prop survey

[steplift20]

to all steplift owners only, this is what i need
1# what size prop are you furnning
\2# what material, stainless steel aluminum?
3# what is your top speed
4# what is your rpm at top speed
i will start
13 1/4 19 s.s. 27 mph 5800
i think i could do better with a differant size prop so instead of buying them all i will ask my friends who are wellcraft owners to help me out
thanks

[reelapeelin]

15 1/4" dia x 17 pitch

Stainless

42 mph On GPS @ 6000rpms




;D

[steplift20]

i forgot to tell you i have a 1988 150 mercury out board

[reelapeelin]

Yeah, that helps... ;) :D...figgered you'd get around to it... :)...

[macojoe]

1989 Yamaha 175, * * * 15 1/4 X 15 * was runing a 14 1/4 X 17 till last week. Both Alum

Motor rated for 5500 rpm

with the 14 X 17 I could get 35 mph at 5100 rpm with 3 people 65 gal gas and gear.


with the 15 X 15 I get 30 mph 5500 rpm with same load


The new *prop gives faster plane and out the hole, better gas, and better performance all around, + it works the motor better cause it revs at the 5500 that it supose to.


The 17 pitch prop gave better speed on the top end but poor performance on the low end, faster troll, slower out the hole with prop spin, less gas milage and longer plane time

The 5 mph loss is no loss to me!!

[stripminer]

My 05 Yammie 150 came with a 17" pitch. Im pulling 44Mph on my GPS at 5500 RPM WOT. *

That is with me alone and half a tank of fuel trimmed WAY up. I am debating going to a 15 pitch soon.

MJ how slow is that 15 going for you ?? I need to slow down not make my eyes water, fish bite at 1.7 MPH not 2.4

Aluminum,, all fisherman should be running aluminum IMHO

[macojoe]

I am getting about 2. which should be pretty good for me. They like it here 2 to 3 mph and I was always over 3 before.
I will be doing wire line soon and will no better how its goes.

[reelapeelin]

Hey, Strip...just curious...why should fishermen run aluminum props?... :)...

[stripminer]

Fisherman should use aluminum props simply because you are going to find yourself in the rocks while fishing. An aluminum prop will take the damage as opposed to a stainless prop which will transmit the damage to the lower unit. The sacrifice made by the aluminum prop is much better than paying for a new lower unit.

completely IMHO of course,,, 8)

[phester]

step,150 Johnson,15 1/4 x 15" pitch,cruise at 3850 at about 30 mph, WOT about 38-39 mph at 5100 rpm...oh yeah,aluminium.

[steplift20]

so nobody is turning a 13 1/4 x 19 but me. reelapeeling are you sure your going 44 mph thats 20mph fasterer that me that seems like an awfull lot
is the bottom painted my is old paint and chipped so that would slow me down a little

[steplift20]

heelapeeling what year is you honda

[rb437]

How can I tell what prop I have? It's obviously stainless steel, but I see no markings to indicate diameter or pitch. I can measure the diameter but how would you determine the pitch?

rick

[phester]

it should be stamped on there somewhere,try looking right in the hub itself or right next to the nut and washer that holds the prop on

[reelapeelin]

Hey, Step...just saw your post...not 44, but 42mph on GPS...no bottom paint, but bottom paint's not slowin' you down THAT much...

Honda is 2004 and that 42 is trimmed ALL the way up, light load and flat water...WOT 6000rpms... ;) ;D...

[steplift20]

hey reel thats moving\\
so what do you think
do you think i should go with a 15 1/4 x 17
i have a 13 1/4 x 19 and you know my specs
rpms about 5900 and top speed is 27mph
with 3 people[about240 185 165] plus 50 gallons of gas and takle total weight if i had to guess 1200 lbs

[phester]

from the questions i've asked about props, 15 1/4x 15" or 17" should get you where you wanna be. I've learned, thru this forum, that for every change in pitch,you will loose or gain about 300 rpms, lower pitch, quicker outta the hole,loose a bit on the top end. Higher pitch, slower outta the hole but a bit more on the top end

[reelapeelin]

Step, you asked if I think you should try a 15 1/4 x 17...yes, I do...I ran a 19 pitch and like you, felt I was leavin' a LOT of performance on the table...basicly, I ran every pitch from 15 to 19...might have even tried a 20, but 17 w/a large diameter was hands down the winner because it allowed motor to spin up to mfgr's max rpm, it allowed 30 mph cruise at an rpm level that's economical and outta the hole OK to suit me...you got same HP and virtually the same hull/ weight....I think it'll work for ya...if a Mercury Mirage in 15 1/2 x 17 is in your grasp, try it... ;) ;D...my dealer here has one, but they ain't cheap...yeow!...

