The following
information is provided to help you understand the basics
involved in selecting an appropriate ski boat propellers
or wakeboard boat propellers for your boating use. It is
not meant to provide expert advice. The best fit for your
prop application is determined by several factors,
including your boat's current performance and condition.
If unsure whether a propeller is right for you, or if you
have specific questions about a propeller's application,
consult your local boat mechanic, your boat manual or to
be totally safe, contact your dealer or visit a store with
more info on these boat accessories.
3 or 4
Blades? A
3-blade prop usually offers top speed performance
while a 4-blade propeller provides maximum thrust and
smooth cruising operation.
Diameter: Diameter is the
distance across the propeller from blade tip to blade tip.
Calculate the diameter of the propeller by measuring from
the center of the shaft hole to the tip of a blade and
then multiply by 2. (Example: a Propeller measures 7 1/4
inches from the center of the shaft to the outermost tip
of one of its blades. The diameter = 7 1/4 X 2 = 14 1/2
inches)
Pitch: Pitch is the distance
a prop will move through the water for each
revolution. For example, a 21" pitch propeller should move
a boat forward 21" each time it rotates, assuming there is
no slippage.
Right
Hand or Left Hand Rotation: This
refers to whether the propeller rotates clockwise or
counter-clockwise. In most cases, right hand propellers
are used for single engine applications, and both a right
hand and a left hand propeller are used for twin engine
application to achieve better steering control.
Cupped
Blades: This is
a technique used to enhance the performance of inboard propellers
under certain conditions: a cupped propeller will exhibit
very high efficiency at high speeds as well as minimize cavitation under heavy loads. To determine if you have
cupped blades, feel the blade tips of your prop. They
should curve upward on the edges.
Rake: Rake is a special
design feature. Positive rake benefits from normal bow
lift to permit the use of a larger diameter propeller,
while negative rake can provide extra blade strength for
use in very high speed spplication. A propeller with 20
degree rake has blades that meet the propeller shaft at an
upward 20 degree angle
Additional propeller replacement considerations:
-
Year, brand,
model and horsepower of your existing motor.
-
What is the
current propeller's diameter? (see Diameter heading)
-
Aluminum or
Stainless Steel?
-
Type of boat
do you have? Cruiser, Ski, runabout, bass, pontoon...
Overtons has a great selection of ski boat propellers,
wakeboard boat propellers, and inboard propellers,
check them out.
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