This is by far THE BEST tutorial I have ever seen on propellers. Not even in manufacturer's web pages you can find such a great information explained in such a clear way. Congratulations, keep the outstanding way of educating customer. I wish you had a branch in Texas.
This kind of knowledge and customer service is priceless. I’m in the middle of buying a boat and it so far been an absolute horrible experience I’m almost giving up.
I work in a boat shop. Came here for some added knowledge for the everlasting debate on which pitch someone should use. Awesome video, subbed and about to watch them all.
Watched the video and thought it was great and decided Family Marine could help me with getting the right propeller for my boat. I called them several times on different days and all I could get is.... "leave a message"...... oh well.... Anyway, It is a great video and thanks for the info.
Thank you so much for this tutorial. Very straight to the point, highly educational, and easy to follow. The examples you give are perfect and I can honestly say that I now know the exact prop for my boat after watching this. If your shop was local to me, you would certainly have a new client for life. Keep up the great work guys!
Your exactly right, most people don't know about propeller performance. Most think just replace the prop that's there. Get the same one. I'm one of the most people. I have a pontoon with a 60 Johnson that will do exactly what you say, it's slipping. Gets up on rpm then motor winds up high and boat slows down. Just like a transmission slip in a car. I always thought the engine was set to high and still believe that may be part of the problem. However the prop does suck air. It looks to be the original prop that came on the engine. We got it at the very end of last season and so far this season we have had tornados and floods so not much lake weather just yet. I will be checking into the prop after seeing this video. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Evinrude and Mercury are both made in Wisconsin, with long traditions of made in America. And guys like this chap really do know their stuff - generations of living in the details. Even though now in Florida, still have kids in Wisconsin. Currently in the process of replacing an outboard engine on one of my boats, and found this very informative, reflecting back on propeller mistakes in the past - that he describes.
your 1/2 right lol.......evinrude wont be made anywhere ....BRP.....STOPPED PRODUCTION END OF THE LINE ..... technically evinrude plant was in waukegan , IL.
Wow, very informative and easy to understand. I was looking for some info on a prop choice for my new 90 Mercury and now I feel a bit more prepared. Thanks
This informative video is by far the most educational and precise detail 1,2,3 and why and what for boat propeller presentation that I have ever seen!!! (and I've watched and read numerous mercury and other brand boat propeller video and articles) Thank you kindly! Also might mention elevation and hot season and cold season performance limits on outboard motors.
Love how he pushed those stainless steel props saying I won't cost nothing insurance will cover it please spend money in my store. But on the other hand that was a great insightful video you are very knowledgeable and I learned something
This is the absolute best presentation I have ever heard on the subject of choosing the right prop & pitch!! I wish you had been my dealer several years ago... The two I dealt with did not have a clue... :( .. I had to learn the hard way which cost a lot of $$$$ & time. This was a commercial boat also... Which resulted in lost revenue before I finally figured it out myself. Thank you again for this excellent video!!! :)
Great video thanks appreciate it. Going through this process in Oregon with my new boat now. Dealer put a Michigan ballistic 14.75 x 17 on my new Verado 225 with 5800-6400 max RPM specs. Trimmed correctly on initial run we had 5500 max RPM at 43 MPH. I put a Michigan Ballistic 15 x 15 on it and got it up to 5800 RPM. I finally took it to the dealer and had them and Mercury rep take it out for testing. Motor was running properly but they observed that the Verado was running to deep in the water at plane. They raised the motor 2" on the rail to second spot from the top and we went to 6150 RPM and 47 MPH. He also said that the dealer should have installed an OEM Mercury Enertia 15 x 15 prop as well, and that we will have even better performance. He said Verados don't like to run low in the water. This is all new to me as a new retired boater, thankfully they are addressing it.
@@FamilymarineboatsMN its a bit of a science the dealer needs to know his boats .....some hulls like the motor up a smidge some like it buried depends on the hull and the dealer needs to be familiar with these differences
I have a little old Honda 8hp 4 stroke on my 16' aluminum Sylvan. I'm looking at getting a new propeller because I cannot get the boat to plane out I tried all different trim positions and it won't do it unless I move myself towards the middle seat of the boat then it goes from about 6 or 7 mph bow sky high to about 14 mph and planes nicely, like a whole new boat! Thanks for this video.
At 13:13, he says, " This is what we call a forged propeller". As far as I remember, forging is heating it and bashing it with a hammer to form it. Casting is a case of melting the metal and pouring it into a mold. This is the manner they make propellers either gravity fed sand molds or ceramic molds with a wax replacement or injection systems.
Very good video. Just for your information to Forged is the process of hammering a piece of red hot steel. As a blacksmith would hammer out a horse shoe. Propellers are made in a foundry by melting aluminum or stainless steel and pouring it into a mold. Many propellers and and hand guns are made in a molding process called loss the wax method or investment casting. I'm sure there are videos on RUclips about this process. Not trying to knit pick A lot of people are confused with the difference between foundry an forge. Once again thanks for the great video,
Very good video ive owned 17or 18 boats so far always used O,E, M. Props prefer Aluminum as a safety feature of sacrificing a prop tp save my outdrive or lower end My preference has been inboard /outboard Mervruiser or Yamaha outboards yet ive had good luck with Nissan/Io gatsu products as well for overall reliability and maintenance although they aren’t the fastest motors in their class they have been a good value to me Ive always stressed the same thing to my freinds about the numbers on props you will. Gain one but lose the other in the process many of my boats hav been Ski boats for myself and my family as A Florida jud Waterskiing was a passion and as i got older i enjoyed a lot of wakeboarding as it was easier on my knees
So what is the correct size and pitch etc prop for a 1993 Maxum 1800 sr with 4.3 liter and alpha one gen 2 outdrive. I bought the boat in the fall and it had a very chewed up prop. It was an aluminum prop and I had to file it off to get the chewed up parts cleaned up enough to even test drive the boat. It seemed to have a vibration so we didn't push it too hard but it seemed really poor out of the hole so I didn't want to put any trust into the prop size that is on it.