[steplift20]

hey reel thanx you saved me alot of trying differant props i will go with the 15 1/4x17 and let you know how it runs
you sound like you know what your talking about and again thanx

[steplift20]

i just looked on the comp. and i counld get a 15 x17 aluminum prop or a 15 1/4 x17 s.s. prop whitch one do you have or recomend

[reelapeelin]

Mine's a SS...I hear what you're sayin' re aluminum, but I like SS...If it were me, I'd go w/ the latter... ;) 8)...

[phester]

Step, IMO, the noticable difference between the s.s. and aluminium, is price and thats it. You're not going to see a dramatic MPH difference, you may SEE a rpm difference because the s.s. blade is thinner and will turn a little free-er. Also, if you did bounce the s.s. off a rock or something you risk more possible damage to your drive system...with the aluminium you just bend or break a blade[or two].If it were a raceboat of sorts,then you gotta go w/ S.S.I've got a 15 1/4x15,which on my 86 hull , 150 Johnson is good all around. as a spare I'll get a 15 1/4 x17, just for a little more on the top end.BTW,aluminium.

[Skools Out]

The biggest difference in the stainless and aluminum is Stainless props are usually more aggressive due to they are Cupped and Aluminum props aren't. The cup gets you out on plane faster and helps when in rough seas or pulling skiers to get a good hard low end thrust. The stainless is used more for salt water use due to sand bars which kill the aluminum props but dosn't hurt a stainless plus salt eats up and away an aluminum prop. personaly i only use stainless on all my boats but keep a cheap aluminum for a spare in case were to spin a prop.

[reelapeelin]

This is an old thread, but here's the bottom-line for me on props...if your choice of propellers will not allow your outboard to wind up to the max RPMS the mfgr specs, then you're over-working your motor every time you run it and forshortening it's life...on the other hand, if your prop allows your motor to OVER-REV, then it shouldn't take a rocket-scienist to tell you you're brewin' up a big problem there... :o...you gonna BLOW CHUNKS twice...first, chunks of aluminum all over the water, then blow your own chunks when you see the repair bill!!!... :o :P...

Of course all the above is only MHO... ;)...

[rb437]

I never really paid much attention to my prop. It seems to be working fine. But after reading this thread I decided to figure out what I have. Currently I have a stainless prop with no markings anywhere that I can find mounted to a 1989 165hp, 4cyl. w/ alpha 1 outdrive. The old aluminum prop has the no. 48-78122-21 in the center of the hub and the no. 48 78122 A40 21P on the side of the hub. Holding the two props side by side, they appear to be the same size and pitch. Anyone know if the diameter and pitch can be determined from either of these numbers? Also, according to the Clymer manual the full throttle spec on this engine is 4200 - 4600 rpm. The most I can get is 3600 rpm. I this enough of a difference to be concerned with? The previous owner had the outdrive replaced after the original one was stolen so now I'm wondering if the current prop is different than the original and possibly wrong for this engine / outdrive / boat. Any thoughts?

[chumbucket]

You've got a 21 pitch prop on there and that's probably why you're not able to get the recommended RPM's. You should need about a 17 pitch to bring it where it needs to be. You're really working your motor hard by running that prop. I would also wonder if you've got the correct gear ratio in that outdrive that the previous owner replaced. Assuming that the gear ratio is correct, just try a lower pitch prop.

[Skools Out]

Rick i'd try a Cupped 17 pitch stainless prop.

[reelapeelin]

Rick...yeah...big loss in rpms...I'd second all CB and Skool said above...only addition would be to recomend a large diameter prop...15" to 15.5"...good luck w/it!!... ;) ;D...let us know how it works out...

Just remember...depends on what you want your boat to do...your "hole-shot" may be pretty good...Great for skiin'...if you change your prop, you may lose some of that and gain top-end...but what CB said about strainin' your motor w/that prop is true, so I'd tell ya to get down off the 21 just because of that...

