Hey propeller heads.

Emo · #1 03-05-2012, 04:44 AM

The Prop on my 4mtr Hornet is knackered, the motor is a 40hp Mercury 2 stroke.
I used to get around 50kmh in the boat but these days only low 40's due to the condition of the prop.
I'm currently running a 10 7/8" with 11' pitch.

The boat has no trouble getting out of the hole pretty quickly and I think it could handle a little more prop, but I'm no expert.
I am hoping for a little more top speed and can afford to sacrifice a little at the bottom end. So what would be the next size up?
Would I go more pitch, or a bigger prop? (is it even possible

)

Cheers, Noob.

BloodWorm · #2 03-05-2012, 04:56 AM

Solas are very helpful for that sort of thing. It might be worth giving them a call.

http://www.solas.com.au/cms/

Ratbags · #3 03-05-2012, 05:08 AM

Emo,
try this http://www.turningpointpropellers.com/ they're available through CH Smith. takes a bit to work through the set up info, but will give you some options based on your requirements.

Riverboyz · #4 03-05-2012, 05:41 AM

Emo

i went through www.robinsonmarine.com.au

awesome to deal with and cheap prices compared to my local area. Just give them your serial number of the motor and he'll tell you exactly what you need.

And quick delivery once i purchased their product.

Cheers

Adam

seamonkey · #5 03-05-2012, 06:14 AM

Tiller Hornet or side console?

You could go a 12 pitch in stainless, may be a 13 in aluminium. I'd be a little cautious a 13 may lose too much getting on the plane but really you would have to try. A 12 pitch four blade stainless may give you the best all-round performance.

Danmaso · #6 03-05-2012, 06:39 PM

Im goin through the same thing emo,

what i have learnt is that you need to find your boats rev range at WOT, take a speed reading and then you can work out where you need to go.
Say for example your running at WOT 5500rpm, and the engine is designed for WOT to be at 4500-5000, then your pitch is to low. For every pitch you go up, your WOT revs will drop by roughly 200-250rpm but you will gain 1 forward motion inch every rotaion of the prop

also there are a few calculators doing the rounds that you throw some numbers in to see what different pitchs will get you.
You will also need to get an accurate and consitent measure of your top speed, gps rather than gauges or speed/temp on your sounder...

flmthrwr · #7 03-05-2012, 07:04 PM

Just been through this exercise after hitting something in the Maribyrnong and knocking a blade off my prop.Took 5 weeks to get fixed, which was when I figured I needed a spare.

After shopping locally for a secondhand prop and getting quoted $1800 for a new one or $800 for a secondhand one with nicks on it, I bought one from America for $279 brand new. 4 blade, polished stainless, a beautiful thing.

Google is your friend, check it out.

Danmaso · #8 03-05-2012, 07:22 PM

iboats.com

aus propeller prices are rediculous!!!!

Jado78 · #9 04-05-2012, 11:10 PM

Try giving Propeller Man a call, they are in Moorabbin (Yellow pages). They can repair, re-pitch and cup you current prop for you. If you tell them what boat and motor you have and what you want it to do they will change it for you. I had mine done by them 4 years ago and was very happy with what they did for me.
Cheers, Jado

Emo · #10 04-05-2012, 11:38 PM

Thanks for the advice,

It's a tiller steer.

Ill speak to a few experts before making a purchase, but in your opinions would it be better to go bigger size or more pitch?
If I go bigger would I go down a little in pitch?

smokindrags · #11 05-05-2012, 02:26 AM

last year i did go with solas but payed the $$$
and i was happy i did as the first one didnt suit so i could return it for a swap
for a higher pitch at no charge except what it cost me to get it back to them

seamonkey · #12 05-05-2012, 03:21 AM

Emo

Dont worry too much about diameter - as long as it fits physically. Same sort of diameter and up an inch in pitch.

Pitch is the important factor for what your trying to achieve.

tchoklat · #13 05-05-2012, 03:50 AM

propgods.com is the answer! Go to the forum and ask for advice. It is always forthcoming.

rodmy · #14 24-05-2012, 08:56 AM

Yes Australian propeller prices are ridiculous !!!! For my Mercury 90 hp, I was quoted $900 (Solas stainless steel) I did a search for Australian on line sellers best price $750. went to ebay (USA) found a great e bay store the prop $300 plus $100 air mail (they are heavy) no prizes for guessing who I bought from.
Considering the props are made in Taiwan, Australians are simply being ripped off!