Hi i wonder if I can ask you 1 thing. Have a holland steel boat about 12 tonns. New was whit 60 70hp and i dont know gearbox aksel and propeller. Upgraded 1996 to volvo penta tmd31A ore tmd31B. Papers on both in a 1 ownder sens 1981. But this new propeller is wrong i belive.. Aksel goes stright back and on to a propeller. I do have exact propeller diameter way, and I belive this pitch. Not really shure. But I am out traveling whit the boat, but not in boat now. But if you can help me whit ur knowdleg and smart brain, I send it to you all info i have. Problem is when them goes from 60 70 ore 80hp 3selyndret diesel, TO A VOLVO PENTA DIESEL TMD31A. Them sey from penta it is "probably" right. But them alsow telling me that ore this spesific diesel engine goes lowest on diesel in like 3600RPM. YES 3600 RPM. Have tryed that, but thats sucks and when i hsve had 100eds of diesel cars and engine over the time, I like it more about 1800 to 2400 at max. 1800 to 2200 is the same speed in knots. But low like 5.0 knots . If I goes babans and drive 2400 ore say max 2500rpm. It will make 6 knots. But some are noy right here i belives. Can i get your thinking of this now after see ur awsome video ???? There is a tumb of roul that have to Spear so much spare over topp of propeller to floor of boat. I think i heard this in european COUNTRIES hsve to be 10 centimeter??? From topp of blade to hull of boat ???? Maby more pitsh so i lower rpm more and can drive at 1800rpm like all european fishing boats ???? My boat is holland curtevene 950. 9.5 meter. 32 33 feet ? It is a famely cruiser ore famely hollydays boat. I Just made it over to cabin/aparmant on the sea. And pensjonist cos of a broken back. So my dream for 19 years now have bean traveling down european waterways from norway to MIDELTERAINEN and around there. And as a 40 year of have hsd diesel trucks and cars. IT GETS HARD FOR ME TO USE RPM THATS PAPER SAYS. HAVE TO BE BETTER WHIT LOWER RPM ??? AND WHIT SAVING OF DIESEL??? PAPER FOR ENGINE ACTUALY SAYS GOES LOWEST CONSUME AT 3600RPM. BUT THIS HAVE TO BE IN A PLANER BOAT ????? SHULD BELIVE LOWER RPM MAKES LOWER CONSUME ??? I CAN BE WERY WRONG. BUT HOPE YOU CAN SHARE SOME OF UR THINKINGS ???? HEAVY BOAT AT 12 TONNS ABOUT THAT ZISE. BUT NO ONES CAN MAKD ME ANY RECOMENDINGS ORE ANYTHING. SO NOW I KROSS MY FINGERS THAT YOU CAN GIVR ME SOME POINTERS. WILL HAVE ALL SPEC AT ENGINE AND PROPELLER LITTLE LATER TO DAY. AND NOW I AM IN HOLLAND THAT HAVE SOLAS PROPELLERS FOR SALES. ANOTHER ONE, HAVE PROPELLERS MADE HUGE INPROVMENTS LAST YEARS?? I KNOW MOTOR THST WAS HERE BEFORE 60 70 HP ABOUT. SAY 80 TO BE SAFE. BUT THEM SOLD ALL WHEN VOLVO PENTA WHIT PENTA GEARBOX SHAFT AND PROPELLER NON ONE CAN TELL ME HOW IT SHOULD BE. ALSOW GEARBOX I DONT KNOW HOW THIS IS GEARED TOGETHER. THATS SAYS ON THE GEARBOX MABY ???? I REALLY HOPE YOU ONE OF THIS DAYS IN FUTURE CAN GIVE me some pointer. Will see after ur coment daily 😂🎉😂❤❤❤ Propp is 21 i tvink left Turned and some number for pitsh. Have had some boats before. But use to go BETWEEN 6 7 8. Not down in 4.5 to 5 on normal power. If gives more power, the ladys Ass just going down and ur diesel consume gets way up there. And all boat yards and shop all say strange, cos over power motor and still slow and not up BETWEEN 6 8 them say them belived i would get to be in that range.
Very informative video! Wish you were in the Wilmer near me on Mobile Bay, Lower Alabama. I just bought a 2001 Sea Hunt Escape 200 with a 150HP Yamaha 2 stroke rebuilt in 2010 that has had its 3 blade tips ground off of a Michigan Wheel Ballistic 345931 14-7/8" Diameter, 15 Pitch, Right Hand Turn, 15 Spline Stainless Steel that needs more help than the Trim Tabs can provide getting on a plane.
Excellent vid. Here's one... Two props, same pitch, let's say one is 8 in. Diam. by 8 in. Pitch and the other one is 8 and1/2 in diam. 8 in. Pitch. Does the boat go faster with more diameter?
I always looked at props in a very simple way diameter = torque, pitch - top end horsepower, but never knew aluminium flexed so much great video thanks
I have a 350 Chevrolet v8 motor with an Alpha one tranmision and currently using a 23 Prop, not giving me enough RPM! what prop am I supposed to use for this motor and transmission?
Great video. Forged aluminum starts with aluminum cast into solid blocks, that are then forged by a massive hydraulic press. Then the final shape is CNC cut off the solid block. Forged aluminium is quite close to steel hardness.
I have a stratos bass boat 15.5 feet long with Yamaha 55hp 2 stroke, I can't seem to get it on plane and rpm seems very low will downsizing my prop help? I'm almost thinking my timing isn't advancing. Just bought the boat runs amazing.
A great informative video about props, after thinking i was upgrading to a stainless prop for my mercruiser 3.0Litre with Alpha 1 on a bayliner 190, from having an aluminum prop. I first found that i could not even get on the plane with just 3 people on board, just getting 3600 rpm at full throttle, i was baffled. watched some you tube vids and purchased tabs for my boat that are to help lift it onto plane faster. I got it on plane after 4400 rpm still on low side. but with 6 people it was back to 3600 rpm no chance of getting it on plane. Then prop hit something submerged and wrecked the drive on prop. Now after watching this i am aware that i should have dropped my prop pitch by 2 inches to start with. I think i will be now going back to the aluminum prop and dropping pitch because for my application it is important to get it on the plain as quick as possible for fuel economy top speed isnt whats important. Great vid guys thanks for posting
Hey there John. Did you end up dropping the prop? I’m having the same issue on my 2017 Bayliner vR5 4.5 200Hp mercury. Can plane out with only 2 people sitting in the back. Any luck improving that issue on your boat?
