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- Mercury Marine Propeller Guide
- Boat Propeller Pitch Guide
- Mercury Marine Propeller Guide 2017
- Mercury Marine Propeller Guide Review
- Boat Propeller Selection Guide
- A lower pitched propeller will create more power due to more engine RPMs, but the boat will move slower. A higher pitched prop allows the boat to move faster by travelling a farther distance with each rotation. When choosing a propeller, choose a pitch that will.
- 97 rows Shipping Guide; MERCURY PROPELLERS - SHOP BY MERCURY OUTBOARD APPLICATION.
Engine Type Outboard
Repair Difficulty Easy
Sections:
Choosing the Right Propeller by Crowley Marine
Genuine Mercury Aluminum and Stainless Steel boat propellers in stock. Advanced propfinder to find the right prop, guaranteed. Mercury, Mercruiser & Force OEM Propeller Guide Crowley Marine.
The right prop will get the best performance out of your boat. Matching the propeller to your application, whether cruising, water skiing or performance, maximizes the power from your engine. It also helps with handling and acceleration. Use this guide to learn how different propeller designs affect efficiency, power, and speed and then learn how to choose the correct prop for your boat and application.
How Propellers Work
The propeller has a hub surrounded by blades of the same length and size. The blades are twisted so that they push water toward the rear as they turn. This pushing is what propels the boat forward in the water. Most blades rotate in a right hand (clockwise) direction when viewed from the rear. Left hand propellers are paired with a right hand propeller in dual-engine installations to keep the boat stable and reduce steering effort.
Design Considerations
All props will be described by two numbers, such as 13 x 21. Those numbers are the diameter and pitch. Diameter is the overall size of the blade as measured from the tips. A large diameter propeller can push more water than a small diameter propeller, creating more power. Diameter is predetermined by the manufacturer for a family of products. Your prop selection will be focused on the pitch.
Pitch is the distance the propeller will move the boat after one revolution (not accounting for slip). A lower pitched propeller will create more power due to more engine RPMs, but the boat will move slower. A higher pitched prop allows the boat to move faster by travelling a farther distance with each rotation. When choosing a propeller, choose a pitch that will keep the engine RPM in its recommended operating range. Going under the range will cause the boat to lug, while going over can cause engine strain.
Blades have other important features built into their design. Rake is the angle between the blade and the hub. The rake angle can be flat, staying the same along the entire blade, or progressive, meaning the angle increases as it approaches the tip. Props have between 0 and 20 degrees rake. The rake angle determines how much the bow lifts out of the water. High rake propellers are ideal for light-weight, high speed boats. Too much rake, however, will strain the engine and reduce overall performance.
Some propellers are cupped, which means they have a lip on the edge of the blades. The cup creates more space between the sides of the blades, reducing ventilation and slippage. If the cup is on the tip of the blade, the blade has an increased rake angle and a higher bow lift. If the cup is on the trailing edge, it effectively increases the pitch size, and the propeller will create more power at the cost of engine speed.
Blades are also designed to prevent ventilation and cavitation. Ventilation is when air is drawn around the blades between the blade surface and the water. Ventilation increases RPM but reduces speed, especially during hard acceleration. The anti-ventilation plate mounted on the outboard helps to prevent this problem. Cavitation is caused by water flow disturbances around the blades. Disturbances cause water bubbles to boil and burst against the blades, which damages the surface and reduces performance.
The fewer number of blades a propeller has, the more efficient it is. However fewer blades will also increase the 'vibration' you will feel. That’s why three blade propellers are the most common for general purpose boating. Three blades props provide the best combination of performance, speed, and efficiency. Some manufacturers also create four and five blade propellers to increase acceleration and reduce ventilation. A four blade propeller will improve handling and control for high-performance applications. Five blade propellers are good for rough water conditions and tow sports.
Finally, material is an important consideration for your propeller. Aluminum props are a great balance of cost, performance, and durability. Stainless steel is five times stronger than aluminum, dramatically improving performance and durability. Stainless steel propellers offer better acceleration and are less likely to be damaged from striking objects in the water. Stainless steel props will outlast aluminum multiple times over.
Left: a stainless steel propeller. Right: an aluminum propeller.
