Need some advise on Prop selection

[Stingrayaxe]

I'm kind of new here. Picked up a very low hour 2009 205 Sport late last summer. I've been lurking around the site and can't believe how much I have learned. Been a boat owner since 1988 but now I realize how much more there is for me to learn.

I upgraded the stereo to a Clarion 505 with wired remote at the helm. I added a second battery using the Blue Sea ACR system. It's awesome by the way. I don't know why but I added a compass. Never needed one before but I think a boat is not complete without one!

Now I need a new/spare prop and need some help. I'm currently running 49MPH GPS at 4600 RPM on my 5.0 Mercrusier Alpha 1. Gets on plane fine but then it goes too fast. I want to get and stay on plane at a slower speed. So I am thinking 4 blade will do it. My current prop is a stock aluminum 14.25 X 21P. I was thinking that I would get a 20P or 19P 4 blade. The prop shop that I called thinks that I should be in an 18P. That seems like too big a jump. They think the 18P will get me closer to max RPM at 4800 and accomplish everything else that I want to do. Both shops I talked to would not let me return anything that they ordered for me. The best place did say that they would only make pitch adjustments to the one I pick. First time for free.

Smart tabs might be in my future but I'd like to start with the prop since I need a spare anyway. I've about reached my upgrade budget for the year so maybe a prop this year and tabs next year.

Any thoughts?

 

[BleednBlue]

Call Hill Marine. I have not bought props from them but my understanding they will do exchanges for the cost of shipping. It also seems they are the go to source for four blades.

 

[dpmulvey]

I bought a Pirahna composite. They were very helpful in the selection process. I was more than pleased with e final results. I wish theyhad an inboard line.

http://piranha.com

For the record.
I have no ties to the company other than being a satisfied customer.

 

[blaster]

I settled on the 17" powertech ele4
http://www.deltaprop.com/boat-props...4-mercruiser-4-blade-stainless-propellers.asp

 

[Stingrayaxe]

Blaster

So an 18p aluminum 4 blade might not be out of line for me? You got a slightly different engine but what are your specs with the 17p?
Thanks

 

[blaster]

I get 4950 rpm's just kissing the overspeed alarm at 48mph. The 17" pitch is a little deceiving because it has heavy cup. I tried the 19" version and got 4650 rpm's and 46mph. I ran a 3 blade 19" mercury aluminum and hit the rev limiter with some throttle left. I don't remember the exact speed. With a 3 blade vengeance 19" I get almost 51 mph and hit the overspeed at 4950 just a tiny bit easier than with the 4 blade.

There is a noticeable difference in hole shot with the 4 blade. Better mid range acceleration also. It also lifts the stern a little more. It will hold plane maybe 1-2 mph slower than the 3 blade but not a significant difference. I use it when I ski. The rest of the time I use the vengeance. I have a 21" aluminum for a spare and the 19" aluminum for the mountain lakes.

Smart tabs will probably help with slower planing even more.

I would think the 19" aluminum 4 blade would be okay but not all props are the same. I think you would have wicked hole shot with an 18" but you would have to watch out not to overspeed the motor.

 

[dlvwill]

More blades the better for holding plane at lower speeds. If it was me I'd look at 19" Mercury Hi-Five I've used these before with great results on our 21' boat set up for wakeboarding. Switching to a stainless prop from aluminum of the same will drop your WOT rpms, but dropping from a 21" to 19" you should net gain maybe 100 rpm. Bblades out of Wisconsin has a test program where you can try and exchange different wheels until you are happy.

 

[Stingrayaxe]

Thanks Blaster. Thats good info to have. Helps me with my pitch decision. I think I'll try the 19P.

Dlvwill. I just looked at Bblades. Seems like a good program and their prices are very competitive. I'm going to call them Monday.

I want to stay with aluminum for this prop. We spend a week in northern Wisconsin on a chain of lakes that eats props. If the aluminum 4 blade does what I want I'll try a SS prop next year for the southern Wisconsin lakes I spend more time on and are more prop friendly!

This is great info. Really happy with my Sea Ray and happy I found this site. This is the first forum I've ever joined. Glad I did.

 

[Stingrayaxe]

Results are in and I'm very happy. Settled on the Quick Silver Nemesis 4 blade aluminum. 14 X 19P. Hole shot is great. Almost no bow lift. Revs up to 4800 RPM. I did loose about 4 miles per hour. Top speed is 46 MPH. Stays on plane at a lower speed as well. I haven't pulled a skier or wake board yet but I'm confident it will work well for that too. Low speed wander is a little better. Overall good results