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What size prop on a SS 201 I/O?

sirbuilder99
sirbuilder99 Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
in Engine Discussions
Hi, I bought a 2012 leftover SS 201 I/O with a 220hp Mercruiser with an Alpha 1 Drive and it came with a 3 blade 14.25 x 23 inch pitch aluminum prop.

According to the dealer's test technician, he tested it at 52 mpi @ 4800 WOT.  However, when I got the boat and broke her in, the best I could do was 45 (GPS) MPI @ 4400rpm!!  I was not only somewhat confused but disappointed.  Either the technician was lying or something happened in transportation to the boat which was less likely.

I borrowed a 14 x 21 aluminum prop and was able to hit 5000 RPM and about 44MPH in rough and windy lake water while the 23 pitch could do only about 41 or 42.

I am thinking about putting a 14 x 22 inch pitch stainless steel cupped prop on and would like to get your comments, which would be welcomed.
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Answers

  • gkhoekstra
    gkhoekstra Member Posts: 2 ✭
    I own your model, only of 2011 vintage. I use a Mercury Mirage Plus 14 3/4 X 21 propeller. WOT with one aboard sees 46-47 mph at 4900 RPM. Hole shot is acceptable, if not spectacular. I also feel that the larger diameter prop helps with the slow speed wandering that this model is known for.
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  • sirbuilder99
    sirbuilder99 Member Posts: 8 ✭✭
    Thanks GK. Is your prop a 3 or 4 blade?
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  • nquirk
    nquirk Member, Moderator Posts: 672 ✭✭✭✭
    @sirbuilder99, the Mercury Mirage Plus is a Stainless Steel, 3 blade propeller.
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    2010 Hurricane SS 188 OB
    2010 Mercury Optimax 200HP / Mercury SS High Five 19P
    2010 Trailmaster SC trailer
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  • sirbuilder99
    sirbuilder99 Member Posts: 8 ✭✭

    Is anyone using a 22 inch pitch prop and if so, what are the performance charachteristics?
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  • avalanche
    avalanche Member Posts: 16 ✭✭

    What are you looking for- hole shot or top speed?i 

    My 2013 188 merc 220 hp alpha(with catalytic converter and OBD) came with same prop set up as you-23" pitch   14.25" 3 blade alum prop.    Hole shot and time tp plane was terrible but my top speed was 55-56 mph at 4800 rpm . I wanted hole shot so I experimented with various props .   Always a tradeoff between top speed and hole shot with prop pitch and number of blades apparently being the biggest influence.

    We ended up with a High 5 19" pitch 5 blade stainless steel prop and sx80 trim tabs which improved hole shot and time to plane but reduced top speed to 44 mph .

    My Merc dealer helped me through this by lending me various props to try.


    Hope this helps

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