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prop

zstevens

zstevens

Well-known member
my ques. is opp. of the rest ive got 91' pulse 185 b/r 175 merc no jackplate or bracket current prop laser2 21p 14" dia no gps gear n 4 people hit 60mph its silly to say but im bothered by not being able to carry slow plane spd. younger kids wife etc lookn into 4 blades n other pitches curious how much top end will be lost thanks zach
 
If you're wanting to keep on plane at slower speeds, if you dont already have one, get a Stingray Hydrofoil. They're about 50.00 and work great on boats of your size. They will make you plane sooner, keep it planed out @ slower speed, and eliminate any porpoising.
 
It is possible to go to a 4 blade without any loss of top end. You may even gain speed. I have seen boats that run faster with a 4 blade(mine included), but it can depend on set up. The good thing about it is, any boat runs slower while carrying a load, but most boats will run faster while loaded with a 4 blade than with a 3 blade! As far as your problem, are you putting passengers in the front, or is every one riding in the back? Is the problem worse with a full gas tank? Do you have trouble staying on plane at low speeds when you are by your self? Different prop designs will make a difference. Weight distribution will make a difference. And yes, a StringRay fin will make a difference, but will also reduce speed. If you want to try another prop, I would look for someone who has a 22" small hub Trophy Plus and try it before you spend any money. If you decide to buy, let me know and I will see what kind of price I can get for you. Boatman
 
I agree. The advantages of the 4 blade are many, especially for a little heavier boat. As Gary said, you usually don't have to give up much in the way of top end.
 
Last year i would of told ya not to go with a 4 blade but I am a true believer now in the trophy 4 blade. My boat runs almost 7mph at the same rpm(cruisin) it did with the 3 blade prop and I tried alot of different props. I would strongly recommend against any of the whale tails or stingrays all youll end up with down the line is 4 holes in your cavitation plate. :cheers Aaron
 
i wasnt to xcited to drill holes either! i was gonna try a merc dealer for prop xchange try one record data on to next one etc... seemed to be cunfusion on going from stainless to alm or if budget allows stainless! i got a 4bld alm @ xmas cheap new 14" dia x 20" pitch . try it out after bettr baseline #s w 3bld laser2 thanks zach
 
You could always try a High Five. Thats the prop that I use when I'm loading up the boat with people or just going skiing. Not sure what pitch you'd need but they work good as far as keeping a plane at slow speeds for wake boarding. I also like the Trophy plus for all the reasons everyone else already said. the Trophy is the fastest prop so far for my boat but not as good as the High Five for wake boarding.

Good luck
 
ok im lookin @ others prop n set up ques when swithn from 3 blade ss (21p laser2) to a 4 blade whats thedirection to head with pitch ? plus if i go to alm over ss ? i'm normally loaded 75% to full less ideal for speed 'but there r times when its a 50% n were on it ! so i'd rather look for low end to secure plane speed holeshot etc... side thougt ive got no xpeience w jackplate nor do i have 1 but would it help w low end plane speed too? thanks for the wisdom zach :bounce:
 
A jack plate helps with both low end and top speed because it allows for ajusting the motor hieght for each application while using the same prop.

Good Luck
 
zstevens...

You probably need TWO props... (as EVERYTHING is a compromise)...:brickwall:

#1. Find a fast one for your need for speed (no kids)...:drool:

#2. Run one for your daily family & friends outings (loaded up). If you are looking for best holeshot, lower planing speeds, better cruising fuel economy, etc. Run a 4-BLADE or loose the Laser II.

If your looking at the difference between aluminum and stainless (besides the cost)... take this into consideration. If you constantly do watersports with the kids (skiing, tubing, wake-board, etc)... I would recommend ALUMINUM, it's easier on the gearcase shifting in & out. Try that 4-blade 14 x 20 Merc makes... you'll be impressed as it WILL do everything BETTER than the Laser II EXCEPT top-end (about 5 mph slower). If Boatman can get the Hustler Aluminum in a 4-blade, it would rock!!! (come on Boatman, work them guys)!!!

Another option would be to go to a Mirage 3-blade... they have bigger diameter and a better blade design to carry the load. You can probably go to a 19p Mirage with great results in everything (watch top rpm redline if loaded light)... a 21p Mirage may be too much.

As far as overall, the trophy is hands-down the best for overall running AND still keeps them top speed numbers (even better than your 21p Laser II)... but they are SPENDY and you have to find the EXACT PITCH and set-up height to benefit from it... probably a 19p or 20p for your application. Again, the Trophy needs correct set-up to work!

So.. WHAT set-up (rpm, speed, motor height) are you running now???

I have a bunch of DEAL props as well...
19p Mirage SS...mint (used) $225
20p Merc Alpha 4-blade aluminum...new $100
21p Viper SS...new $225
22p Raker SS..new $225
22p Mich SS (real nice Trophy 4-blade copy)... NEW in the box $250
AND several 22p and 24p Merc choppers (for your speed)???
 
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my setup still same w / 3blade laser 2 21p my tach was bouncy last yr i havent been wet this yr low 60s mph. ur 20p 4blade the prop u suggest?
 
or your 14 x 20 4bld w 5.5 jackplate or is that a whole new can of worms to open regardless id like to get that off u . do u come to toledo or south much or whats shipping or is price w shipping? thanks zach
 
I have the props...

I have the 20p 4-blade Aluminum, but with a 5.5" plate, I'm thinking my 22p SS 4-blade may work excellent... Give me a call in the evenings 734-536-9442 cell or jrumon@yahoo.com and we can work out details. Thanks, JIM

P.S. I'm an hour north of Toledo.... Livonia (between Ann Arbor & Detroit)
 
Props

Hey jrumon any expierence with propco props 4 blade 21p q-jet? alum looks like they use more cup for speed just wondering if any 1 has tried 1
 
20p merc prop

is this prop the same as the quicksilver 20p? or is the cup different? great price on it i am interested but was also lookin at the propco q-jet 1 but is a little more cash and don't know much about them thx for your input
 
I sell the Propco props, but not very many. I only use them for hard to find items. They are sand cast and kinda soft. As for a 4 blade aluminum from TurningPoint, there 21" 3 blade has as much bottm end pulling power as the 20" 4 blade with out the loss of top end. I am slowly switching my local customers over to the Hustler 3 blade and so far, every one is happy. Plus it cost less than the 4 blade. boatman
 
got in water yesterday good cruise no spd this time had family, baby, great to get out .! jim ive been meanin to call always thinkin its to late past 9pm i'll get you this week tach still acting up any ideas?
 
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