Corpusfishing.com

michael · Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 6:23 pm Post subject: Need some help on prop selection

I just a bought a pair of Suzuki df250's for my 1994 mako 263/293. The boat is close to 30 feet long and has a 23 degree deadrise. I love the boat and the ride. We bought it last year with only 210 hours on her. Anyway I got the older 94 mercs running and we used them for a year until I could save up for new motors. The motors are on there way and i need to figure out what props to put on. I am mainly trying to decide whether to go between a 3 or 4 blade prop. Someone told me the four blade prop would give me more stern lift and this would be a good thing. I am more concerned about fuel economy then top end performance. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks

Mike
_________________
michael

stanton8 · Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 2:55 pm Post subject:

Whatever those guys in the Contender were running should take care of any land or sea needs your boat has. Seem to be a good all around prop.

Sorry, somebody had to do it
_________________
A flute without holes, is not a flute. A donut without a hole, is a Danish.

michael · Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 5:17 pm Post subject: I don't understand your post

What prop are you talking about? Plus very different hulls. Contenders equal lots of money wish I had one........mako equals comfy Cadillac ride...and a budget boat.
_________________
michael

Purefishn · Horse Mullet Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Posts: 219

Three blades are gonna get you better mileage. I'd call Keith Hartsell at Hartsell Props on Rodd Field. He worked with me when I propped my boat out. The first thing to figure out is the pitch you need which is based on your max rpm. I always pitched mine with 1/2 tank of gas, trimmed completely out, and run it full throttle until you find the right pitch that has you at the max rpms for your motor. After you find your pitch, then you can play with different props to see which one delivers the best for your boat. I'd also call the Mako people, they might know what prop suits that style of boat. My boat manufacturer narrowed it down to 3 different props and one was magic. Good luck, it's a pain propping boats out but with the help of Hartsell, it made it easier.

huntnetime · Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 9:20 pm Post subject:

I would think for an offshore boat, you should be looking at 3-blade props. Better fuel mileage and speed in general I believe. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Hole shot is usually not a consideration for offshore boats.