[jaysea]

RICK.IM RUNNEN A 4CYL MERC 170 I/O IM PLEASED WITH THE PROFORMENCE WITH A 19 P PROP AT A 3500 RPM CRUSE IM AT 24-25 KNOTS AN WOT 29-31KNOTS ALUNINUM PROP#48 78120 4A 19P ,IWAS USEN A *17"SS PROP FOR YEARS IT WAS A GOOD PUSHER PROP GAVE A GOOD PUSH FROM A STOP BUT LOST TOP END SPEED THAT PROP GOT 19 KNOTS AT 3500RPM AN TOP SPEED AT 25 KNOTS #48 888438 17 ,IM STICKEN WITH THE 19 FOR NOW TILL I TEAR IT OP INTHA SAND.

[rb437]

Thanks,

Now a couple more questions -
1. How do I determine outdrive gear ratio?
2. Where's a good place to find a prop?

Rick

[jaysea]

RICK ,YOU LOOK FOR THE STAMPED #S ON THE UPPER HALF OF THE O/D IT MAY UNDERA DECAL.IDONT REMEMBER THE CODE S BUT I BELEAVE YOU SHOULD HAVE A 1;84/1 RATIO WITH A 4CYL, ITS BEEN A WHILE AN I MITE BE OFF ON THAT

[reelapeelin]

As far as where to find a prop...look on the shoals CB drives MJ's V20 over... :o ::)...sorry CB...couldn't resist... :)...

[chumbucket]

They's junk when I get done with them. Don't bother looking there. ;) ;D

[Havis]

http://www.rbbi.com/folders/prop/propcalc.htm

two 140hp 1990 OMC. 14.5 x 24 CR 55mph @ 6200rpm (WOT) Flat seas, 40g fuel, just me on board.

Can do a lot better going with that screaming tide through the Galveston ship channel. I have clocked 70 on the gps with the tide and a 25mph wind at my back.

[rb437]

OK, one more question - Current prop is 13" diameter, how does increasing the diameter to 15" - 15.5" as RP suggests affect performance? I've done a little research on the web and there seems to be much discussion about the affects of pitch but very little on diameter.

Rick

[bigshrimpin]

Havis - What's you range with those two piglets sucking down on a 40?

I thought 40mph on my v20 was flying . . . the bow flare grows wings after that speed.

[Havis]

I have 88 gallon total capacity and get about 2+mpg at 4000 rpm/35ish mph cruise. I don't have a real handle on fuel consumption: I haven't been out enough with real good numbers to work with. My goal is to be able to go 60 miles offshore. Those engines sure are thirsty, I was hoping for 3+ mpg but I don't think I'm there.

[bigshrimpin]

Havis - One Merc blackmax 200 or Yamaha 200 . . . will get you about 3mpg cruise @ 30/31mph.

If you run a Yamaha T series four stroke kicker or even a OMC sailmaster with a barge prop then you could hit tuna Trolling speed.

The nice part about your setup is that you can easily plane home on one engine and those OMC engines are pretty damn reliable.

[Havis]

I was out the other day about 70 miles trolling for fishes on a 31' CC sportfisher with twin 225 yammys and one spun a prop. Had to plow back 70 miles. It nearly ran us out of gas and too a l-o-n-g time. One engine just would not get her up on a plane.

I guess 2mph ain't too bad if a single 200 gets 3. I hope the engines last forever: so far, so good. Mixing the oil is a pain though but everyone says don't hook back up the VRO oiler.

Wow this is off topic! :~)

[reelapeelin]

Screw the topic... ;D...that's one thing that makes this board so GREAT...the threads go where they go... ;)...

Mixing the oil?...do you have one of the Accu-Mix bottles...makes mixin' a piece of cake!!...$3.99...other name-brands work as well...

[Skools Out]

best thing i use is 20 oz drink bottles. i use a little extra oil since extra doesn't hurt the motor. i use one 20 oz bottle to every 5 gallons of gas.

[reelapeelin]

Yeah, Skool, I hear ya on the coke bottle...but the mixin' bottles have a WIDE mouth (no need for a funnel) and for just 4 bucks you get it just right... ;D...

[phester]

threw on a new prop today. The boat came with a 15 1/2 x15,which works just fine. I got outta da hole real nice,cruise about 29-30 mph at 3900, WOT about 36-37 at 5200. I was really going for a spare prop so I stayed w/ a stock 3 blade aluminium 15x17. Little change outta the hole, picked up a little speed on the cruise and a little bit on the top end...RPMs stayed nearly the same on both [I thought they'd drop a bit] All in all, the 15x17 is now my prop,the 15 1/2 x15 is the spare.P.S. while taking my test run I got into HUGH schools of bluefish chasing peanut bunker,the water was completely boiling w/fish. All 2,3,4lbs. its fun ,but, after the 20th release I have had enough.Not my favorite quarry but they fight like mad.