How to Choose the Correct Pitch and Blade Count
Before you dive into choosing a propeller, understand your boat’s intended use. Consider your average speed, load, and boating location. If you will be using the boat for multiple applications, you may need to switch props. The propeller choice directly affects the engine RPM and therefore its performance. Choose a propeller that puts the engine RPM at the midpoint or higher of the wide open throttle (WOT) range with a normal load. This operating range will translate to the highest horsepower available from your outboard. Refer to your engine operating manual for the operating range.
Once you know the operating range, consult the propeller guide for your engine to pick a combination of pitch, blade number, and material. Choose a range of propellers to perform a water test. Test the props under the same conditions that you would typically use the boat—same load, gear, and water. Set the trim angle so the boat has optimum speed on top of the water.
To test the prop, run the boat at WOT and observe the maximum engine RPM on a tachometer. If the RPM is below the recommended operating range, switch to a propeller with lower pitched blades. If the RPM is higher, switch to a propeller with higher pitched blades. Each inch of pitch size will change the RPM by 150-200 RPM. Aim for the midpoint or higher of the recommended operating range. Keep in mind that high altitudes will reduce engine power, so choose a lower pitch to achieve the same RPM as on sea level.
Engine height also affects the performance of the propeller. Once you find the right prop, adjust the engine mounting height to create the best balance between speed, maneuverability, and acceleration. Start with the anti-ventilation plate even with the bottom of the boat. Raise the engine one mounting hole at a time until performance is unacceptable, and then lower the engine one hole down.
Mercury Marine Propeller Guide
Keep a spare prop onboard for emergency situations. One recommendation is to buy a spare propeller that is two inches lower in pitch than your standard propeller. This reduction in pitch is perfect for tow sports, such as water skiing, due to a slower acceleration and higher power.
Glossary
Back-the low pressure side of the blade closest to the boat
Cavitation- vaporized air caused by water flow disturbances
Cup (blade)- the lip on the edge of the blade
Diameter- width of the circle made by the tips of the blades
Face (blade)- the high pressure side of the blade farthest from the boat
Leading Edge (blade)- the blade edge closest to the boat
Pitch- distance travelled by the propeller in one revolution
Rake- angle between the blade and the hub
Root (blade)- the edge of the blade attached to the hub
RPM- revolutions per minute
Slip- distance lost due to inefficiency
Surface Area-the total surface of the blades
Tip- the point separating the leading edge and trailing edge farthest from the hub
Trailing Edge (blade)- the blade edge farthest from the boat
Ventilation- air bubbles surrounding the blades
WOT- wide open throttle
Cavitation- vaporized air caused by water flow disturbances
Cup (blade)- the lip on the edge of the blade
Diameter- width of the circle made by the tips of the blades
Face (blade)- the high pressure side of the blade farthest from the boat
Leading Edge (blade)- the blade edge closest to the boat
Pitch- distance travelled by the propeller in one revolution
Rake- angle between the blade and the hub
Root (blade)- the edge of the blade attached to the hub
RPM- revolutions per minute
Slip- distance lost due to inefficiency
Surface Area-the total surface of the blades
Tip- the point separating the leading edge and trailing edge farthest from the hub
Trailing Edge (blade)- the blade edge farthest from the boat
Ventilation- air bubbles surrounding the blades
WOT- wide open throttle
PRO BOATS IS A MERCURY MARINE DEMO PROP DEALER.
DEMO PROP PROGRAM IS WILLCALL AT STORE ONLY.
NO DEMO RACING PROPELLERS AVAILABLE.
Boat Propeller Pitch Guide
Test a new propeller style before buying. See if there’s a better prop style for your boating demands!
