How can you tell if your engine is running within the manufacturer's recommended RPM range? Apart from regular prop inspections, if while running the boat you hit something or tangle up in thick weeds, examine the prop as soon as possible. No matter the age, make, or model of your Mercury engine, we have the right propeller or propeller parts to make any repairs or replacements needed. Aft Rake helps to trim the bow of the boat upwards, which often results in less wetted surface area and therefore higher top end speed. Also the best-selling, no surprise. The prop is secured to a smooth shaft with a pin through the shaft. The normal load on the boat, as well as whether the craft is usually used for fishing, watersports or cruising, also factors in prop selection. Use the lowest pitch possible for the best trolling results. Some boaters also experience better overall performance with stainless steel because the material's tensile strength allows the manufacturer to cast the blades thinner. The company has been engineering, manufacturing and marketing high-performance aluminum and stainless steel propellers worldwide for over 15 years. This is seen most often on workboat type applications. Re-test the WOT RPM. a stamp that reads 14x17 would indicate a 14" diameter and a 17" pitch. Every engine manufacturer states the recommended RPM range as part of the engine specifications. OEM Replacement Boat Props SOLAS ® is the most well known and trusted name in outboard and stern drive propellers in the world. Outperform mass-produced stock/utility propellers. If you're looking for a something that will simply replace what you currently have, the easiest way to determine the right prop for your set-up is in two parts: RPM Higher Than Recommended (see image 4) Opposite-direction propellers on twin engines eliminate steering torque because the left-hand rotation balances out the right-hand rotation. Electrolysis is caused by two distinct metals being near each other. They are not so busy in the off season, so taking that prop for repair after your boat is tucked away is the perfect time to keep a local craftsman busy during the winter. (window,document,'script','//connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Outboard motors 30 HP and higher, and Sterndrives require the most attention to correct propeller selection. Genuine Suzuki OEM Propellers for your Suzuki outboad motor. We recommend 4-blade propellers for bass boats and those with high performance hulls running high horsepower outboard engines. Caution: Before increasing the diameter of your prop, make sure there will be enough clearance between the blades and cavitation plate or anode on your engine. Most pleasure boats are factory equipped with aluminum propellers. }; When a boat is underway the engine tilt should make the prop horizontal, otherwise it can have a pull to the side. So they are pitched a little high to prevent it from exceeding the top RPMs on a light boat. Spline Count is an important factor in fitting a prop. General surface cleaning can be done to stainless if you want to maintain it's like-new shine, but even that is not necessary, Smaller outboards Email: sales@turningpointpropellers.com In most cases the boat propeller and engine manufacturers For example, the SOLAS propellers for 4-stroke engines are tailored to meet specific hull applications. What is electrolysis and how does it affect my propeller? If it rotates counter-clockwise then you need a left-hand or counter rotation. 526 Mercury Bravo Two - Stainless . The diameter would remain similar to the original, but with a lower pitch. 1) identify the specs of your current propeller and, assuming you're satisfied with the performance, replace it with something with the same pitch, material and blade count. Over-hub exhaust propellers have the blades attached directly to the smaller tube that fits over the propeller shaft, eliminating the larger exhaust tube. Michigan Wheel Propellers are the industry standard in excellence. The driver's weight offsets the tendency of this side to lift from torque action. Keeping your RPM within the engine manufacturer's suggested wide-open-throttle (WOT) range is a key component in maintaining peak performance of your motor for as many years as possible. We also carry options for Mercruiser, Volvo Penta, OMC Sterndrive Cobra, and Yamaha stern drives. Why repair a prop and contend with performance issues when a brand new one can be installed for a comparable price, putting you back on the water the same day? Changes in hull design and the introduction of high horsepower outboards have led to radical new approaches to propeller design and manufacturing. This is what our Prop Finder was created for: iboats.com has the largest selection of propellers anywhere. Make note of the part number that is usually cast into the metal itself and you'll be able to order an exact replacement The design on many propellers includes a cup on the blade's trailing edge. is a tool that will suggest props/specs based on your answers to a series of questions about your boat, motor, boating habbits, and other relevant aspects that would impact optimal prop selection. Ron Bailey is vice president of sales and marketing for Turning Point Propellers. Evinrude Johnson Renegade Offshore Propellers, Honda Marine Honda PowerTech Performance Propellers, Michigan Wheel Michigan Match Aluminum Propellers, Michigan Wheel Michigan Match Stainless Steel Propellers, Stiletto Advantage Q + Guardian