[reelapeelin]

Hey, Phester...the blues sound like a LOTTA FUN!!... ;D...

Toppin' out at 5200 rpms...can't remember what motor you got, but sounds like there's probably more rpms to be had... ;)...

[macojoe]

5500 is the top for most. And he may be able to get to it triming the motor while under way.

[reelapeelin]

Good point, MJ...Phester, was that a LIGHT LOAD and trimmed out ALL THE WAY??...

[phester]

I've never gotten that motor to 5500,which is my redline. Yesterday on my test run I was alone w/ about5/8 tank of fuel. I think I do have a little slack in my throttle cable, and also previous owner mounted the fishfinder directly in front of the throttle,so to get WOT I have to dismount the f.f. I don't run it WOT often so it's not to much of a nuisance.Also , had it trimmed out pretty far..could probably go a bit more on the trim but I've always been a bit cautious in the MAX trim MAX rpm mode...know whatta mean ? [*****]

[phester]

the last word in parenthesies [sp] was typed ,in a broader sence of the word "CAT" , pu$$y

[Blue_Runner]

Whacha afraid of Phes? ??? Prop bustin outta tha water? Trim it up girl thingy! :o :P :D ;) :)

[phester]

yeah I'm a wuss, I know...to get maybe one more MPH out of her I just dont like running it at redline. If there was 3-4 MPH left to gain, in that absent 300 RPM, you bet your a$$ I'd be going for it!

[Blue_Runner]

I hear ya there doc. My luck, you trim it up and it blows - then its BR's fault :'(:-X

[phester]

39 is as good as 40...40-44, different ballgame

[reelapeelin]

"don't know why she blew...BR told me to hold 'er WOT an' trim 'er up til the prop was suckin' in ducks!!... :o...

[Blue_Runner]

;) ;D :o

[macojoe]

Stop the baby stuff!! Move that controller and put the hammer down!!
She can take it!! I do mine every now and again!! Will blow all that carbon out!! Just do it!!!!!!!!

[reelapeelin]

Well BR, you can rest easy now...if it blows, he can blame it on MJ!! :o...

[phester]

Let me get my enclosure squared up first,then I'll see what I can do about blowing up my motor

[reelapeelin]

Solid thinkin', there Phes...like a man who's got his priorities in order... 8)...

[Blue_Runner]

Whew, glad to have that monkey off my back ;D

[phester]

Really...glad to hear you dodged the big "O"....thought you were more toward the coast

[Blue_Runner]

Wish I was closer :'( I can be there in 3 hours - but that leaves me peeing in a cup ;D and eatin a pack of nabs ;D

[reelapeelin]

At the SAME time?... :o...

[Blue_Runner]

Well, no, I'm not THAT coordinated. I'd end up eating the cup and peeing on the nabs :o ;D

[reelapeelin]

Yeah...drippy nabs would be a bummer... :P...

[offshorega]

14 1/2x19 on a 200hp oceanrunner at about 56-5800rpm. *I cant' remember exactly on the rpm but thats ballpark. *GPS has top speed at 49.7 kts. *She clips along pretty good. *As does my fuel tank.
Also, that was with the top down, < qtr. tank fuel, running w/tide, breeze, etc...
Hope that helps
O yeah, Alum prop.

[reelapeelin]

Offshore...49mph...Man you bookin'!! ;D 8)...appears you definately got the RIGHT prop!

Are the others w/200s gettin' that kinda top-end?...

[offshorega]

Thanks, I thinked she's wheeled right. *She really gets up and out of the hole. I'm still working on the mpg, think its about 1.3. *

[revmax]

14 1/2 x 21 alum. *165 hp 4.3 litre v6 I/O .it does 37 mph @ wot 5000 rpm which I never do. I cruise at 4000-4200 rpm 30 mph. It is tough tho to get under 3 mph for troll. Need buckets. Haven't figured the mpg's but it's not too thirsty.

[mirage2521]

best thing i use is 20 oz drink bottles. i use a little extra oil since extra doesn't hurt the motor. i use one 20 oz bottle to every 5 gallons of gas.

50 to 1 ratio is 8 ounces per 6 gallons, are you using 20 ounces per 5 gallons? that is less than 25 to 1, that seems really rich. Or am I miscalculating, I always remeber using a pint can of oil for a 6 gallons tank of gas as per manufacturers reccomendations for 50-1. Please correct me if I am wrong??????????