Good information .It is so hard to get folks to understand the truth. Everything is a trade-off in regards to performance. Nailed it. Only caveat OEM Aluminum props are Cast (exactly what process is ??) Liquid metal into a mold is cast. Solid using thermal and mechanical is forged. Those cheap props ? Cheap cast pieces welded together , not sure what to call that. Besides junk.
This is the first time I see this subject explained in a way everybody can understand. I’ll use it within our Dutch group of boat enthousiasts who moslty run outboards in the range 10 to 100 hp if I may. Thx
Hello Family marine I have a 21ft fishing boat with F100hp efi merc it has a 13.25 x17p prop engine tops out at 5000rpm would you know if this is the correct prop for the boat thanks
That was a VERY INFORMATIVE video! Very interesting as well! You answered many of my questions, even those I thought to ask, as you went along. Thank you so VERY much!
21ft 96 Wellcraft bow-rider/ 4.3 v6 Mercruiser alpha1, bought it with out a prop. I was gonna use it for up to 8 passengers. At the time I didn't know the motor was locked up, but be nice to know what the ideal prop is for it. Hopefully I can find another power-plant for the project.
I currently have a mercury 150 4 stroke with a 14.5 x 19 mercury black max prop. I'm having issues with control at WOT. Chine walking.... I am near the top of the rev range but may have a LITTLE room to go up in RPM. I found a 13 x 18 pitch stainless. I'm wondering if this would help with control? My boat is a 19' bowrider but has a shallow vee. It seems lighter than my old boat which was a 1991 with a 4 cyl 3L Cobra and it was only a 17'. The boat currently does about 52 mph wide open so I probably can afford to lose a few mph.
I’m new in boating. What information do you need from me in order to purchase the right prop? I have an 18 foot pontoon, with a 50 hp 4 stroke motor with a white coloured aluminium prop. How do I order the perfect pitch for my motor? What do you need to know in order to asses my need? Thank you
Thank you for this video. I have been asking online and marine shop around me and no one can give me an answer on the prop i needed. Now i know what prop to get with your help and info in this video. Thank you for taking the time to make the video
I have a bass tracker 16.8 with a 50 hp merc. 4 stroke. Running at 4600 ft altitude it only runs about 5000 - 5100 rpm. it has a 12x22 prop. what can I do to get more performance from this boat? Thanks ,Roger
so I have a 20' fishing Barge pontoon with an aluminium propeller that has an 11 pitch and 14 inch. this is for a mercury 60hp Bigfoot engine, this is what Bass Pro Shop. Which is the correct propeller for this engine?
Wow! Tom, in just the two videos I watched of you (trailer and prop Part I), you have established yourself (and therefore Family Marine) as subject matter experts. You would be my go-to for any purchases or questions. Thank you for continuing to be so responsive in the comments as well. Solid paced voice/tone/articulation makes your videos very easy to follow and understand. Great job!
Easily one of the best and most informational videos I've seen in awhile, thank you for explaining all this. I have a 2016 Tracker Super Guide V16 with Mercury 30hp 4 stroke, operating range of 5250-6250 rpm and I can barely get it to 4500 rpm with the 9.5"x11P 3 blade stock black max prop (I took it out today to verify). I'm not super concerned with top speed, I just need to get it on plane faster. It drudges through the water at 10-11 mph because I can't get it on plane, if by chance in perfect conditions I do I can maybe get 21 mph out of it around 5500 rpm.
amuddyjeep . My neighbour has the same boat as you with a 60 hp 4str mercury. With that motor he has trouble getting the boat to plane. He’s had the boat checked out by a marine mechanic and couldn’t find anything wrong with it. I think that the mercury motor is a dog. He can get 27 mph on a good day. A 30 hp isn’t nearly enough motor for your boat imo.
*Update: I finally got around to buying a new prop. It’s a Mercury Spitfire 4 blade 9.3” x 9.5 pitch. OMG WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I’m on plane in 5 seconds, no joke or exaggeration. It’s amazing! I top out around 5900 rpm, running about 18-20 mph. I could probably get more speed on a longer stretch of water, I was on less than a mile of water. I’m thrilled, thank you so much for your video.
Hi there. Very nice and informative video. I have a small rib, 4.5m, with an old mariner 40hp 2stroke. It really really struggles to come to a plane with two (large) people on board, and I would ultimately like to be able to come to a plane easy with 3 people on board. My top speed is 28 knots but I don't really care to go that fast with that small of a boat. My prop is a 13 pitch and I am thinking of going to an 11. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Hello, what type (3 or 4 balded) and which pitch (17 or 19) PROP would You recomend for a 1988 Bayliner 2250 Cobra with 5.7 (loaded weight 3KP) it has 260 HP ? I was searching at www for an answer for a long time and looks there is no real one answer. At the moment we do use 3blade 17 pitch and thinking going for 4blade 19pitch - we do think that would save some RPM and fuel consumption at the "cruising range". The question remain, wont we overload the engine ? what would be Your recomendation ? Thank You for Your help. Best regards from Europe.
Ok i have a 1988 mako 171 sport with 9o mercury elpto, i run wot 5ooo rpm iam about 33mph, prop is ss prop was 17 repitched to a 15 from what i gather to be able to push alot of weight i feel i need to reprop to get to that 5500rpm motor is 89 mercury elpto thanks for any help?
How does ainboard outboard engine rated 170hp@3800rpm compare in relation to propellers vs something like a 170hp@6000rpm outboard compare. Leads me to believe inboard has way more torque down low. So could I push it with a higher pitch vs the outboard?
Hi I have a Volvo - Penta 3 blade propeller on a chevy v6 4,3 motor which has a 14.3 x 21 propeller and is 18 ft long bow rider. I want to replace it with a 4 blade propeller to get more torque out of the hole and get it to a plane quicker. I am not concerned with top end so much as I am getting out of the hole faster. What size and pitch would you recommend?