Hub Propellers, Stiletto Advantage + Guardian Hub Propellers, Stiletto Bay Pro I + Guardian Hub Propellers, Stiletto Bay Pro II + Guardian Hub Propellers, Stiletto Bay Pro III + Guardian Hub Propellers, Evinrude Johnson Evinrude Johnson Aluminum Propellers, Learn More About Turning Point Propellers, Learn More About Michigan Wheel Propellers. Just don't forget to change back to your usual size standard prop on those days that you're out cruising. When boating in an area where striking the bottom is likely, aluminum blades can flex, helping prevent damage to your engine. Stainless steel propellers are usually about 3 times more expensive than their aluminum counterparts, but far more durable. Forward, or negative rake, helps hold the bow of the boat down. what pitch, diameter, and blade count are they using, and what type of performance are they getting from it? Another important but less obvious item to inspect is the propeller's pitch, as the blade angles can become bent or offset over time. Overall best acceleration and top-end speed will be achieved when your full-throttle Two right-hand (or standard rotation) propellers pull the stern hard to the right and the bow to the left. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.To learn more about cookies, please see our Privacy policy. Prop Selector SOLAS Rubex 101B Hub Kit: Evinrude, Johnson Outboards - OMC Sterndrives - 1984-1990: 15 Tooth Spline: 4-3/4 inch Offshore racers and poker runners looking to maximize their hull performance turn to Mercury Racing's CNC machined cleaver sterndrive propellers. Should I change the propeller size on my sterndrive engine? Usually either or both will be stamped somewhere on the prop's hub or just behind one of the blades. Quickcruiser Qiclear Marine 13 3/4 x 15 Upgrade Aluminum Outboard Propeller fit Mercury Engines 60-125 HP, Ref No.48-77342A45, 15 Spline Tooth, RH 4.4 out of 5 stars 10 $102.00 $ 102 . In addition, computer modeling has resulted in a better understanding of fluid dynamics and high-velocity water flow. When running at speeds over 50 mph, stainless props will perform better than aluminum. Making sure you get a prop that will not only fit the prop shaft but is suited to your application and context (boat style/size/weight, altitude, uses, etc) is a must when it comes to finding a replacement. Prop nut kits from Sierra are available for Mercury/Mariner, Suzuki, Yamaha, Johnson/Evinrude and others, so you’ll find the prop and prop nut kit you need. The certified marine technicians of Boat Propeller Warehouse will help you get the propeller you need, at a price you'll love! This means that the propeller does not advance the full distance of the design pitch during each revolution. #1 in Mercury Propellers With years of assisting in the management and growth of the famed Mercury Racing Propeller Lab, this experience and knowledge has spilled over into BBLADES Professional Propellers to bring BBLADES into an elite league of specialty propeller facilities. Should you be unable to find any information on your current prop's pitch (for example if there were no markings, the prop is sitting at the bottom of the lake, or in the hands of thieves) If the right-hand side of the blade is closer to the boat than to you, it's a standard rotation prop. They have the tools and expertise to get your prop back in optimal condition. So how do you identify your prop's pitch and diameter? One question we get all the time is what do I need to do to keep my stainless or aluminum prop in optimum running condition. Running a damaged or bent propeller has the same effect as driving on worn or poorly inflated tires-you have less control, and performance and efficiency suffer. Manufacturer's Recommended RPM (see image 1) Part numbers resemble 031018, 48-11320A40, 2231-103-12, etc. PT Propeller offers the latest prop designs and free expert tech support. These types are often used for attaining maximum top speeds. Diameter is the first number listed on boat propeller dimensions. This allows some exhaust to escape at lower RPMS, providing a controlled amount of exhaust flooding. A boat with twin engines and two boat props spinning in the same directionats will have a lot of steering torque. Cavitation (which is often confused with ventilation) is a phenomena of water vaporizing or "boiling" due to the extreme reduction of pressure on the back of the propeller blade. Subsidiaries include Mercury Precision Parts and Accessories as well as Mercury propellers and Mercury Jet Drives. To determine what prop rotation you have, look at your prop as if on a boat. However, due to the lower air density, the engine will not have as much horsepower and the boat will have a slower top speed. We carry the best aluminum and stainless steel replacement outboard props for all the popular brands such as Mercury, Yamaha, Evinrude, Johnson, Force, and more. If propeller blades seem out of alignment, it's best to have them inspected by a local prop specialist. High quality Stainless Steel and Aluminum propellers. How does pitch and slip affect performance? Why do outboards with the same horsepower often need different prop sizes? Fuel Hose; Fuel Filters; Fuel Sender; Vent & Fuel Fittings; Propellers. To check if your boat motor is performing within the RPM range recommended by the engine manufacturer you will need a tachometer. Increased mid-range performance & hole shot with a new Quicksilver propeller. iboats.com carries marine propellers designed for