[Seacrets]

A pint per 6 gal is correct, however that's 16 ounces not 8.

[reelapeelin]

When I was pre-mixin', I used an ''Accu-Mix'' bottle...lines on side of bottle tell EXACTLY how much oil to add for the gallons of gas you just put in...there are some other brand names that look and do the same...$3.99 ;)

[Snapper298]

Im running a 1997 mercury 225 offshore with arapture 14 1/4 x 19, it gives me 53.3 mph at 5800 rpm, oh by the way, my boat is a 1995 v21

[reelapeelin]

Hey Snapper...got any pics to post of the speedy V20??...I believe you got the right prop!!... ;) ;D...

[cobburn]

15"X21 alum. 4000 rpm, 42 mph on gps, may have been against wind with top up and 30 gals of fuel and 3 people on board oh yeah, its a 260 hp I/O

[steplift20]

hmmm i took her out for the first time yesturday with my new prop 15x17 and she ran goood
top speed was about 32mph no slippage and the tach was about 5700
but how come you guys get moor speed than me
try i need to paint the bottom but maybe i would pick up what 2 mph more

[macojoe]

Paint is going to slow you down!!

When under way, trim the motor up to achive best speed!!
I can go from 30 to 38 just buy lifting the motor, just becareful , the goal is to get it up with the least amout of resitance, but to make sure your still in the water, if you come up to high you will hear the motor rev!

My best with a 175 hp is 40 but I am alone, with a light load!
Most of the time full boat I go around 30 and top at 36 like you.

Goes real nice slow like 28 or so!!

[reelapeelin]

MJ's right as usual..paints SLOWS a boat by adding resistance to the flow goin' under the hull...

W/my 150 WOT(6000 rpms) and trimmed to max(and still bitin') GPS shows 42 and cruisin' about 32... ;)

[steplift20]

hey reela what size prop are you turnig

[macojoe]

I have 15 1/4 X 15

[reelapeelin]

steplift...it's a Power Tec SS 15 1/4'' x 17 made for Honda...

[steplift20]

thanx so i know im in thr right ball park

[reelapeelin]

Step, my apologies, but can't remember what hp motor you're hangin' off that bracket... ::)...

[TheTinMan]

I'm running a 14x19" pitch Vengeance, SS, 3-blade. Tops out @ 49mph w/200 Merc.

[reelapeelin]

Tin, what kinda RPMs ya gettin' outta that @ WOT?...

[TheTinMan]

RAP, not sure on RPM's, tach not working correctly, shows only about 3300 at WOT. I've got a couple electrical gremlins I'm tryin to work out.

[reelapeelin]

Gotcha, Tin...is the tach adjusted to the motor it's presently hooked up to?... ???...

[macojoe]

I've got a couple electrical gremlins I'm tryin to work out.

me too >:(

[sfprovyn]

I have an 85 merc 150 on mine and since I am quite fond of running up on shoals and oyster bars as well as getting stuck at low or wind tide where I have to chew my way back into deep water , I now only run a 4 blade comprop.Its a 13.7 x 18. Sand eats up aluminum very quick and they are not cheap to fix. You can get 4 blade comprops on ebay for 20 or 30 bucks and if you bust off a fin just throw them away .I cant go fast down here anyway because of the shallow water shoals and the sloppy ocean conditions most of the time. I tested the speed in the intercoastal a while back with a hand held GPS and it showed 37 with me , my dog and a full tank of gas and I have bottom paint ..Frank

[TheTinMan]

Gotcha, Tin...is the tach adjusted to the motor it's presently hooked up to?... ???...


Not sure...I don't see any settings on the back of Tach. Boat did have a Force 150, is that a 4-cylinder? Maybe that's my problem???

[RobsTV]

Stock Aluminum prop on '75 135 HP Evinrude, 13x19, hitting 4800RPM max and 38MPH (GPS), two people, 3/4 tank ( 45 gallon capacity). Yesterday ordered new 13 1/4 x 17 to try to get a little more RPM's.

But, from reading boards, looks like link and sync might be all that was needed, or might need to do in addition to prop. Is that a simply task to perform?

[reelapeelin]

Tin, what mfgr of the tach (Teleflex or who?)...there should be a slotted plastic screw-head flush w/ the back of the tach's case w/ small markings at the different settings...you might have to shine a light in there to see it...

