prop for better
performance and a little more top end speed. I was thinking that I
could go up to a 14" X 19" pitch. However, I do not know what the rpm's
are at full throttle but would like to get the prop now ahead of the
season here in New England.

The Question:

Does this sound reasonable or do I have to wait until I have the
boat in the water to see what the rpm's max out at full throttle?
Can/should the prop diameter be changed instead -say 14.5? I thought
I would post here to get other people's thoughts or experiences before
talking to a dealer. Thank you in advance!


chris....

Stainless Prop selection question
 

On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 10:46:55 -0400, Christopher Rugg
wrote:

Does this sound reasonable or do I have to wait until I have the
boat in the water to see what the rpm's max out at full throttle?

===============================================

You definitely have to know where your max RPMs are now, before you
can make a decision on a more agressive prop. My guess is that your
barely making your RPM range as it is. If you go to a prop with more
pitch you will be lugging your engine and greatly shorten its life.