Prop suggestion for 2008 197 deckboat-gctid803622

[Guest]

We have a 2008 bayliner 197 deckboat I/O with the 3.0 135 hp merccruiser. Currently have a 3 blade 19 on it. We just had it unwinterized and guy suggested we get a mercury stainless steel 5 blade prop to get better starting speed for skiing. We started looking but it is very confusing on what pitch we should get. He only uses mercury props and it would be 650 from him. Finding some for 545 online but no clue what pitch we should get. Any suggestions?

[itsabowtime2]

Is your goal better hole shot and slower planning speeds for water sports?

The general rules are:

For each inch of pitch the RPM's will go up or down 200RPM's. Lowering pitch increased RPM's and visa versa.

Moving from a 3 to 4 blade prop (all other numbers remaining equal) will usually reduce max RPM's by 50-150.

Something to consider, adding blades adds stress to the engine. On a 3.0 moving to 4, OK. If I had a boat powered with a 3.0 I'm not sure if I would go to five. Personally I would stay away from stainless. They are expensive, difficult to repair and are not as forgiving if you happen to hit something with it.

Often a local shop will have props they allow you to take on a test run. If you find one that does make sure you test under the same conditions you usually run the boat under. Load, fuel, gear. If your boat is currently achieving Max RPM's within range moving to a 4 blade and dropping 1/2" pitch should do the trick.

[RobMick]

Deblog....where are you boating? If in lakes and rivers, aluminum props would be better. I have the 3.0 on my 185 it came from the factory with 14x21" 3-blade prop. I switched to a 14x19" 4-blade and it made a BIG difference. Also consider adding Smart Tabs if using boat in lakes and rivers....between the 4-blade and the Smart Tabs the boat is COMPLETELY different and handles much better, better all-round performance, and basically gets rid of any bow wander at slow, no wake speeds....I agree with the above mentioned responses, I think stainless, in that engine anyway is a waste of money. You may get what 1-3mph faster top end for an additional $400? Keep your money and run with aluminum 4-blade. If you had a real beast in that boat, 5.0 v-8 or lager, than maybe again based on where you boat a ss prop might be an option...

[Guest]

Thank you so much. Boat guy suggested it to my husband but I am the researcher. I like the prices of the alloy 4 blades much better.

We are on a small private lake. We have a mercury merc alloy19 pitch 3 blade and it takes a bit to plane out and start not that great. We tube but wanted to get some water skis and just probably need more oomph.

I definitely did not want to spend 546-645 on a prop!

[aluxury1]

I would try a 13 1/2 x 17. You of coarse need to know what the WOT is for the engine and get that close. But in my experience, every time I have gone down in pitch, the boat performs better. :cheer:

[Guest]

Thanks. The same brand we have alpha prop comes in a 4 blade 18 and 14.5. We currently have a 14.5 19 3 blade. Would that do much for us. I do not understand all the differences much.

[RobMick]

The addition of a blade and drop in pitch makes a huge difference. More bite and grip in the water gets the stern of the boat out of the water quicker...but as mentioned to really "dial" into the right prop, you need to provide the WOT (Wide Open Throttle) RPM numbers that you are currently achieving with the existing prop....