Sfprovyn, what is tach showin' at 37 mph?...for a 150, I'm thinkin' you got some more performance that small dia. and 18 pitch prop ain't geetin' for ya...IMHO, these heavy V20s need a larger dia. prop as I tried several and got best from a 15 1/4" dia. ;) ...and keep in mind that the wrong prop will overwork the motor and shorten life, not to mention a negative fuel efficiency... :-/...

[sfprovyn]

I dont have a tach so I dont know about the RPM's. A friend of mine told me that I would be better off if I went to 14.5 x17 in a 4 blade and I think I may borrow his to try out. Frank

[steplift20]

hey i want to thank you guys for the info on the prop
i went from a 13 1/4 x 19 to a 15 x17 and just like you said no more cavitation and more speed it throse you back when you throttle up
A BIG THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
you saved me alot of cash
thanks again
now all i gotta do is fix the knocking in reverse
go to repair section

[reelapeelin]

step...glad to hear it worked out for ya!! ;) ...you ZOOMIN' NOW!!! ;D ;D

SFprovyn...gonna be hard to tell if right prop w/ out tach... ;)...

[sfprovyn]

You are right. I just put in an old Merc tach and hooked it up and saturday my friend is going to loan me a 15.5 x 17 3 blade aluminum prop that he has on his v-20 center console also with a merc 150..He gets around 42 and has bottom paint also. He thinks I should get 4 MPH more with the bigger prop. I'll let you know. Thanks Frank

[reelapeelin]

That prop...you on the right track now ;) ...

[yosh09]

i have a 5.0 mercruiser I/O and my top speed is 35 at 4200 rpms I have noticed a lot of cavitation. Anyone have a good idea about what kind of prop i should have The prop on it now is a 19 pitch. not sure what diameter but there is a little more that in inch clearance with the trim tab. Maybe a four blade thats bigger?

[racerx]

you guys keep mentioning bottom paint. does it make much difference if you have it or not? better speed?

[yosh09]

Bottom paint creates more drag and you lose speed. You dont lose much though, about 1/2 a knot maybe 1 knot. You only need bottom paint if your going to leave it in the water. If its already on there dont take it off. Its way to much work.

[Mac_Attack]

yosh09 welcome aboard! Bill Mc ;D

[reelapeelin]

yosh...contact these guys and tell 'em what you got and what's goin' on w/ it...they'll fix ya up! ;)

http://www.ptprop.com/

[sfprovyn]

reelapeelin: I hooked up my merc tach yesterday and ran the 3 blade aluminum 15.5 by 17 and it was a real eye opener. Red line is 5,600 for the Merc 150. I ran it up to a little over 5,400 and the GPS speed was right at 41 MPH solid with a half tank of gas , trimmed up and just me. I am now using the 4 blade comprop as a spare. I think I am going to leave well enough alone...Many thanks for your prop advice , Frank

[reelapeelin]

sfprovyn, GLAD to hear it worked out for ya!! ;D ...that size prop seems to be turnin' in best numbers for these V 20s w/ 150s... 8)...

[76GMC1500]

I've got a 260hp Volvo I/O 280T with a Michigan 15x19 3 blade aluminum prop. *I feel my numbers could really be improved with a better prop, but I'm having trouble getting numbers for it. *I don't even know what my WOT rpm is. *The highest I've ever taken it was 4000 rpm, the book states 4400 for WOT, but it seems like I have a lot more to give it. *The trouble is, I hardly ever get any flat water here and the boat is coming completely out of the water by 4000. *My cruise is only 28 mph at 3200 rpm and 2500 rpm only gets me 12 mph. *I would like something that holds on to the water a little better at 2500 and would help pick up my cruise some. *I could care less about the top end, I've got no use for that. *I was looking at a 14 3/8ths x 19 4 blade stainless. *There may be a 330-350 hp engine in this boat's future as well (fuel efficiency reasons). *Don't worry about overpowering the hull, the motor will be derated from a 5500 rpm redline to 4500 which should keep me within the 310 horsepower rating for my hull. These numbers are with full gas, gear, and 2 POB.

[angler0808]

18.5 dia
aluminum
5500 rpm 42 mph

i have a new rebuilt chevy 305 with a 2 barrel.......saves gas!

volvo penta 280 outdrive

[bigshrimpin]

sfprovyn - Keep your eyes peeled on ebay for

17 Merc Mirage Plus
17 or 19 Mercury Offshore (Vensura)
19 Mercury Laser2
17 or 19 Mercury Tempest

The Mirage, Offshore and Laser 2 pop up on ebay - now and again for under $200. You'll pick up an extra 2-4 mph . . . just by changing to a thinner blade stainless. These are all good designs above.

