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Who knows about props??

Wildman78

Wildman78

Active member
I'll be honest I don't know a whole lot about props and setup. Can anyone give me a quick schooling??? I ask because the previous owner of my boat seems to have it setup for max top end. Come spring I'll be looking to set it up for best all around use. What are some of the best all around props?
 
They all have a purpose. Lets start with what hull and motor your talking about and what you have on there now.
 
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keith4216 said:
They all have a purpose. Lets start with what hull and motor your talking about and what you have on there now.
Click to expand...
And "Bingo". Although if I was really gonna start pissing in the dark I'd take a shot at a 4 blade 21-23 if there's gonna be towing involved.
Roughly 100-115 horses?
 
Hahaha yea I guess some more details are in order. I don't have many hours running this boat as I just bought it. The previous owner has it setup very good but it seems to be a little more toward top end. I would really like it to be a great all around setup, come outta the home fast and be well mannered. I'm ok losing a little too end as I doubt I'm gonna be running it 70+.

Now the boat I'm talking about is a 79 exciter. It has a 5" step n jack, jack plate on it and the engine is all the way up on the plate. Not sure of the engine height at the pad. Engine is a merc laser 220 xri with stainless merc 26 pitch prop that has been labbed. I guess he could run about 72 in the summer and turn aprox 5800-5900 rpm. That was topped out
 
I would suggest a merc trophy in the 24-26 pitch range as a starting point. They are not necessarily the best top end or load carrying prop but they do just about everything well. Asking what prop is best is like asking the best oil...everyone will have an opinion. Try as many different kinds as you can as sometimes you'll be amazed what will work well.
 
If you're looking for more of a prop for pulling skiers and stuff I'd say a Trophy is a good choice but I would stay 24 or below if you're speed prop is a 26 3 blade.
 
We have tried a number of different props on a number of different Checkmate hulls. And I also was not going for max top speed, bit on my 84 enchanter with a 200 Blackmax and 5-1/2 inches of setback the best prop was a 24 pitch Merc Fury. Since I moved to a Pulsare having tried a number of Trophy Plus 4 blades, the best prop we have used are the Tempest Plus 3 blades, more power, better hole shot, better top end, etc. The boats that I have had all handled well with the Trophy 4 blades, but they all drove the best with the Tempest Plus. And this is with both dual cable and hydraulic steering.

Anyway, that is of course my opinion, and subject to rebuttal!!

Let the opinions begin!!

Chuck
 
Yup I had the same motor and hull and a 24 trophy plus was the best all around prop, worked good for everything.
 
Also if I go to the 4 blade from the 3 blade what happens to pitch? Not really sure how to word this but does a 26p 3 blade turn the same rpm as a 4 blade same pitch or is there a conversion?
 
TRO4

I would give a power tech tro4 a try. Supposed to run similar to a trophy plus and the cost new is no brainer to me. A 23-24 pitch would seem to be what you need. If you are bit unsure about pitch just remember that a good prop guy can usually add pitch to a prop, 1 inch or so. Removing pitch isn't as easy. If I wanted a 4 blade "ski" prop I'd buy a tro4.
 
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