What pitch prop do I need for my boat?

Asked by: Joe Melton

How do I know what pitch prop I need for my boat?

Selecting the correct prop should result in your engine running within the designed rpm range at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). Your owner’s manual should include this spec—usually 5000–5500rpm for an outboard or 4200-5000rpm for a sterndrive—or your mechanic or dealer may know.

What pitch is best for my boat?

A lower pitched propeller will create more power due to more engine RPMs, but the boat will move slower. A higher pitched prop allows the boat to move faster by travelling a farther distance with each rotation. When choosing a propeller, choose a pitch that will keep the engine RPM in its recommended operating range.

What is the difference between a 19 and 21 pitch prop?

A simple explanation of prop pitch indicates that a 21-pitch prop, if turning in a thick substance, will push your boat forward 21 inches for every revolution of the blades. Conversely, a 19-pitch propeller would move your boat forward 19 inches.

What prop pitch is best for speed?

The lower the prop pitch, the better your hole-shot. However, this comes at a price: top speed. The lower pitch makes the engine reach maximum rpm at slower speeds. Conversely, a higher pitch will deliver greater top speeds, but slower acceleration.

Which is better 3 blade or 4 blade prop?

3 or 4 Blades? A 3 blade propeller usually offers top speed performance while a 4 blade propeller provides maximum thrust and smooth cruising operation. Four blades have some features of their own, though. They often provide more lift at the stern which will help accelerate the hull, especially if it is stern heavy.

How do I know my prop size?

The diameter of the propeller is the circle which the tip of a single blade describes in a complete rotation. It is found by measuring from the centre of the propeller boss to the tip of one blade and then doubling the result.

Will a 5 blade prop make my boat faster?

I gotta admit I think the high-five is my favorite propeller here today it has by far the best acceleration of a pole fantastic mid-range decent top speed.

Does prop pitch affect speed?

The change in propeller pitch significantly affects time to plane, acceleration, cruising speed, slip, fuel consumption and of engine rpm. The shorter the pitch, the faster we move forward (acceleration) and the engine can increase rpm more easily. A lower pitch means a boat can stay on plane at a lower rpm.

What RPM should I run my 2 stroke outboard?

When a boat is over-propped (the propellers have too much pitch), the outboard(s) highest achievable RPM is lower than the manufacturer’s recommended wide-open-throttle RPM, which typically is between 5000 and 6000 RPM.

What does Overpropped mean?

Overpropping results from a prop which has a combination of too great a pitch and/or too great a diameter and/or too many blades.

What prop makes a boat go faster?

If you are running an aluminum prop, changing to even a basic stainless steel prop will usually improve top speed. Because stainless steel is stronger than aluminum, the blades on a stainless prop can be thinner, which reduces drag in the water.

Will a higher pitch prop make my boat faster?

Pitch measures the forward movement of the propeller’s blade during one complete revolution. This is measured in inches. Lowering prop pitch will increase acceleration and thrust. Increasing prop pitch will make the boat go faster (provided the engine has enough power to keep the RPMs in the optimum operating range.

What rpm should my boat run at?

Most mechanics and engineers suggest the best cruising speeds are achieved at 3400 and 3800 rpm respectively.

How do I make my boat ride smoother?

Maybe the wind shifts or you need to run a circuitous route with one or more legs that face steep waves. When this occurs, you can smooth the ride by lowering the bow so the boat’s sharper forward entry knives through the waves versus pounding over them with the obtuse midsection of the hull.