Help with prop selection

bamajeff · Newbie Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 1

I've got a 93 wellcraft eclipse 196 S with a 5.0L Mercruiser. The prop that's on the boat is a 21P aluminum 3-blade. Currently I'm running 4100 RPM WOT with 3-4 people in the boat including me, and it's slow out of the hole. My outdrive is Alpha 1 1.47 Gear ratio, and best I can find my recommended WOT range is 4400-4800 RPM.

We primarily use the boat to ski/wakeboard/tube. I'm looking at high 5 or 4-blade stainless. What pitch should I drop down to? On the high five, would I need a 19 or 17?

I'm pretty sure I'd need to drop down to a 17 in the 4 blade due to the larger diameter.

Any help/advice anyone could give would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff

Poison · Newbie Joined: 18 Feb 2009 Posts: 27 City: Haughton

I bought a four-blade Solas in a 17p when I had my Crownline 195. Worked like a champ. I had no problems with it at all. Lost very little top end and much improved hole shot. I'd say 17p four blade is about right for that boat. Can't speak to the five blade props, those things are Bubb-rubbin' expensive.

Anyway, here is the prop I was running before I sold my I/O. It also had the mercury 5.0.

http://www.firstchoicemarine.com/p-22551-solas-hr-titan-4-4-blade-stainless-steel-prop-fits-mercurymarinermercruiserhonda-135-300-hp-1425-x-17-p-rh-1553-143-17.aspx