Mercury, Yamaha, Evinrude, Johnson, Honda, Suzuki, Tohatsu, Mariner, Force, Nissan, and Chrysler outboard motors. If the actual WOT RPM range is below the recommended range, install the next smaller pitch option to increase your WOT RPM. My engine came without a propeller, how do I know if I need a right or left-hand prop? Gas engines produce less power when they are run at elevations above 3000 ft. Advances such as variable rake and pitch blades, multiple geometries and new barrel designs have rendered older propellers obsolete in terms of hydrodynamic efficiency. Diameter is the width of the circle that the prop would make when rotating. likely that your vessel's performance can benefit from a change of 2" less pitch whenever you head out for a day of skiing. Our experience, expertise, and proprietary technologies – Flo Torq®, Mercalloy®, X7® alloy, and PVS® (Performance Vent System) – give you a true competitive advantage. Rake describes the slant of prop blades in relation to the hub. Use the iboats.com Propeller Part Number Search tool for quick exact-matches on any propeller brand, including: Michigan Match, Vortex, Ballistic, Apollo, Hustler, Rascal, Express, Amita, Lexor, Titan, Saturn, Black Diamond, Thunderbolt, Torrent, Silverado, Lightspeed, or Typhoon propellers. This provides a good clean water flow to the blades, usually resulting in good acceleration and hole shot. Often times you can milk the life of the prop by getting the edges resurfaced by a prop repair shop, though resurfacing costs should be compared against buying new. Select prop protection that’s right for your boat from brands like Megaware. if(!f._fbq) This typically happens with boat props that are poorly matched. Props spin either clockwise (standard or right-hand rotation) or counter-clockwise (counter or left-hand rotation). 493 Mercury Propellers . If it rotates clockwise then you need a right-hand or standard rotation. --> Check your owner's manual or contact your dealer to find the manufacturer's recommended RPM range. This cupping or curved lip on the blade edge lets the prop grab the water more efficiently. Unlike every other part on your motor, there is not a single part number that replaces your boat propeller. In this case, you will be looking for a new propeller; a prop repair shop likely won't cut it. The popular 6-blade CNC cleavers are available with 15, 18 or 21-degree blade rake angles, offered in 1200 hp, 850 hp and 600 hp ratings. Once you see the engine that most closely matches yours, select it using your mouse or the up/down arrow keys. To help keep your boat running its best, replacing a propeller is quick, easy and inexpensive for models with an interchangeable hub system. For safety and efficient performance, make sure that your engine is running within the manufacturer's recommended RPM range. Turning Point’s 500 series hub Kits (for 4.25 & 4.75 inch gearcases) interchanges with other manufacturers’ propellers. Shop Michigan Wheel Propellers Whether you're a proffesional angler or a weekend boater creating family memories, the propeller is the key to unlocking your boat's full potential. Mercury Racing builds the controls utilizing stainless steel for lever, mechanism and hardware strength. For peak performance, an engine should run at the upper end of the manufacturer's recommended rpm range at wide open throttle, or WOT. Bent or distorted blades will cause the motor to vibrate even if the damage is indiscernible. Position a blade pointing straight up. to a lower pitch and your full-throttle RPM will increase. They have propellers with greater rake angles that are known to maximize power transmission. Many propellers partially cavitate during normal operation, but excessive cavitation can result in physical damage to the blade surface due to the collapse of microscopic bubbles in the metal. On some vessels, the hole shot can often suffer due to the extreme exhaust flooding that occurs around the blades during acceleration. the engine to lug - not reach the minimum specification. there are a couple resources that can help you determine what approximate prop specs would serve you best, though none are guaranteed. The housing material is corrosion-resistant, marine-grade aluminum, specially coated for enhanced protection in the extreme saltwater environment. Most boat props constructed of either aluminum or stainless steel and utilize a softer hub material to protect your engine's drive train. Test for Maximum RPM (see image 3) The 40, 50 and 60hp models are available with either standard or BigFoot gearcases. The size of the boat propeller needed is largely influenced by the lower unit gear ratio. A large "THUNK" should also help clue you in. It's always a good idea to keep a spare prop aboard, but here's a way to get double-duty from that investment. Many designs and styles of tachometers are available to help measure performance. and are the reason why most people use their aluminum props for less than 3 years. The amount of slippage varies from boat to boat. Your selection can be focused almost exclusively on pitch. Wide Open Throttle (WOT) RPM Other than not hitting something in the water, there is really not much to do. You'll find discount prices on all the top quality brands including Michigan Wheel, Solas, Turning Point, Stiletto Precision Propellers, Quicksilver Props, Volvo Penta QL and Original Factory DuoProps. Throttling down to very low speeds causes the prop to overload, thus allowing the engine to