Prop Question

Scott_nb · **Posted:** Mon May 28, 2012 12:56 pm

How do you decide what Prop to get? What Pitch? So many choices......How do you know what is on your boat now?

I'm so confused......

ric · **Posted:** Mon May 28, 2012 9:31 pm

you have a VP 3.0 like me, it has a 14.x by 21 pitch prop from the factory. At least it should. Slow.

SeriousRob · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2012 7:43 am

Scott,
Before you pick a prop you should decide what you want to do with the boat. Do you want to cruise at a steady speed? Do you want to maximuize the top speed? Do you want to ski behind the boat and want the quickest on plane time?
Typically a lower pitch prop will make the boat run at higher RPM's and get on plane faster (also called holeshot).
A higher pitch prop will be slower on plane but will have a higher top speed.
Also, going from a 3 blade prop to a 4 blade with the same pitch will get you on plane faster.
Last, going from an aluminum prop to a stainless will get you on plane faster since the blades do not flex as much.

Always remember to check your max RPMs to make sure the prop you have selected does not over rev the engine.
When I replaced my prop I went from the stock 14 1/2 x 21 3 blade aluminum to a 14 1/8 x 20 4 blade stainless. I noticed significant quicker on plane time with a slight drop in top speed.
Rob

97_245_sd · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2012 7:58 am

As for what's currently on the boat, it is usually marked on the hub by the nut that holds it onto the shaft. You can look up the factory spec'd prop on the Four Winns website, go to Customer Service, Past Product information.

Scott_nb · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2012 10:26 am

Thank guys for the info. The water is still to cold up here for water sports, just doing allot of cruising. I guess I will wait and see but I know I need something else. I'm thinking 4 stainless just seems that the motor is working hard a not going fast.

ric · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2012 10:44 am

It's a 3 liter, it's going to work hard and not go fast. My boat has exactly the same engine. With 5 people in the boat and some gear (1000lb) the best she'll do is a 26mph cruise at 3800rpm and tops out around 32mph. It's an awesome lake motor, but it's not for cruising. Just not enough power.

Scott_nb · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2012 3:17 pm

Agreed....but so very happy with the product over all.. I like to just putt around and its great for that.. Just feels like it needs a bigger Prop.... What do u have on your boat now Ric?

ric · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2012 4:00 pm

Scott_nb wrote:

Agreed....but so very happy with the product over all.. I like to just putt around and its great for that.. Just feels like it needs a bigger Prop.... What do u have on your boat now Ric?

Solas 21p (factory size). On my lake it's perfect. I also have a 19p for pulling tubes. There's a new 23p on craigslist local for $50 (aluminum) I'm trying to get, I think it might make me happier for cruising on bigger bodies of water.

www.iFourWinns.com

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