Hi , I have a 24ft avalon tritoon with a 150 merc efi . we mainly use it at 5500ft elevation and the boat is somewhat loaded down with beach gear. after 3 props i finally got the motor to hit proper RPMS , went from 16 pitch to 13pitch all merc aluminum props , now they gave me a black max 16 " dia x 12 pitch . boat has much better holeshot , but i noticed when i trim it up a little it still ventilates or cavitates but nothing like the 13pitch . The boat does fine with just me and my two daughters , but when i added two extra people and there gear it seemed more noticeable . we mainly use it to pull kids on tubes and cruise around lake with family . top speed is not important. after watching your great video , I'm wondering if i should switch to 4 blade or stainless ? today we are going to use tube and see how this prop does. thank you for your help
Great advice. What about switching from a 3 blade to a 4 blade on a 30hp Johnson that is running a 10x15 3 blade prop. I do alot of small river fishing and need a great holeshot for that skinny water. Normally 2 guys and a livewell full of cats. 1754 Grumman mod v flatbottom
I would like to see if you could recommend the correct propeller for my boat. I have a 24' pontoon approx (1900 lbs) with a 60Hp big foot merc 4 stroke with a 10 pitch (3 people on boat at the time) propeller. It will rev out at 6300 rpm and 15 mph. Looking to go faster and not have to change motor. Possibly change propeller
This was great information. I run a mariner 60hp 4 engine on my rib. My boat is like 5.2meters long. What is the best pitch for its size? How can i tell if my engine is a bigfoot or not?
Hello i have Honda BF90 4 stroke installed on my 24 ft pontoon. I want to ask which propeller dimensions are better for my outboard. 13.8 x 13 4 Blade Mercury spitfire or 13.4 x 15 4 Blade Mercury spitfire ? I drive my pontoon very often loaded with 11 persons. Some help ?
Helpful information. I just bought a used Crestliner with an unusual stainless steel propeller. And I am operating it on border lakes with lots of rocks. Mostly I know where they are, but I think I will put the spare/original, provided with the boat, on. Best Wishes.
I have a 2017 Sun Tracker 20ft fishing barge and I need to replace my prop. The current prop is eaten up by gravel. This was my “learning” prop, as I’m new to boat ownership. The motor is a 2017 90 ELPT CT 4S with a 16” x 13p p/n: 78114A45. I’m considering moving up to a 14” x 12p p/n: 8M0084491 4 blade prop. The pontoon holds 10 people and I constantly have 10 people, mostly large adults. Do you think that would be a good prop choice?
good morning Tom THIS IS GREAT INFORMATION AND WELL EXPLAINED, I have a 2019 triton 18TRX WITH A 2019 MERCURY PRO XS 200HP AND I WAS THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING A ALUMINUM PROP WHAT WOULD BE YOUR RECOMMENDATION THAT WOULD GIVE ME THE BEST POSSIBLE PERFORMANCE AND HOLE SHOT
I'm working on an RC boat, and finding easy to understand info on matching a motor and prop is very difficult. This isn't for a real boat obviously, but this was still very helpful because all the math is just scaled up.
I have a 2005 Bayliner 185 with a 3.0 Mercruiser. What would the optimal propeller be for my boat. Im more concerned about holeshot than top end due to pulling skis
Hello great info for beginners, got a question , just bought a used 2005 Bayliner 185 ,with MCM 4.3Lt v6 engine and alpha one stern drive , it came without a propeller , what is the factory specified propeller for it and what would you recommend , thank you much , Bob Alabama
Hi hello I wanna ask you if you can help me with my motor. I have a fiberglass 18ft 1998 Nitro. With a 1998 120hp tracker by Mercury and Manufacture top RPM is 5250 And right now I have a 14 inch 17 pitch and I roughly do top speed of 40-50 mph but I have a lot of problems getting out of the whole a 30 gallon tank on the back and 10gal live well on the back to what prop would you recommend on my motor
This is very informative if you can sit down and understand all the technical stuff. Thanks for the video
Your explanation on the nuances between blade types and factors was really well explained.
I own a propeller repair shop and have to say this is one of the best videos I've seen to explain how they work to the novice boater
i agree that
Finally, a video on props with a speaker who knows his business. Well done !
This is by far THE BEST tutorial I have ever seen on propellers. Not even in manufacturer's web pages you can find such a great information explained in such a clear way. Congratulations, keep the outstanding way of educating customer. I wish you had a branch in Texas.
This kind of knowledge and customer service is priceless. I’m in the middle of buying a boat and it so far been an absolute horrible experience I’m almost giving up.
Yes give up.
I work in a boat shop. Came here for some added knowledge for the everlasting debate on which pitch someone should use. Awesome video, subbed and about to watch them all.
Watched the video and thought it was great and decided Family Marine could help me with getting the right propeller for my boat. I called them several times on different days and all I could get is.... "leave a message"...... oh well.... Anyway, It is a great video and thanks for the info.
You are a great explainer, with much didactic ways.
Salutations from Baja California Sur.
This is THE MOST informative video I’ve watched on this subject. It’s all crystal clear now. Thank you so much for explaining so thoroughly. 🇨🇦👍🏼
Thank you so much for this tutorial. Very straight to the point, highly educational, and easy to follow. The examples you give are perfect and I can honestly say that I now know the exact prop for my boat after watching this. If your shop was local to me, you would certainly have a new client for life. Keep up the great work guys!
This is a very valuable presentation. I really learned alot. Thank you.
Your exactly right, most people don't know about propeller performance. Most think just replace the prop that's there. Get the same one. I'm one of the most people. I have a pontoon with a 60 Johnson that will do exactly what you say, it's slipping. Gets up on rpm then motor winds up high and boat slows down. Just like a transmission slip in a car. I always thought the engine was set to high and still believe that may be part of the problem. However the prop does suck air. It looks to be the original prop that came on the engine. We got it at the very end of last season and so far this season we have had tornados and floods so not much lake weather just yet. I will be checking into the prop after seeing this video. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Great work Tom! I am very much a "boat guy", mechanically inclined, and I learned more about props in your video than the rest of my life combined!!
