See full version: Mercruiser 135hp Prop Report - Bayliner 195
I guess I could re-boat, but though the 135 hp leaves something to be desired for pulling skiers and wakeboarders, the $50/day fuel bill is a lot better than the $150 I see the dedicated wakeboard boats using. (Marina gas here is $4.40/gal) [links]
Pull out of the hole is better (expected).
Slinging tubes across the wake is better (expected)
Top speed dropped from 44 to 37. (expected)
There is a bit more prop 'noise' at certain RPM ranges
WOT RPM of the engine dropped from 4700 to 4300. ( unexpected!) more
The overall objective is to get the elusive decent holeshot and 40 mph top speed out of 135 hp. [links]
I recently down-propped from the stock 21" Quicksilver 3 blade aluminum to a 19" Michigan Match to get better water toy performance. Just got back from our annual houseboat vacation and put about 40 hours on the boat. here 's a few observations.
A few comments on what seems to be a very popular topic here: What is the best prop for 3.0L in a runabout focused on 'water sports'.
This summer the kids have started water skiing and wakeboarding so I'll probably look next at a SS adjustable-vent prop in 20" pitch. (the tubes are being outgrown) more
How do you tell if it is right or left hand turn. I have read alpha one drives are right turn . Is this correct?
Well I hit a rock and damaged my prop which was a 16x13 pitch, 3 blade. I have a spare that I got with the boat when I purchased it last Sept. It is different. It is a 14 1/2 x 17 P, 3 blade . Pics are attached.
Also note that the orientation of the prop doesn't matter. Even if you turn the prop around 180 degrees (installed it on your boat backwards, or it's sitting on your hand or a table upside down), the cant of the blades is in the same direction, so these tricks still work.
Two other design features include Rake and Cup. These elements are not labeled on the propeller. The Rake measurement indicates the angle of blades’ tilt towards or away from the gear case. A propeller with 0 degree rake has blades 90 degrees perpendicular to the center of the hub. A 20 degree rake results in a blade that is angled 70 degrees from the hub. Cup is any added curved lip on the trailing edge or blade tip. Both Rake and Cup are set by the manufacturer of the propeller, BUT they can be altered by a professional propeller tuner to modify the propellers performance. more
Finally, when choosing your propeller a good place to start is with the manufacturer’s recommendation, then; [links]
Choosing the best propeller for your boat is a key factor in performance and choosing the wrong prop can lead to poor fuel efficiency and issues with engine performance including slower speed and increased wear and tear on your engine.
If you're buying a new propeller for your boat, you may simply need a replacement for a prop you damaged, you may be trying to address a performance issue (e.g. being under or over propped) or you may simply want to gain better fuel economy. Whichever the case, we can help you find the right propeller for your needs.
Oct 31, 2006 #5 2006-10-31T21:39
Also, what year is the boat? My 93 (5.0L) stock prop is 16x16 aluminum 3 blade and it planes fine. I think 5000 rpm WOT is too high and indicates the 14.5 prop may be too small. (Is your 5.0 engine really 260 HP?)
Also, I dont understand you saying your WOT is 5000 with both the 15x16 and the 14.5x16 props. here
I've bought servicable props off Ebay. It took two $45 props before I settled on the one I'm using.