Prop Selection

[Fisherman25]

Who's the best to consult on prop selection? I'm not satisfied with the performance I'm currently getting and want to make some changes.

 

[DirtyMike]

Either motor manufacturer or call one of the local boat shops. I've slunk around many forums looking for answers.

 

[FishReaper]

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/propellers/selector/#/step-one
http://www.qsprops.com/prop-selector/#
its rough but its a start. What are you running now?

 

[Fisherman25]

I have a 21p stainless on a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke. (Ranger 1880 Angler). I get 5400 to maybe 5500 at WOT trimmed up to just at the verge of blowing out. It's running around 45.5-47 mph there.

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Hole shot is fine with 2 people, but load her up with four people and live wells full of water and I have to pretty much lay someone on the bow to get her on plane.

 

[SDMF]

Go right to Ranger. They do (or used to) quite a bit of prop testing with all of their hulls.

 

[Fisherman25]

Go right to Ranger. They do (or used to) quite a bit of prop testing with all of their hulls.

Thanks. I'll definitely try that route.

 

[sweeney]

Sad to say it but without a jackplate you are probably at about your max mph, you can spend another couple hundred on props but I know two guys running similar set ups one is around 50 mph(a lot of setup time to get there) other is running 47.5 another guy had a 175 2stroke I think, it may be a 4 stroke though and he claims 51 to 53.

 

[SupressYourself]

It sounds like you're most disappointed in hole shot under load. You will probably want to try a 19p prop. That should give you better hole shot and since (I believe) you still have some RPM room at WOT, you may not lose any (or even gain some) top end. Another cheaper solution for getting on plane is a hydrofoil, but most people say you will lose a mph or two on top end.

 

[Petras]

is it a 21 pitch 3 blade prop? if so, i personally would stay with a 21p but go to a 4 blade or even a 5 blade.. i run a 5 blade on my 200 merc on the back of my fx18dv and love it. but that being said, my boat is not a ranger so results will most likely vary. if you know anyone that has a 4 or 5 blader ask them if you can try.

 

[Wild and Free]

Yamaha has selection guides for specific boats right on their site to get you close anyhow.
I looked over at Yamaha and you are right on @ 21P but diameter is what makes and breaks just as much and you didn't supply that. Another thing is every brand is a bit different, they all have different cup angles ect, I like Yamaha props the best, I have tried a few different ones on My F150 on my pontoon and Yamaha props perform the best.
Also what engine mount height hole the engine is mounted in can make a big difference too, on plane the fin on the lower unit should be right at or about an inch below the water line for quick reference.

Here you go.

http://yamahaoutboards.com/owner-resources/performance-bulletins

 

[Fisherman25]

is it a 21 pitch 3 blade prop? if so, i personally would stay with a 21p but go to a 4 blade or even a 5 blade.. i run a 5 blade on my 200 merc on the back of my fx18dv and love it. but that being said, my boat is not a ranger so results will most likely vary. if you know anyone that has a 4 or 5 blader ask them if you can try.

Yep, mine is a three blade.

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Yamaha has selection guides for specific boats right on their site to get you close anyhow.
I looked over at Yamaha and you are right on @ 21P but diameter is what makes and breaks just as much and you didn't supply that. Another thing is every brand is a bit different, they all have different cup angles ect, I like Yamaha props the best, I have tried a few different ones on My F150 on my pontoon and Yamaha props perform the best.
Also what engine mount height hole the engine is mounted in can make a big difference too, on plane the fin on the lower unit should be right at or about an inch below the water line for quick reference.

Here you go.

http://yamahaoutboards.com/owner-resources/performance-bulletins

I didn't see a diameter number on my prop. I'll have to look for that.

 

[Goose Bandit]

Call Ricky at Brainerd prop! Very knowledgeable and very helpful!!

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[Zogman]

Call Ricky at Brainerd prop! Very knowledgeable and very helpful!!

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AGREE! He knows his props and will ship to you to try.