Evinrude and Mercury are both made in Wisconsin, with long traditions of made in America.
And guys like this chap really do know their stuff - generations of living in the details.
Even though now in Florida, still have kids in Wisconsin.
Currently in the process of replacing an outboard engine on one of my boats, and found this very informative,
reflecting back on propeller mistakes in the past - that he describes.
your 1/2 right lol.......evinrude wont be made anywhere ....BRP.....STOPPED PRODUCTION END OF THE LINE .....
technically evinrude plant was in waukegan , IL.
Very good teacher with truthful information Thank You
Appreciate your guidance. Well done and very informative.
This information on propellers is great for a new boat owner like me. Thanks!
Wow, very informative and easy to understand. I was looking for some info on a prop choice for my new 90 Mercury and now I feel a bit more prepared. Thanks
Proof that you cant beat experience ... thanks - great video
One of the most informative video, on this channel that I’ve seen in a while.👍👍
This informative video is by far the most educational and precise detail 1,2,3 and why and what for boat propeller presentation that I have ever seen!!! (and I've watched and read numerous mercury and other brand boat propeller video and articles) Thank you kindly! Also might mention elevation and hot season and cold season performance limits on outboard motors.
nice, im new to boating here in thailand and learned allot of this video
Very informative....Learned alot.....Well done!!!!
Have to agree with Barry Bebenek; the most informative video on props I've ever watched.
Love how he pushed those stainless steel props saying I won't cost nothing insurance will cover it please spend money in my store.
But on the other hand that was a great insightful video you are very knowledgeable and I learned something
This is the absolute best presentation I have ever heard on the subject of choosing the right prop & pitch!!
I wish you had been my dealer several years ago... The two I dealt with did not have a clue... :( .. I had to learn the hard way which cost a lot of $$$$ & time. This was a commercial boat also... Which resulted in lost revenue before I finally figured it out myself.
Thank you again for this excellent video!!! :)
Great video thanks appreciate it. Going through this process in Oregon with my new boat now. Dealer put a Michigan ballistic 14.75 x 17 on my new Verado 225 with 5800-6400 max RPM specs. Trimmed correctly on initial run we had 5500 max RPM at 43 MPH. I put a Michigan Ballistic 15 x 15 on it and got it up to 5800 RPM. I finally took it to the dealer and had them and Mercury rep take it out for testing. Motor was running properly but they observed that the Verado was running to deep in the water at plane. They raised the motor 2" on the rail to second spot from the top and we went to 6150 RPM and 47 MPH. He also said that the dealer should have installed an OEM Mercury Enertia 15 x 15 prop as well, and that we will have even better performance.
He said Verados don't like to run low in the water. This is all new to me as a new retired boater, thankfully they are addressing it.
True, True, True.
Most often the motor goes in the second hole from the top and Mercury Enertia's are fabulous props
@@FamilymarineboatsMN I LIKE MY REV 4 SOOOOOOO MUCH. NEVER TRIED THE ENERTIA ON THE TRITOON.
@@FamilymarineboatsMN its a bit of a science the dealer needs to know his boats .....some hulls like the motor up a smidge some like it buried depends on the hull and the dealer needs to be familiar with these differences
Excellent explanation of propellers now if I can just figure out what inserts are all about I’ll know something thank you very much
I have a little old Honda 8hp 4 stroke on my 16' aluminum Sylvan. I'm looking at getting a new propeller because I cannot get the boat to plane out I tried all different trim positions and it won't do it unless I move myself towards the middle seat of the boat then it goes from about 6 or 7 mph bow sky high to about 14 mph and planes nicely, like a whole new boat! Thanks for this video.
This kind of knowledge is huge. Thank you for your video.
At 13:13, he says, " This is what we call a forged propeller".
As far as I remember, forging is heating it and bashing it with a hammer to form it.
Casting is a case of melting the metal and pouring it into a mold. This is the manner they make propellers either gravity fed sand molds or ceramic molds with a wax replacement or injection systems.
Very good video. Just for your information to Forged is the process of hammering a piece of red hot steel. As a blacksmith would hammer out a horse shoe.
Propellers are made in a foundry by melting aluminum or stainless steel and pouring it into a mold.
Many propellers and and hand guns are made in a molding process called loss the wax method or investment casting.
I'm sure there are videos on RUclips about this process.
Not trying to knit pick
A lot of people are confused with the difference between foundry an forge.
Once again thanks for the great video,
Love this, we just sold our marina but still have a shop I really have to upload more videos
I liked your video thank you for make it simple to understand what prop good for what
Very good video ive owned 17or 18 boats so far always used O,E, M. Props prefer Aluminum as a safety feature of sacrificing a prop tp save my outdrive or lower end My preference has been inboard /outboard Mervruiser or Yamaha outboards yet ive had good luck with Nissan/Io gatsu products as well for overall reliability and maintenance although they aren’t the fastest motors in their class they have been a good value to me Ive always stressed the same thing to my freinds about the numbers on props you will. Gain one but lose the other in the process many of my boats hav been Ski boats for myself and my family as A Florida jud Waterskiing was a passion and as i got older i enjoyed a lot of wakeboarding as it was easier on my knees
So what is the correct size and pitch etc prop for a 1993 Maxum 1800 sr with 4.3 liter and alpha one gen 2 outdrive. I bought the boat in the fall and it had a very chewed up prop. It was an aluminum prop and I had to file it off to get the chewed up parts cleaned up enough to even test drive the boat. It seemed to have a vibration so we didn't push it too hard but it seemed really poor out of the hole so I didn't want to put any trust into the prop size that is on it.
Hi i wonder if I can ask you 1 thing.
Have a holland steel boat about 12 tonns.
New was whit 60 70hp and i dont know gearbox aksel and propeller.
Upgraded 1996 to volvo penta tmd31A ore tmd31B.
Papers on both in a 1 ownder sens 1981.
But this new propeller is wrong i belive..
Aksel goes stright back and on to a propeller.
I do have exact propeller diameter way, and I belive this pitch. Not really shure.