Mercury Marine Propeller Guide 2017
INDEX:
1) AVAILABLE DEMO PROPELLERS
2) DEMO PROP PROGRAM
3) BASIC PROP TESTS
4) MERCURY PROPELLER MODELS
5) WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROPELLERS
6) PROPELLER REPAIR PRICES
7) PROP SLIP CALCULATOR
1) AVAILABLE DEMO PROPELLERS
2) DEMO PROP PROGRAM
3) BASIC PROP TESTS
4) MERCURY PROPELLER MODELS
5) WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROPELLERS
6) PROPELLER REPAIR PRICES
7) PROP SLIP CALCULATOR
1) AVAILABLE DEMO PROPELLERS
- Bravo-1 (4-Blade stainless steel) – 22P RH, 24P RH & 24P LH, 26P RH, 28P RH
- Enertia (3-Blade stainless steel) – 17P-RH & 17P-LH, 19P-RH & 19P-LH, 21P-RH & 21P-LH
- FURY (3-Blade stainless steel) – 24P-RH, 25P-RH, 26P-RH
- High Five (5-Blade stainless steel) – 19P-RH, 21P-RH, 23P-RH
- Mirage ( 3-Blade stainless steel) – 15P-RH & 15P-LH, 17P-RH, 23P-RH, 25P-RH
- Revolution-4 (4-Blade stainless steel) – 17P RH & 17P LH, 19P RH & 19P LH, 21P RH, 23P RH, 25P RH
- Trophy Plus (4-Blade stainless steel) – 21P RH, 23P RH, 24P RH, 25P RH, 26P RH, 27P RH
2) DEMO PROP PROGRAM
- Demo prop program requires deposit equal to price of propeller.
- You can test a variety of propellers and sizes; one propeller at a time.
- Once you have found the correct propeller for your needs, we will provide you with the new propeller.
- If a demo propeller shows damage, including nicked or grazed blade edges then the standard repair rate will be charged.
- If you do not purchase a propeller from PRO BOATS, a $60.00 service charge will be accessed and remainder of deposit will be refunded.
3) BASIC PROP TESTS
Whether you are looking at a prop for top speed, wakeboard /skiing or general boating;
two things are important with all applications:
two things are important with all applications:
- #1 PERIOD is WOT (engine RPM at wide open throttle) most engines have a 400 to 500RPM window at maximum RPM. Example: Power Band @ WOT = 4500 to 5000RPM; this means, engine requires @ WOT 4500RPM minimum when boat has a full load and a maximum RPM of 5000 with a minimum load ( 1 to 2 people and less than a half tank of fuel).
Wide open throttle maximum RPM range must be able to be reached with any propeller used under any application. - Get boat up on Plane Time: How fast can the boat get up on plane. This especially important for skiing and wakeboarding.
TESTS
NOTE: Load boat @ 2-persons maximum and ½ tank or less of fuel.
- On-Plane test: What RPM does engine rev-up to before boat starts moving?On-Plane test: What is time to get boat up on full plane? How many seconds?
- NOTE: Do two tests of each, one throttling fast from idle to WOT and one rolling on throttle to ¾+ throttle position.
- Wide Open Throttle test: What RPM does engine have @ WOT?
- NOTE: Run maximum RPM for at least 10 seconds. Set drive trim, trim tabs for maximum boat lift to give maximum RPM and boat speed.
- 1/4 throttle or 2500RPM to WOT test:
- Does boat accelerate easily?
- Does prop slip/break loose (RPM goes up fast then stops)?
- Easy turns test: Take easy turns at ½ throttle:
- Does boat handle?
- Does prop spin / break loose?
