Sizing your prop
 

Many of you may know this, but for those that don't.....


The best propeller size for your boat and engine combination is based on the recommended operating range at wide open throttle (w.o.t.) for your engine, which you will find in your operator's manual. This will be expressed in terms of a certain horsepower at a certain RPM (revolutions per minute).

The goal in prop selection is to determine what propeller style and size will maximize performance for your boat, while allowing your engine to operate in the recommended RPM range. The correct propeller will prevent the engine from over-revving, yet allow it to reach the minimum RPM where maximum horsepower is produced.

Run the boat/motor at w.o.t. under normal operating load to determine the maximum RPM you are able to obtain. A tachometer is necessary for this test. Adjust the motor trim angle for the optimum performance. If during this test, you begin to exceed the maximum rated RPM of the engine, reduce throttle setting to a position where maximum RPM is not exceeded.

If your test results in your being able to over-rev the engine, you need to increase the pitch of the propeller. Increasing the pitch increment by 1" will result in approximately 200 RPM drop. If your testing shows, however, that you are only able to obtain a RPM somewhat lower than the maximum rating given by your engine manufacturer, you would need to decrease pitch. Decreasing pitch would increase your RPM.

Example:

Operating Range =


5000-5600 RPM

Top End of Operating Range =


5600 RPM

Tachometer Reading =


4800 RPM

Difference =


800 RPM

For every 1" of pitch size, the effect will be approximately 200 RPM. Knowing this, take the difference in the above example at 800 and divide it by 200. The result is 4. The prop to use will be 4" in pitch less than the prop that was used.


Switching from an uncupped to a cupped propeller will also reduce your RPM. The cupped propeller of the same pitch and diameter will typically reduce your RPM by approximately 200.

Once your wide open throttle RPM falls within the recommended range of the engine manufacturer, you have a propeller that is suited correctly for your boat with respect to RPM. If you use your boat for fishing, cruising and skiing, one prop probably won't do all three things equally well. It is best in circumstances like this to have two propellers. One to accommodate one set of circumstances and the other to perform best under the different load. It is imperative that the wide open throttle RPM fall within the range specified by your engine manufacturer.

Re: Sizing your prop
 

;DNICE TO KNOW THANKS

Re: Sizing your prop
 

Good Post!! ;)

Re: Sizing your prop
 

Well put, Tin...only thing I'd add to that is ''trim that motor at WOT til she SUCKIN' DUCKS!!" ;) ...

Re: Sizing your prop
 

How would that apply to a kicker? Any rule of thumb there....<aside from keep it away from a spinning prop>

Re: Sizing your prop
 

Thanks for the info.

Something that has me confused though is WOT (as it relates to prop choice).
Best performance, gas mileage and least wear and tear are obtained when running at WOT, so does that mean you should try to always run at WOT?

Example, with setup perfect prop so motor runs at recommended 5800 RPM WOT:
Is it better to run 5800 RPM all the time? (best for engine and fuel usage?)
4800 RPM most of the time?
3000 RPM if it gets you on a plane?
Run lower than WOT, such as 4200 RPM most of the time, but make sure you run WOT (5800RPM) several times during outing?

Lower cruise speed cause more wear and tear and reduced mileage?

Re: Sizing your prop
 

You will definately NOT be getting best gas mileage at WOT. MORE wear and tear at WOT too. Only thing you will get at WOT is top speed.

Re: Sizing your prop
 

Rob, I understand your confusion here...we're not sayin' best performance/ gas, etc at WOT...no, that's when you're gonna be using MOST fuel...

a prop that allows the motor the obtain it's max mfrs rpms at WOT is the correct prop and throughout the operating range, particularly at ''cruise'', will usually deliver better fuel economy than a prop that doesn't allow max rpms...hope that clears it up for ya ;) ...

Re: Sizing your prop
 

Thanks, makes sense.
"Tune" with prop that allows your motor to run WOT at it's max specified WOT RPM, then it will be properly tuned to run it's best at all RPM's.

Re: Sizing your prop
 

"Loading" your engine within the recommended RPM range will also ultimately determine the life of the motor. Following the guidelines that Tin posted (excellent post BTW Tin), you're looking to obtain the Mfg suggested range. If you are below that range at WOT, you're working the motor too hard, burning excess gas, and poor performance. Above the range, and you're not working the motor correctly and will over-rev the motor. Not good.