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another prop question!

Tbradley
Tbradley Member Posts: 3 ✭✭

        Hey Guys, I have a question about changing my aluminum prop to SS.  Heres my info: '06' GS202 sporting a DF140 with current prop Solas 13.75x17, with 1/2 tank of fuel and the family its turns 6000 wot at 36 mph (gps), which I'm ok with.  Holeshot is ok, would like it to be a little better if possible.  My prop is dinged up pretty bad and I want to change to SS.  I'm having trouble locating exact same size, so my question is this.  If I go with a 14" SS prop with 17 pitch, will I see any difference adding 1/4" to the diameter and and changing material?  Or if you guys have another suggestion, I'm open.  I mainly tube the kids and ski a little, and cruise.

Thanks

Tim

2006 GS 202FD
Suzuki 140 OB

Comments

  • nquirk
    nquirk Member, Moderator Posts: 672 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November 2013

    Prop diameter is a function of prop design. If you compare different pitches in props of the same model from the same manufacturer you will see that as pitch goes up, diameter comes down a bit and vice versa.

    You cannot simply compare a 13-3/4 x17 aluminum to a 14x17 SS. They are simply different designs. Generally however, diameter will not affect RPM or performance nearly as much as pitch. When you change from aluminum to stainless, change the number of blades, change prop manufacturers, and prop models, you introduce so many variables it's hard to tell what you will end up with.

    So, as a starting point, first measure the clearance of the 13 3/4 prop and the anti-ventilation plate above.  Is there clearance or do you have the largest diameter prop available to fit that motor.

    Second, what is the top of your RPM range for this motor (you're turning 6000RPMs) but what is the top of the range.  You want to get as close to that as possible.  Going to 14" diameter, and maintaining the same pitch you may be fine, but you first need to know the top end RPMs suggested for that engine and based on the variables you already know, you can start to determine if simply adding another 1/4" diameter should be fine.  I would think it may be possible but the RPM range will be key to this.

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    2010 Hurricane SS 188 OB
    2010 Mercury Optimax 200HP / Mercury SS High Five 19P
    2010 Trailmaster SC trailer
  • Tbradley
    Tbradley Member Posts: 3 ✭✭

    Thanks,

    Max rpms is 6200 and Suzuki says 14" will work.  Right now I have about 7/16" clearance from from the top of the blade, so I think I'll be fine.  I guess what I'm looking for is a ss prop that is close as I can get to what I have, because I happy with the overall performance.  I just don't want any drastic changes.

    Tim

    2006 GS 202FD
    Suzuki 140 OB

  • nquirk
    nquirk Member, Moderator Posts: 672 ✭✭✭✭

    If that's the case, I think the 14x17 SS will work just fine and you won't over rev the engine and be in a proper RPM range.

    I don't think you'll see anything change getting on plane, etc as you'll be maintaining pitch but possible increase/decrease in speed of +/- 1MPH.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2010 Hurricane SS 188 OB
    2010 Mercury Optimax 200HP / Mercury SS High Five 19P
    2010 Trailmaster SC trailer