Prop Selection Help guys!

[mbroome]

I currently have a 15X17 15 spline prop on my OMC outdrive, along with a small block chevy 305. Can someone explain what performance and handling characteristics will come with different props? A friend wants to sell me 14 1/4 X 23 15 spline stainless prop. Will this give me a faster out of the hole plane or more top speed? Thanks for educating me! I mainly use the boat for tubing, skiing etc etc.

[Xlration Marine]

Well if he is your friend as you say, then he should have no issue letting you try it first. You might not be able to spin it with a weenie motor like a 305. But this all hinges on the weight of your rig. Find a local prop shop or a dealer that will have props to test. You motor will need to run at it's top RPM, what ever that is for that motor, maybe 5200-5400? And the only way to know what that 23 will do or any prop for that mater is to put it on. Get a baseline on the prop you have now and go from there. IE: Do you want to ski, maybe two skiers???

[BDMar]

You might not be able to spin it with a weenie motor like a 305.
Nice, a weenie motor huh?:rolleyes:
If it is the original OMC 305 engine it is designed to run 4600 to 4800 max. I do agree that you should try a prop before you buy it. Your buddies larger pitch prop will come out of the hole slower than the one you have now. The smaller diameter will help, but the 6 inches of pitch difference I think will pull the engine down below the optimum RPM'S.

[brianthomas]

The six extra inches of pitch will lower your max rpms around 1,200 and assuming you max out now between 4400 and 4600 you will likely not even get on plane. If you do this thing will be really hard on the engine and you most likely will not go as fast as you do now. Try it if you wish but there is no chance it will work well if you are proped correctly now. Good thought though.

[Xlration Marine]

The six extra inches of pitch will lower your max rpms around 1,200 and assuming you max out now between 4400 and 4600 you will likely not even get on plane. If you do this thing will be really hard on the engine and you most likely will not go as fast as you do now. Try it if you wish but there is no chance it will work well if you are proped correctly now. Good thought though.
Weenie motor. The old 305's were hard on cam shafts as well. If she blows stick in a 383 fast burn. That will spin it.
This thing could be in a searay 240ov ya know.

[BDMar]

Weenie motor. The old 305's were hard on cam shafts as well. If she blows stick in a 383 fast burn. That will spin it.
This thing could be in a searay 240ov ya know.
Classy. This weenie motor powers the boat that carries his family, ice chest, and what ever else he needs to have a day on the lake. I don't have much tolerance when people make fun of somebody elses pride and joy. He comes on here to ask for friendly advice and you slam his engine.:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
mbroome, If you are currently running at the max rpm's for your engine, 4600 to 4800 you could try a 14 1/2 x 19. That might pick up a little speed and help planing. What is the boat? What rpm's are you running at wot?

[Xlration Marine]

Cry me a river. And fast.

[SummitKarl]

Classy. This weenie motor powers the boat that carries his family, ice chest, and what ever else he needs to have a day on the lake. I don't have much tolerance when people make fun of somebody elses pride and joy. He comes on here to ask for friendly advice and you slam his engine.:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
mbroome, If you are currently running at the max rpm's for your engine, 4600 to 4800 you could try a 14 1/2 x 19. That might pick up a little speed and help planing. What is the boat? What rpm's are you running at wot?
you know Brian it's no wonder OG likes you....you got class;) :D
I agree with the prop choce of 14.5 x 19 as a good starting point, you can caculate it to death.. but having it on the boat is the only way to know:D

[mbroome]

Its a 79 wellcraft 20 foot. I'm just looking for something that will shoot me up on plane a lil faster. I appreciate the help folks! It may not be fancy or pretty, but it makes the kids happy! Yes, It max'es out around 4600 atm....
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