But I am out traveling whit the boat, but not in boat now.
But if you can help me whit ur knowdleg and smart brain, I send it to you all info i have.
Problem is when them goes from 60 70 ore 80hp 3selyndret diesel, TO A VOLVO PENTA DIESEL TMD31A.
Them sey from penta it is "probably" right.
But them alsow telling me that ore this spesific diesel engine goes lowest on diesel in like 3600RPM. YES 3600 RPM.
Have tryed that, but thats sucks and when i hsve had 100eds of diesel cars and engine over the time, I like it more about 1800 to 2400 at max.
1800 to 2200 is the same speed in knots. But low like 5.0 knots .
If I goes babans and drive 2400 ore say max 2500rpm. It will make 6 knots.
But some are noy right here i belives.
Can i get your thinking of this now after see ur awsome video ????
There is a tumb of roul that have to Spear so much spare over topp of propeller to floor of boat.
I think i heard this in european COUNTRIES hsve to be 10 centimeter??? From topp of blade to hull of boat ????
Maby more pitsh so i lower rpm more and can drive at 1800rpm like all european fishing boats ????
My boat is holland curtevene 950.
9.5 meter. 32 33 feet ?
It is a famely cruiser ore famely hollydays boat.
I Just made it over to cabin/aparmant on the sea. And pensjonist cos of a broken back.
So my dream for 19 years now have bean traveling down european waterways from norway to MIDELTERAINEN and around there.
And as a 40 year of have hsd diesel trucks and cars. IT GETS HARD FOR ME TO USE RPM THATS PAPER SAYS.
HAVE TO BE BETTER WHIT LOWER RPM ???
AND WHIT SAVING OF DIESEL???
PAPER FOR ENGINE ACTUALY SAYS GOES LOWEST CONSUME AT 3600RPM.
BUT THIS HAVE TO BE IN A PLANER BOAT ?????
SHULD BELIVE LOWER RPM MAKES LOWER CONSUME ???
I CAN BE WERY WRONG.
BUT HOPE YOU CAN SHARE SOME OF UR THINKINGS ????
HEAVY BOAT AT 12 TONNS ABOUT THAT ZISE.
BUT NO ONES CAN MAKD ME ANY RECOMENDINGS ORE ANYTHING.
SO NOW I KROSS MY FINGERS THAT YOU CAN GIVR ME SOME POINTERS.
WILL HAVE ALL SPEC AT ENGINE AND PROPELLER LITTLE LATER TO DAY.
AND NOW I AM IN HOLLAND THAT HAVE SOLAS PROPELLERS FOR SALES.
ANOTHER ONE, HAVE PROPELLERS MADE HUGE INPROVMENTS LAST YEARS??
I KNOW MOTOR THST WAS HERE BEFORE 60 70 HP ABOUT. SAY 80 TO BE SAFE.
BUT THEM SOLD ALL WHEN VOLVO PENTA WHIT PENTA GEARBOX SHAFT AND PROPELLER NON ONE CAN TELL ME HOW IT SHOULD BE.
ALSOW GEARBOX I DONT KNOW HOW THIS IS GEARED TOGETHER.
THATS SAYS ON THE GEARBOX MABY ????
I REALLY HOPE YOU ONE OF THIS DAYS IN FUTURE CAN GIVE me some pointer.
Will see after ur coment daily 😂🎉😂❤❤❤
Propp is 21 i tvink left Turned and some number for pitsh.
Have had some boats before. But use to go BETWEEN 6 7 8.
Not down in 4.5 to 5 on normal power.
If gives more power, the ladys Ass just going down and ur diesel consume gets way up there.
And all boat yards and shop all say strange, cos over power motor and still slow and not up BETWEEN 6 8 them say them belived i would get to be in that range.
Very informative video!
Wish you were in the Wilmer near me on Mobile Bay, Lower Alabama.
I just bought a 2001 Sea Hunt Escape 200 with a 150HP Yamaha 2 stroke rebuilt in 2010 that has had its 3 blade tips ground off of a Michigan Wheel Ballistic 345931 14-7/8" Diameter, 15 Pitch, Right Hand Turn, 15 Spline Stainless Steel that needs more help than the Trim Tabs can provide getting on a plane.
jussst a curious question but i have a marlon sp14 and honda 9.9 what is the best pitch for this setup ?
Excellent vid. Here's one... Two props, same pitch, let's say one is 8 in. Diam. by 8 in. Pitch and the other one is 8 and1/2 in diam. 8 in. Pitch. Does the boat go faster with more diameter?
I always looked at props in a very simple way diameter = torque, pitch - top end horsepower, but never knew aluminium flexed so much great video thanks
Hole shot and top speed are great, but what about fuel consumption and longer distance cruising?
Thank you so much ive been reading about props for a week and learned nothing finally I understand what I need to consider to make the right decision
Thank you for the info. Being new to boating, I didn't know there is so much to choosing the right propeller.
Having to allow for material stiffness between aluminium and stainless steel in selecting pitch is excellent information. Thank you.
thanks you
I have a 350 Chevrolet v8 motor with an Alpha one tranmision and currently using a 23 Prop, not giving me enough RPM! what prop am I supposed to use for this motor and transmission?
Great video. Forged aluminum starts with aluminum cast into solid blocks, that are then forged by a massive hydraulic press. Then the final shape is CNC cut off the solid block. Forged aluminium is quite close to steel hardness.
CLOSE ONLY COUNTS IN HORSESHOES AND HAND GRENADES! STAINLESS IS MORE COST EFFECTIVE
I thought the video was well done for the most part but caught that as well. What he described was casting.
I have a stratos bass boat 15.5 feet long with Yamaha 55hp 2 stroke, I can't seem to get it on plane and rpm seems very low will downsizing my prop help? I'm almost thinking my timing isn't advancing. Just bought the boat runs amazing.