Mercury Marine Propeller Guide Review
4) MERCURY PROPELLER MODELS
![Marine Marine](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126640969/520745470.jpg)
To purchase Propellers you can; Call us at 888-861-6757 or 909-599-0531
E-Mail thru our Contact Us page
E-Mail thru our Contact Us page
Note: S.S. = Stainless Steel / RH = Right Hand / LH = Left Hand
- BLACK MAX (3-Blade Aluminum) 6 thru 16 Pitch RH 17-19-21-23-25 Pitch RH & LH
- BRAVO-1 (4-Blade S.S.) 22-24-26-28-30-32-34-36 Pitch RH & LH
- BRAVO-1 LAB FINISH (4-Blade S.S.) 22-24-25-26-27-28-29-30-31-32 33-34-35-36-37 Pitch RH & LH
- BRAVO-1 Vented LAB FINISH (4-Blade S.S.) 22-23-24-25-26-27-28 29-30-32-34-36 Pitch RH & LH (hub kit not included)
- BRAVO-1FS PRO FINISH (4-Blade S.S.) 22-23-24-25-26-27-28-29-30 31 RH & LH (hub kit not included)
- BRAVO-1XS PRO FINISH (4-Blade S.S.) 22-23-24-25-26-27-28-29-30 31 RH (hub kit not included)
- BRAVO-2 (3-Blade S.S.) 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-25 Pitch RH & LH
- BRAVO-2 (3-Blade Aluminum) 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-25 Pitch RH & LH
- BRAVO-3 (4-Blade S.S.Front & 3-Blade S.S. Rear Sold Seperately) 19-20-21-22.5-24-26-28 Pitch RH & LH in Matte or High Polish Finish
- BRAVO-3 Diesel (4-Blade S.S.Front & 3-Blade S.S. Rear Sold Separately) 21-23-25-27 Pitch RH & LH
- BRAVO-3 XR PRO FINISH (4-Blade S.S.Front & 3-Blade S.S. Rear Sold Separately) 21-22-23-24-25-26-27-28 Pitch RH & LH
- ENERTIA (3-Blade S.S.) 11-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21-22 Pitch RH 11-13-14-15-17-19-21 Pitch LH
- FURY (3-Blade S.S.) 24-25-26-27 Pitch RH
- HIGH FIVE (5-Blade S.S.) 17-19-21-23-25 Pitch RH
- LASER II (3-Blade S.S.) 19-20-21-22-24-26 Pitch RH
- MIRAGE PLUS (3-Blade S.S.) 13-15-17-18-19-21-23-25-27 Pitch RH 15-17-18-19-21-23-25-27 Pitch LH
- MIRAGE PLUS LAB FINISH (3-Blade S.S.) 23-25-27-29 Pitch RH & LH
- REVOLUTION-4 (4-Blade S.S.) 15-17-19-21-23-25 Pitch RH & LH
- REVOLUTION-4 LAB FINISH (4-Blade S.S.) 19-21-23-25 Pitch RH & LH (hub kit not included)
- SPITFIRE (4-Blade Aluminum) 9.5-10-11-12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23 Pitch RH
- TEMPEST PLUS (3-Blade S.S.) 17-19-21-23-25-26-27-29 Pitch RH & LH
- TROPHY PLUS (4-Blade S.S.) 17-19-21-23-24-25-26-27-28 Pitch RH
- TROPHY SPORT (4-Blade S.S.) 12-13-14-15 Pitch RH
- VENGEANCE (3-Blade S.S.) 9-9.5-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-21-23 Pitch RH 17-19-21-23 Pitch LH
- VENSURA (4-Blade S.S.) 17-19-21-23 Pitch RH & LH
- ZEUS H-SERIES (5-Blade S.S. Front & 4-Blade S.S. Rear Sold Seperately)
- H6-H7-H8-H9-H10-H11-H12-H13-H14-H15-H16-H17 Pitch RH & LH
- ZEUS Z-SERIES (4-Blade S.S.Front & 3-Blade S.S. Rear Sold Seperately)
- Z6-Z7-Z8-Z9-Z10-Z11-Z12-Z13-Z14-Z15-Z16-Z17-Z18-Z19 Pitch RH & LH
- ZEUS M-SERIES (5-Blade S.S.Front & 4-Blade S.S. Rear Sold Seperately) M0-M1-M2-M3-M4-M5-M6-M7-M8-M9-M10-M11-M12-M13-M14 Pitch RH & LH
MERCURY RACE PROPELLERS
- BRAVO-3 XR PRO FINISH (4-Blade S.S.Front & 3-Blade S.S. Rear Sold Separately) 21-23-24-25-26-27-28 Pitch RH & LH
- MAXIMUS-Standard Hub (5-Blade S.S.) 24-26-28-30-32-34 Pitch RH & LH 1-1/4″ S.S. Hub Kit
- MAXIMUS-Long Tube LAB Finish (5-Blade S.S.) 23-24-25-26-27-28-29-30-31-32 33-34-35 Pitch RH & LH with 1-1/4″ Heavy Duty S.S. Hub Kit
- MAXIMUS-Short Tube LAB Finish (5-Blade S.S.) 23-24-25-26-27-28-29-30-31-32-33-34-35 Pitch RH & LH with 1-1/4″ Heavy Duty S.S. Hub Kit
- LIGHTNING E.T. LAB Finish (3-Blade S.S.) 22P RH 24-26-28-30-32 Pitch RH & LH