[TheTinMan]

BS, I'm running a 14x19 Vengeance. Is that a low end SS prop?

[bigshrimpin]

Tin - Vengeance is a good prop, but it's not as fast as the Offshore, Laser or Tempest Plus.

[bigshrimpin]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercury-4-Blade-Stainless-Propeller_W0QQitemZ4642787856QQcategoryZ26456QQssP ageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This would be good for someone with a 150hp Merc or Yamaha.

[reelapeelin]

After hangin' on the Honda, I tried a Merc Mirage 15 1/2 x 17...GREAT performance, but a little too heavy and caused a rattle in the gear-case...would probably turn in good numbers on the 150 Merc on a V-20... ;)...

[ebol5]

I'm with Big Joe, 1980 175 Evinrude and I run a 15 X 17, I do mostly off shore fishing and have never really been that concerned with top end. What I like about the 15 X 17 is that it is more of a power prop, I can set the throttle and the trim and push my way solidly through a 3 foot sea without any slippage and a fairly smooth ride.


hmmm i took her out for the first time yesturday with my new prop * 15x17 *and she ran goood
top speed was about 32mph * no slippage and the tach was about 5700
but how come you guys get moor speed than me
try i need to paint the bottom but maybe i would pick up * what 2 mph more

[Skools Out]

what speeds are other getting with 200 HP O/B motors.
I'd really like to know what speeds you all are getting with 225 hp O/B motors

[Skools Out]

ok bump this will help save time on the v20 performance question

[RobsTV]

'73 Center Console

Original motor
Evinrude '75 135hp
max speeds
4900 RPM @ 35 MPH 13x19 SS (old beat up prop)
4600 RPM @ 31 MPH 13.25x17 Alu (new $130 Mich Wheel)

Upgraded motor to:
Evinrude '83 175hp
original old prop SST 14-1/4x21 4500rpm @ 43MPH (max)

replaced with $50 ebay prop, 15x17 SST II
tops out fully loaded at 43mph (GPS) @ 5400rpm
normal cruising speed of 30mph @ 3800rpm

Keep in mind when comparing numbers, the hp rating change in '84/'85 means this 175hp would be about the same as an '85 and newer 150hp.

[bradford]

'85 V20 Cuddy
'90 225 evinrude
14 1/2 X 19 stainless
5500 max rpms
3800-4400 cruise
guestimate 50+/- mph @ WOT

[Skools Out]

man i'm so glad to see them results Brad great that's the same setup i and building currently glad to know my prop is close or right.

[bradford]

Those results are an educated guess. I don't have a gps and you can't trust a boat speedometer. I've owned and been on several boats and it does seem to haul a$$ for as heavy as she is. I try to lighten the load as much as possible only carrying necessary gear, but I always have a full fuel tank.

[Skools Out]

bump

[RidgeRunner]

What a thread. Goes back a ways, what you thinkin Skools?

[tsubaki]

This is all I got.
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=12543

[Skools Out]

oh just bumped it so a friend could find it. plus to read threw it again.

[RidgeRunner]

Very nice. 1983 20'CC
2.4L 200HP Merc- 48mph @ 6100RPM- 14.5x17pQuicksilver light load
2.4L 200HP Merc- 46mph @ 5800RPM- 15.5x17P Mirage light load
3.0L 250HP Merc-63mph @ 5800RPM- 15.5x23p Tempest light load
3.0L 250HP Merc- 55mph @ 5800rpm- 15.5X23P Tempest heavy load
3.0L 250HP Merc-58mph @ 5800RPM- 15.5x21p Thunderbolt heavy load

3.0L 250HP Merc- ??? @ ??? - 15.5x25P Tempest light
Last try with a different prop, just as soon as I get my new lower unit:head:
Then the fuel sippin 2.4 goes back on.

[whatknot]

Here's tested props. Didn't have a 17 to test....

1985 Wellcraft v20 Fisherman CC
Closed Transom with Stainless Marine Bracket
Yamaha F150

Fuel topped off at 60 Gallons
2 batteries (unfortunately in the stern)
Full 20 gallon in deck livewell (unfortunately in the stern)
Boat is a tad bit *** heavy....