idle faster. This gives you better straight-Line tracking and helm control at high speeds. if (f.fbq) Phone: 904-900-7739 Although more expensive than aluminum, stainless steel is more durable and will last longer. … Vary the trim angle for optimum performance. Most twin engines use one of each. This can be a costly mistake since most retailers will not accept returns for props that have been run on the water, making it imperative that you pick the right propeller from the get-go. Need to upgrade or replace your propeller? High slippage means that the boat is moving less distance for each rotation. f._fbq=n; Aft rake propellers also typically "bite" better on ventilating type applications. Short throw levers provide effortless shifting and ultra-fast throttle response. Order your outboard propellers today and save big! As the largest online retailer of boat props, we often have manufacturers give us clearance props, inventory overruns, and other great deals. Over/Thru-hub exhaust propellers are a combination of thru-hub and over-hub exhaust. Compared to 3 blades, 4-blade boat props provide better "hole shot" performance with less steering torque and less vibration at high speeds. Ventilation can be caused by tight cornering, a motor mounted too high on the transom, or by over-trimming the engine. There may be numerous causes of cavitation such as incorrect matching of propeller style to application, incorrect pitch, physical damage to the blade edges, etc... Be advised disturbances in the water flow forward of the propeller can result in blade damage which appears to be blade cavitation, but is actually due to non-favorable water flow. Another potential resource is a local dealer that services your make of boat. The highest quality Stainless Steel and Aluminum propellers. Lowering the pitch or changing to a 4 blade propeller can improve hole shot. Take advantage of exclusive Prop Specials for extra savings at iboats.com. Take advantage of exclusive monthly prop specials for extra savings! The optimum boat propeller for your particular application is one that will allow your boat's engine - with your normal load aboard - to develop full-throttle RPM within the engine manufacturer's recommended maximum RPM range. using iboats' Propeller Part Number Finder. You have a non thru-hub exhaust if there are NO exhaust holes on the engine gearcase around the shaft. will result in a decrease in your full-throttle RPM, just like the effect when your car's transmission shifts to a higher gear. The curved lip on the propeller helps get a better bite on the water. Rake affects how water flows through the propeller and can impact the boat performance. Using your existing boat propeller or a new propeller, make test runs to determine the maximum RPM and boat speed. n=f.fbq=function() Below are some of the key features of Michigan Wheel vortex aluminum props. respond to different pitches the way your car responds to different gear positions in your car's transmission. The usual causes are hull irregularities, steering system hook-up, or outboard engine mounting. But it is critical any edge damage, dings, gouges, or bending of the blades be brought to the attention of a local prop repair specialist immediately. t=b.createElement(e); The two important propeller dimensions that you'll need to consider are pitch and diameter. Mercury Marine and Turning Point Propellers hub kits include everything you need to DIY your installation. We use cookies to optimize site functionality and improve your overall experience. Turning Point Propellers: Effect of Prop Pitch on RPM (see image 2) Count the teeth on your prop shaft or inside the hub to determine spline count. For safety and efficient performance, it is critical that your engine operates within the RPM range recommended by the manufacturer. Propellers that aren't showing any signs of impact may still have been damaged. Mercury has recently developed a processor-enhanced line of outboards called the "Verado" outboard engine. Three primary performance-changing attributes of the propeller can be changed/modified without preventing the prop from fitting. If your family is into tow watersports, it's Shop the propeller experts – boat propellers for sale at wholesale prices and fast shipping; buy boat propellers, propeller parts, prop repairs … less costly, but more prone to damage. Thru-hub boat props consist of a round barrel (the hub) to which the blades are attached. Shop, read reviews, or ask questions about Propellers at the official West Marine online store. (not enough resistance = over-revving) or too small of a diameter (too much slip = over-revving). If the right-hand side of the blade is closer to the hull than to you, it's a standard rotation. Not sure what prop you need? Volvo Penta DuoProps have a front and rear propeller that rotate back to back on the same drive. Cavitation is a phenomena of water vaporizing or "boiling" due to the extreme reduction of pressure on the back of the propeller blade. Signs of severe wear, such as chipping or cracks on the blade tips or cracks along the blade joints are easiest to spot. Damage to the engine can occur if a propeller that allows the You can type in horsepower, model name, liters, year, etc. Alternatively you may only see a number between 5 and 27 followed by a "p", which would be the pitch. Quicksilver builds with precision and an eye towards performance. The standard format of diameter and pitch for props is: pitch x diameter; e.g. Stainless