Mariner 15 Props

[Rosie]

Gday all, Im picking up my new mariner 15hp two stroke this week and wondered if anyone had advice on upgrading props while its new. It will be on a 3.1 metre dingy so it should move but i wondered whether it would be worth while going for a stainless prop with the perfect pitch while its new.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated as I've had different advice from all the marines.

Cheers, Ben

[madsurfe]

Hi Ben

save your money on the prop and leave it standard. If and when you damage the standard prop then get another ali one from Just Propellors at Osborne Pk. They are the WA Solas distributor, an Ali prop will set you back $176 or $325 for the Stainless Steel.

I also suggest that you run in your motor and optimise the std setup before making any changes. I know that I put a SS prop on the Muddleduck and yes it went like a scalded cat! but that was an extreme example and took a hell of a lot of mucking around. The reality is that in small Ali dinghys you are fighting an uphill battle to get a SS prop setup that delivers substantial top end speed gains.

To get the best out of your boat you should first concentrate on the weight distribution to maximise it's performance. To achieve ten tenths performance requires that weight is evenly distributed and al contents are secure. Only then can you really start playing with hydrodynamics such as engine height, different prop pitch and maintaining the optimum rpm range.

[Rosie]

Thanks for that mate, ill leave it with the mariner one as their tough as nails from standard and the reality is that its only a dingy anyway. I the only reason i thought of the stainless is that it might be better wearing but I think the ali will do me fine. I will wait to see how she plains to look at the hydrofoil but i reakon it will be all good.
Thanks for the advice and ill leave it as is.
Cheers, Ben