A great informative video about props, after thinking i was upgrading to a stainless prop for my mercruiser 3.0Litre with Alpha 1 on a bayliner 190, from having an aluminum prop. I first found that i could not even get on the plane with just 3 people on board, just getting 3600 rpm at full throttle, i was baffled. watched some you tube vids and purchased tabs for my boat that are to help lift it onto plane faster. I got it on plane after 4400 rpm still on low side. but with 6 people it was back to 3600 rpm no chance of getting it on plane. Then prop hit something submerged and wrecked the drive on prop. Now after watching this i am aware that i should have dropped my prop pitch by 2 inches to start with. I think i will be now going back to the aluminum prop and dropping pitch because for my application it is important to get it on the plain as quick as possible for fuel economy top speed isnt whats important. Great vid guys thanks for posting
Hey there John. Did you end up dropping the prop? I’m having the same issue on my 2017 Bayliner vR5 4.5 200Hp mercury. Can plane out with only 2 people sitting in the back. Any luck improving that issue on your boat?
Good information .It is so hard to get folks to understand the truth. Everything is a trade-off in regards to performance. Nailed it. Only caveat OEM Aluminum props are Cast (exactly what process is ??) Liquid metal into a mold is cast. Solid using thermal and mechanical is forged. Those cheap props ? Cheap cast pieces welded together , not sure what to call that. Besides junk.
This is the first time I see this subject explained in a way everybody can understand. I’ll use it within our Dutch group of boat enthousiasts who moslty run outboards in the range 10 to 100 hp if I may. Thx
Thank you for all the info!
best video ever
Tom need to ask you a ? Buddy i have a 2006 mercury optimax 150 what is the rotation of the prop ? Thank you for any help
Very informative video. Tom, great job!
Hello Family marine I have a 21ft fishing boat with F100hp efi merc it has a 13.25 x17p prop engine tops out at 5000rpm would you know if this is the correct prop for the boat thanks
That was a VERY INFORMATIVE video! Very interesting as well! You answered many of my questions, even those I thought to ask, as you went along. Thank you so VERY much!
I gained rpm but lost top speed ??? Im wondering if i am down a cylinder??
21ft 96 Wellcraft bow-rider/ 4.3 v6 Mercruiser alpha1, bought it with out a prop. I was gonna use it for up to 8 passengers. At the time I didn't know the motor was locked up, but be nice to know what the ideal prop is for it. Hopefully I can find another power-plant for the project.
very knowledgeable great presentation
I currently have a mercury 150 4 stroke with a 14.5 x 19 mercury black max prop. I'm having issues with control at WOT. Chine walking.... I am near the top of the rev range but may have a LITTLE room to go up in RPM. I found a 13 x 18 pitch stainless. I'm wondering if this would help with control? My boat is a 19' bowrider but has a shallow vee. It seems lighter than my old boat which was a 1991 with a 4 cyl 3L Cobra and it was only a 17'. The boat currently does about 52 mph wide open so I probably can afford to lose a few mph.
Great info ,nicely done.
I’m new in boating. What information do you need from me in order to purchase the right prop? I have an 18 foot pontoon, with a 50 hp 4 stroke motor with a white coloured aluminium prop. How do I order the perfect pitch for my motor? What do you need to know in order to asses my need? Thank you
Thank you for this video. I have been asking online and marine shop around me and no one can give me an answer on the prop i needed. Now i know what prop to get with your help and info in this video. Thank you for taking the time to make the video
Do you have a tachometer installed on the motor?
I have a bass tracker 16.8 with a 50 hp merc. 4 stroke. Running at 4600 ft altitude it only runs about 5000 - 5100 rpm. it has a 12x22 prop. what can I do to get more performance from this boat? Thanks ,Roger
so I have a 20' fishing Barge pontoon with an aluminium propeller that has an 11 pitch and 14 inch. this is for a mercury 60hp Bigfoot engine, this is what Bass Pro Shop. Which is the correct propeller for this engine?
VERY Excellent and helpful video !
Wow! Tom, in just the two videos I watched of you (trailer and prop Part I), you have established yourself (and therefore Family Marine) as subject matter experts. You would be my go-to for any purchases or questions. Thank you for continuing to be so responsive in the comments as well. Solid paced voice/tone/articulation makes your videos very easy to follow and understand. Great job!
Easily one of the best and most informational videos I've seen in awhile, thank you for explaining all this. I have a 2016 Tracker Super Guide V16 with Mercury 30hp 4 stroke, operating range of 5250-6250 rpm and I can barely get it to 4500 rpm with the 9.5"x11P 3 blade stock black max prop (I took it out today to verify). I'm not super concerned with top speed, I just need to get it on plane faster. It drudges through the water at 10-11 mph because I can't get it on plane, if by chance in perfect conditions I do I can maybe get 21 mph out of it around 5500 rpm.
amuddyjeep . My neighbour has the same boat as you with a 60 hp 4str mercury. With that motor he has trouble getting the boat to plane. He’s had the boat checked out by a marine mechanic and couldn’t find anything wrong with it. I think that the mercury motor is a dog. He can get 27 mph on a good day. A 30 hp isn’t nearly enough motor for your boat imo.
*Update: I finally got around to buying a new prop. It’s a Mercury Spitfire 4 blade 9.3” x 9.5 pitch. OMG WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I’m on plane in 5 seconds, no joke or exaggeration. It’s amazing! I top out around 5900 rpm, running about 18-20 mph. I could probably get more speed on a longer stretch of water, I was on less than a mile of water. I’m thrilled, thank you so much for your video.
Hi there. Very nice and informative video. I have a small rib, 4.5m, with an old mariner 40hp 2stroke. It really really struggles to come to a plane with two (large) people on board, and I would ultimately like to be able to come to a plane easy with 3 people on board. My top speed is 28 knots but I don't really care to go that fast with that small of a boat. My prop is a 13 pitch and I am thinking of going to an 11. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Hello, what type (3 or 4 balded) and which pitch (17 or 19) PROP would You recomend for a 1988 Bayliner 2250 Cobra with 5.7 (loaded weight 3KP) it has 260 HP ? I was searching at www for an answer for a long time and looks there is no real one answer. At the moment we do use 3blade 17 pitch and thinking going for 4blade 19pitch - we do think that would save some RPM and fuel consumption at the "cruising range". The question remain, wont we overload the engine ? what would be Your recomendation ? Thank You for Your help. Best regards from Europe.
