Prop Question

[chrisrub]

I'm looking to either refinish my prop or pick up a new prop. I'm running an OMC Sea Drive 1.6L. My current prop is a 13x17 stainless and I'm just not happy with my cruising speed.. about 18MPH at 4500rpm, and WOT is about 24MPH at 5500RPM.

Should I have this prop refinished (it does have a few nicks on the blades), or should I pick up a new prop? If I go the new route, what size prop would get me the best performance out of this motor?

[THEFERMANATOR]

I would recheck your tach first. My 1.6L with a 13X15 on it would only spin up to 5300 at 28MPH. Something doesn't add up with your numbers as a 17 pitch with a 2:1 lower unit at 5500 should be running around 40 MPH.

[chrisrub]

Thanks for the reply Ferm. I have a newer set of gauges I was going to install this year, so I can check that once the boat is in the water.

Either way I should do something with the prop. Should I switch to a 13x15? Should I refinish my 13x17 or buy a new one? What brand/type prop should I get if I buy one?

[chrisrub]

Any suggestions on new prop VS. send in the old one to be fixed up?

[nymack66]

If you are going to buy a new one use the old to dial in on the correct pitch first. If you can afford it I will recommend a new prop once you have the correct size for your rig...