Prop RPM MPH GPH

Mercury Vengeance
14.5 x 15 -5700- 36 - 14.2
Cruise - 4260 - 24.4 -8.7
4.5 seconds to plane


Yami 3 blade SS Black (old)
13.5 x 19- 5600 - 36.2 -16
Cruise - 3800 - 25.4 - 10
6 seconds to plane

Spoke with Power tech dude. He recommended a OFS3R15 3 blade 15 1/4 x 15

or a OFS4R14P (15 1/4 x 14) 4 blade.

Anyone running these dimensions for a prop and what do you think?

Thanks

[bowhunter0126]

i have a 85' c.c. repowered with a 99' 225 efi merc... this has been a project just finally putting on the pieces together. first run with a 13"x21p mirage wot 5100rpm 53.5mph----4000rpm 40 mph......2nd run 13"x17 quicksilver 5800 rpm 50.5 mph----4000 33.5mph.... waiting till this weekend to try a buddies 19p wheel hope thats where i need to be

[Genie Aye]

200HO E-tec

15x19 Rebel SS

5400 RPM

Light load--53.4 gps

average load--52.0 GPS

Cruise at 35mph at 3750rpm


Thinking about a 4 blade to create some stern lift with the heavier motor.

[tnltracy]

I have a 13-3/4 x 15 aluminum currently. Last year I was getting around 24MPH at 5500 RPM by GPS. Start of the year I was showing around 29MPH, but her butt got a bit dirty over the summer :you:

At WOT, the motor would over rev well over 6k RPM, so I've been shopping for a new prop this year. I just picked up a used 13-1/4 x 17 that I'm hoping will take RPM's down a tad and give me a few more MPH's. Will report once the boat gets into the water

[kman104501]

I have a 19 pitch ss, not sure what dia, 225 Evinrude, WOT 50MPH after being in the water for 1/2 a season. Always wondered if it would pay to go slightly larger....

[Genie Aye]

I have a 19 pitch ss, not sure what dia, 225 Evinrude, WOT 50MPH after being in the water for 1/2 a season. Always wondered if it would pay to go slightly larger....

At WOT with a average load--what rpm are you at?

Rpm will tell you if you are prop'd right or not--you do not want to over prop for sure.

[Destroyer]

Thanks,

Now a couple more questions -
1. How do I determine outdrive gear ratio?
2. Where's a good place to find a prop?

Rick

A few good places to find props (and other stuff):

http://www.boat-links.com/linklists/boatlink-30.html

http://www.outboard-motors.us/years/

http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21

And of course eBay is a great place to buy used props at a great price. I've bought several props that way and never been disappointed. Just do your homework beforehand so you know the type of material, the number of blades, the diameter and the pitch you want.
Then find a prop and compare it online to a new prop of the same type pricewise. A lot of times you can find really good deals. It's also a good place to find a servicable throwaway prop for not a lot of money. That way you don't invest hundreds and hundreds of dollars trying out a different diameter or pitched prop and then you decide you don't like it's performance after you've bought it.

Also, for repair of a prop I'd recommend:

http://www.thepropellershop.net/

Hope this helps a little ...:news:

[kman104501]

At WOT with a average load--what rpm are you at?

Rpm will tell you if you are prop'd right or not--you do not want to over prop for sure.

I am able to get to 5600RPM without a problem with 3 people, full tank of fuel and fishing gear (of course).

[Destroyer]

I have a 13-3/4 x 15 aluminum currently. Last year I was getting around 24MPH at 5500 RPM by GPS. Start of the year I was showing around 29MPH, but her butt got a bit dirty over the summer :you:

At WOT, the motor would over rev well over 6k RPM, so I've been shopping for a new prop this year. I just picked up a used 13-1/4 x 17 that I'm hoping will take RPM's down a tad and give me a few more MPH's. Will report once the boat gets into the water

Pitch is the theoretical distance that a propeller will move through the water in one revolution. (not counting slippage). So a 21p propeller will move 21" through the water in one revolution...a 15p will move 15" etc etc. As a general rule of thumb, expect to see a 300-400 RPM DECREASE for every 2 inches of pitch that you INCREASE your prop. (Propeller pitch is normally changed by a factor of 2"....13,15,17,19 etc.) Find out what the recommended WOT RPM's are from your motor's manual, and then size your prop until you arrive close to it. If you are into watersports like tubing or sking you'll want to go down one size in pitch, which will result in better pulling power and faster hole shots but less top end speed. If you're into going places in a hurry you'll want to go up one size in pitch which will result in a faster top end but less pulling power and longer time to get up on plane. In all cases stay in the recommended RPM range.. over-revving or lugging your motor will result in a greatly shortened motor life.