Another prop question.

[GillV20]

I realize this might be beating a dead horse, but as musical props can get expensive I would like to learn from those who have done this already. I am running a 1995 3.0 225hp Mercury. The hull is an 88 cuddy. Which prop would be best to use. Around my area I am expecting to cruise around 30-35. Wide open throttle I really do not care about but the fuel consumption I will be. Thanks!

[macojoe]

most get away with a 17 pitch on these, i use to use a 15 i carried a lot of weght and got out of hole much better, but was using 175hp.
my local mariner hada few he let people try and when they found the right one you bought it. time to get to know one in your area!
these guys(most are pretty smart) just tell the motor, boat, weight, ect. ect. and most can choose a close prop or right on.

[Destroyer]

For a 225 I'm thinking 17 or 19 in SS. The lower the pitch the higher the rpms.. the higher the pitch the lower the rpms.. Generally speaking you drop 2 if you are going from Alum to SS.. so a 19ss is the same as a 21 Alum. I think a 19 x 14 1/2 ss would be just about perfect for you.

[THEFERMANATOR]

A 17 pitch MIRAGE would probably work out pretty well for a good all around prop. Keep in mind diameter will play a role in what pitch to go with as well. Seeing as your in the gulf region, I'm guessing you will not be after top end as there will not be many days flat enough to open her up. The 17 MIRAGE is a large diamter prop that is great for rough water cruising as it has ALOT of bite.

[reelapeelin]

Before the motor I have now, I was running a 150...it propped out to red line at 6 grand at 42 mph w/a 17p x 15 1/4"d...

Now w/a 200 Merc, the right prop seems to be a 19p...it's a smaller diameter, but works fine...I think yer gonna need closer to a 19p...

Keep in mind although you aren't planning to run around at WOT, the correct prop for all speeds will allow your motor to max out at the mfgr's recommended max rpm level...THEN you find your optimum cruising speed gauging speed, rpms and fuel consumption...

[BuilderFL]

Gill, check this prop selector from Mercury. Hope it helps
http://www.mercurymarine.com/propellers/prop-selector/#

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

Before the motor I have now, I was running a 150...it propped out to red line at 6 grand at 42 mph w/a 17p x 15 1/4"d...

Now w/a 200 Merc, the right prop seems to be a 19p...it's a smaller diameter, but works fine...I think yer gonna need closer to a 19p...

Keep in mind although you aren't planning to run around at WOT, the correct prop for all speeds will allow your motor to max out at the mfgr's recommended max rpm level...THEN you find your optimum cruising speed gauging speed, rpms and fuel consumption...

Your 150 was a 2:1 gear ratio most likely, so that changes your prop selection quite a bit whereas the 2.4L+ will have a 1.87:1. Either a large diamtere 17 pitch for cruising with a heavy load, or a 19 pitch small diamter for lighter loads would be my reccomendation.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

Your 150 was a 2:1 gear ratio most likely, so that changes your prop selection quite a bit whereas the 2.4L+ will have a 1.87:1. Either a large diamtere 17 pitch for cruising with a heavy load, or a 19 pitch small diamter for lighter loads would be my reccomendation.

Which is exactly why I suggested the 19p x 14 1/2 dia ss. I'm thinking that with 225 horses he'd have no problem swinging a 21, so I moved down a notch for better hole shots.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Personally I like the large diameter and 4 bladed props for better cruising speed and efficiency as offshore boats rarely get to use the top end much that a small diamter prop can deliver.

[spareparts]

based on Ridge Runners boat, I'd say start with a 19 Mirage(or Mirage copy Thunderbolt ) you may change up to a 21. The 225 3.0L is a torquie motor, You don't need to rev it up 5500 is plenty