steel boat props are ideal for large or heavy boats and those running in saltwater. The stock gearing on outboards causes the shaft to turn slower than the RPM at the powerhead. have pre-selected the diameter range needed for your engine. Original outboard propellers are typically selected knowing the exact boat that it will end up on. Most boats experience some "slippage" between the blades and the water. Propeller Characteristics - Aluminum Vs. Most single engines use a standard rotation prop. s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; Website: www.turningpointpropellers.com. Lowering the pitch is always best for trolling. Select high-performance boat props and boat propellers from Cabela's for faster acceleration, better fuel economy and better holding in rough water. Their aluminum propellers surpass the average stainless steel type in three major areas: thinness, quality, and corrosion resistance. Do you know the part number of your old prop? The less noble of the two adjacent metals begins to corrode. About Sterndrive Replacement. There also are good reasons to replace an older propeller that is still in good condition. Pitch is the second number listed in the propeller dimensions. Mercury Marine's What is the difference between Thru-Hub Exhaust, Over-Hub Exhaust, and Non Thru-Hub Exhaust? The improved acceleration Whether you pilot a small fishing boat or a party on a big pontoon, there’s a Mercury FourStroke that fits the bill. Check the boat hull for any distortion that could cause a problem. Est. pitch change will result in an average 300 to 400 full-throttle RPM change. Lowering the boat prop pitch will help keep the RPMs within the desired range. Mercury FourStrokes have long led the pack with clean, quiet, fuel-efficient outboard power, and now the gap grows even wider. larger engine installations. 2) Sudden & significant increase in RPM and partial loss of power accompanied by heavy vibrations is usually the symptom of having done significant damage to your prop blades. 3) Gradual increase in RPM (over months/years) is a common symptom of light to moderate damage done to the prop via dings and nicks usually caused by debris, sand bars, or rocks, You have a thru-hub exhaust if there are exhaust holes on the engine gearcase around the shaft. Alternatively, you could have a factory defect, which is typically a hub related issues, in which case you should contact the retailer or manufacturer for a return or warranty claim. Using both standard and counter rotation with twin engines will eliminate the steering torque. The company has been engineering, manufacturing and marketing high-performance aluminum and stainless steel propellers worldwide for over 15 years. When this happens the engine RPMs increase rapidly and the boat loses speed. They are inexpensive and under normal conditions can last for many years. The history of stern drive power begins in the First World War with the production of the MAS of Isotta Fraschini, with two counter-rotating propellers. Churning sand, mud, floating debris, logs and rocks can bend, chip or crack blades. It typically results in a 300-400 RPM decrease. Sterndrive Replacement is a company unlike any other in the sale of aftermarket MerCruiser's Sterndrive , Alpha One Generation 1, Alpha One Generation 2, Bravo 1, our stern drive designed to replace Mercury Marine's Mercruiser®, Alpha One®, R, MR, Gen 2 … However, if the boat displacement changes, due to the addition of heavy aftermarket equipment, you should consider a different boat prop. Once you've determined the pitch and diameter you need, you'll need to find prop options that will fit your prop shaft. Cupping works very well where the motor can be trimmed, positioning the propeller near the water's surface. fbq('init', '1693618767552717'); Position a blade pointing straight up. We have a listing of reconditiond props that we have reconditioned for sale. Worse yet, continuing to use a bent or cracked prop can damage the engine's gearcase. pick your manufacturer, model, pitch, then choose from a variety of props that will fit, using diameter, material, and blade count, and brand preferences to help narrow your selection. Reduce the corrosion and pitting on your propeller by using adequate sacrificial anodes on your boat. It is often necessary to repair or replace your propeller, Wholesale Marine has the Mercury propellers and parts in stock and ready to ship. A 2" pitch increase (21" to 23" for example) acts like shifting a car gears up. These props arrive and are sold, so our current stock is always changing. This leaves you off the water. 3-blades provide good "hole shot" and top-speed performance. Sacrificial anodes can help protect the prop, but the best solution is to find the source of the electrical current. Propeller repair can be expensive, especially on hard-to-weld stainless steel. Boat manufacturers typically run extensive tests on I/O boats to ensure that the propeller size performs well. We always recommend removing the prop for overwintering, but that is to protect against theft and from someone hitting their shins on the prop blades when they get too close to your boat! Turning Point's online Prop Wizard tool helps you select the best prop for your boat/engine set-up. n.queue=[]; Most twin engines use one of each. Most boats are delivered from the dealership or factory with propellers that have been properly matched for the most Props can take a beating in even the best conditions.