- PRO E.T. LAB Finish (4-Blade S.S.) 26-28-30-32 Pitch RH & 32P LH
- PRO E.T. POLISH Finish (4-Blade S.S.) 26-28-30-32 Pitch RH & 32P LH
- PRO MAX LAB Finish (4-Blade S.S.) 24-26-28-30-32 Pitch RH
- PRO MAX LAB Finish (4-Blade S.S.) 23-24-25-26-27-28-29-30-31-32 Pitch RH
- CHOPPER II (3-Blade S.S.) 10-3/8″x18 Pitch RH 10 Spline & 13 Spline
- CHOPPER II (3-Blade S.S.) 22 RH 24-26-28-30-32 Pitch RH & LH (Hub Kit not included)
- CLEAVER (3-Blade S.S.) 11″-11.5″-12″Dia / 14-16-18-20-22 Pitch RH
- CLEAVER PRO Finish (3-Blade S.S.) 15″Dia / 28-30-32-34 Pitch RH & LH
- CLEAVER LAB Finish (3-Blade S.S.) 15″Dia /28-30-32-34 Pitch RH & LH
- CLEAVER LAB Finish (3-Blade S.S.) 14.5″Dia / 28-30-32-34 Pitch RH & LH
- CLEAVER STOCK or LAB Finish (4-Blade S.S.) 14.5″-15″Dia / 26-28-30-32-34 Pitch RH & LH
5) WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROPELLERS
One of the most important aspects of boat performance is the propeller. The Propeller PITCH must be correct for your boat to get up to it’s full potential; no matter what size of engine or kind of boat.
Pitch is theoretical distance, in inches a propeller moves forward per one revolution. A 24-inch pitch prop should move forward 24 inches with each 360 degree turn @ 100% efficiency. Slippage is the amount of forward movement lost per revolution.
The goal in selecting prop pitch is to be able to run the engine at, or near manufacturer’s recommended maximum RPM when at full throttle with a typical load in the boat, trimmed up for speed.
With a pitch too high (over propped) the engine won’t reach maximum RPM, slow to get up on plane and have sluggish performance.
With a pitch too low (under propped) the boat will jump up on plane quickly (or worst case, spin the prop and over rev the engine while slowly coming up to plane), accelerates quickly, breaks the prop loose in turns, causing the engine to rev-up and slip the prop and at wide open throttle (WOT), exceed maximum RPM.
Neither condition is healthy for the engine, fuel economy and especially performance.
At WOT a increase or decrease of each inch of pitch is equal to 150-200 RPM; decrease pitch by one = increase in maximum RPM 150-200. Increase pitch by one = decrease in maximum RPM 150-200.
Once a “base line” prop pitch is established for WOT, the next step is to choose a prop that will best handle your boating style and requirements.
6) PROPELLER REPAIR PRICES
All propellers are trued and balanced prior to being hand polished to a mirror finish.
(Polishing excluded on aluminum)
(Polishing excluded on aluminum)
Pricing includes most repairs. If repair requires excessive welding or major reshaping, additional charges may apply.
You will be notified prior to repair.
You will be notified prior to repair.
STAINLESS STEEL THROUGH HUB PROPELLERS
- Three Blades: $195.00 Dia. over 16″: $230.00
- Four Blades: $210.00 Dia. over 16″: $250.00
- Five Blades: $240.00 Dia. over 16″: $270.00
- Six Blades: $270.00 Dia. over 16″: $340.00
Boat Propeller Selection Guide
STAINLESS STEEL OVER HUB PROPELLERS
- Three Blades: $170.00
- Four Blades: $195.00
- Five Blades: $215.00
STAINLESS STEEL & STEEL V DRIVE PROPELLERS
- Two Blade Rework/Repair: $165.00
- Three Blade Rework/Repair: $190.00
ALUMINUM PROPELLERS
- Three Blades: $90.00
- Four Blades: $110.00
BRASS/BRONZE NIBRAL PROPELLERS
- Three Blades: $125.00
- Four Blades: $145.00
- Over 17″ Diameter: $240.00 & UP
RACE PREP LAB SERVICE
- Call for Pricing
7) PROP SLIP CALCULATOR
- Use the online Propeller Slip Calculator