Best prop for a 115 VMax SHO on a rubber boat of 6m? I am normally alone or 2 people max to go SW tuna fishing. thanks
Ok i have a 1988 mako 171 sport with 9o mercury elpto, i run wot 5ooo rpm iam about 33mph, prop is ss prop was 17 repitched to a 15 from what i gather to be able to push alot of weight i feel i need to reprop to get to that 5500rpm motor is 89 mercury elpto thanks for any help?
How does ainboard outboard engine rated 170hp@3800rpm compare in relation to propellers vs something like a 170hp@6000rpm outboard compare. Leads me to believe inboard has way more torque down low. So could I push it with a higher pitch vs the outboard?
Hi I have a Volvo - Penta 3 blade propeller on a chevy v6 4,3 motor which has a 14.3 x 21 propeller and is 18 ft long bow rider. I want to replace it with a 4 blade propeller to get more torque out of the hole and get it to a plane quicker. I am not concerned with top end so much as I am getting out of the hole faster. What size and pitch would you recommend?
I dont even own a boat and i found this pretty damn interesting.
Same here
Same !
What about tilt and trim and checking how the motor is attached to transom?
Hi , I have a 24ft avalon tritoon with a 150 merc efi . we mainly use it at 5500ft elevation and the boat is somewhat loaded down with beach gear. after 3 props i finally got the motor to hit proper RPMS , went from 16 pitch to 13pitch all merc aluminum props , now they gave me a black max 16 " dia x 12 pitch . boat has much better holeshot , but i noticed when i trim it up a little it still ventilates or cavitates but nothing like the 13pitch . The boat does fine with just me and my two daughters , but when i added two extra people and there gear it seemed more noticeable . we mainly use it to pull kids on tubes and cruise around lake with family . top speed is not important. after watching your great video , I'm wondering if i should switch to 4 blade or stainless ? today we are going to use tube and see how this prop does. thank you for your help
Well explained. Tons of great info here. Thanks for posting!
Curious to know what type of propeller should be on my 2020 Bayliner DX2050? What type of blade 3 or 4 and pitch?
What is the recommended for a 79 evinrude 70hp? Is in a 16' bass boat...
Can you please tell me what type of prop I should use on my Johnson 25 hp ac lightning seahorse?
Great advice. What about switching from a 3 blade to a 4 blade on a 30hp Johnson that is running a 10x15 3 blade prop. I do alot of small river fishing and need a great holeshot for that skinny water. Normally 2 guys and a livewell full of cats. 1754 Grumman mod v flatbottom
Run a 4 blade... They create more lift quicker
I would like to see if you could recommend the correct propeller for my boat. I have a 24' pontoon approx (1900 lbs) with a 60Hp big foot merc 4 stroke with a 10 pitch (3 people on boat at the time) propeller. It will rev out at 6300 rpm and 15 mph. Looking to go faster and not have to change motor. Possibly change propeller
Please call Jeremy at 320-222-2628
This was great information. I run a mariner 60hp 4 engine on my rib. My boat is like 5.2meters long. What is the best pitch for its size? How can i tell if my engine is a bigfoot or not?
What would you recommend for a 50hp Evinrude
Hello i have Honda BF90 4 stroke installed on my 24 ft pontoon. I want to ask which propeller dimensions are better for my outboard. 13.8 x 13 4 Blade Mercury spitfire or 13.4 x 15 4 Blade Mercury spitfire ? I drive my pontoon very often loaded with 11 persons.
Some help ?
Helpful information. I just bought a used Crestliner with an unusual stainless steel propeller. And I am operating it on border lakes with lots of rocks. Mostly I know where they are, but I think I will put the spare/original, provided with the boat, on. Best Wishes.
I have a 2017 Sun Tracker 20ft fishing barge and I need to replace my prop. The current prop is eaten up by gravel. This was my “learning” prop, as I’m new to boat ownership. The motor is a 2017 90 ELPT CT 4S with a 16” x 13p p/n: 78114A45. I’m considering moving up to a 14” x 12p p/n: 8M0084491 4 blade prop. The pontoon holds 10 people and I constantly have 10 people, mostly large adults. Do you think that would be a good prop choice?
good morning Tom THIS IS GREAT INFORMATION AND WELL EXPLAINED, I have a 2019 triton 18TRX WITH A 2019 MERCURY PRO XS 200HP AND I WAS THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING A ALUMINUM PROP WHAT WOULD BE YOUR RECOMMENDATION THAT WOULD GIVE ME THE BEST POSSIBLE PERFORMANCE AND HOLE SHOT
Aluminum. No. More like a 24-25 pitch tempest plus would be the best
I'm working on an RC boat, and finding easy to understand info on matching a motor and prop is very difficult. This isn't for a real boat obviously, but this was still very helpful because all the math is just scaled up.
I have a 2005 Bayliner 185 with a 3.0 Mercruiser. What would the optimal propeller be for my boat. Im more concerned about holeshot than top end due to pulling skis
Do you have a tachometer installed on the motor?
I have a 93 Johnson 150 outboard engine. What stainless steel propeller do I need and price.
Hello great info for beginners, got a question , just bought a used 2005 Bayliner 185 ,with MCM 4.3Lt v6 engine and alpha one stern drive , it came without a propeller , what is the factory specified propeller for it and what would you recommend , thank you much , Bob Alabama
Wow did I learn a lot about props, thanks for making this video.
I have a 1979 Johnson 70HP on a 16 Steury Tri-Hull. What would be the best propeller for not only skiers but for cruising
Hi hello I wanna ask you if you can help me with my motor. I have a fiberglass 18ft 1998 Nitro. With a 1998 120hp tracker by Mercury and Manufacture top RPM is 5250
And right now I have a 14 inch 17 pitch and I roughly do top speed of 40-50 mph but I have a lot of problems getting out of the whole a 30 gallon tank on the back and 10gal live well on the back to what prop would you recommend on my motor
I didn't realize you guys are in Willmar! I am to great to know I have some one to come see when I have prop problems!
Hello what is the best prop for Crownline 185ss 2012 mercury 4.3 tks ?