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Current Articles
We hope you learn and enjoy these articles from Darren
Jacobson and our Pro Staff.
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By Darren Jacobson:
When it comes to the selection of a propeller for your rig one
must take many factors into consideration.
Fisher FXDV18I have had dozens of people come to me and request a new prop for
their boat motor. However, choosing the right prop is not always that easy.
There are a great deal of factors that influence the proper propeller for your
rig. First, its important to understand some basic propeller terminology. The
overall diameter of the propeller is determined by the projected RPM’s and the
power at the prop shaft. Basically the overall propeller diameter will increase
as the need for power increases. A great example of this is a slow vessel such
as a pontoon boat, which typically requires a rather large diameter prop. On the
other hand if you look at a walleye rig such as my Fisher FXDV18 and 200hp
OPTIMAX, the need for greater RPM’s will require a smaller diameter propeller.
The other important factor to the overall propeller choice is its pitch.
Basically the propellers pitch is the distance that a propeller would move your
boat in one revolution. The 14x21 propeller has a diameter of 14 inches and a
pitch of 21 inches. This prop will move forward 21 inches in one revolution
(theoretically). Pitch is also broken down into a constant and a progressive
pitch. The constant pitch means that you will have a same pitch from the leading
edge to the trailing edge of the prop. Progressive pitch begins at a low pitch
on the leading edge and increases to the trailing edge. The pitch rating for
this type propeller is the average pitch over the entire blade. Progressive
pitch is very common in props designed for mid to higher horsepower engines.
The selection of a propeller for most boaters is a compromise. One must select a
propeller, which will offer a reasonable hole shot (the ability to get the boat
on plane) and high-speed operation. For instance, if your rig is primarily used
for skiing you will give up the top end speed for the low-end torque (faster on
plane). Although, this type of setup requires the very close monitoring of the
tachometer to avoid going over the manufactures recommend RPM’s. Great damage
and stress can be placed on your engine and its gears if too small of a pitch is
used to get better hole shot. On the other hand if you select a propeller with a
too high of pitch you will lug the engine at low RPM’s (below the manufactures
recommended range) which will also be damaging.
Knowing all that about the basic principles of propeller choice, one must
consider the type that best suits their needs. There are a large variety
propellers on the market from stainless steel, aluminum and composite
construction just to name a few. For the last 20 years I have ran stainless
steel propellers on all of my main engines. On the other hand my kicker
propellers are constructed from aluminum. Each propeller construction has it
advantages and disadvantages.
The aluminum propeller offers a much lower price point compared to the stainless
version. This version can be repaired a cost typically of half the original
cost. When underwater obstruction is hit with the aluminum propeller the
propeller will absorb a great deal of the impact thus typically not harming the
internal gears of your engine. The disadvantage to the aluminum propeller is its
inability to hold a true pitch. Aluminum tends to "flex" under high torque. This
is much more evident in the mid to higher horsepower ranges. For smaller
horsepower engines however, the aluminum propeller is the ticket.
Now let's take a look at those stainless steel propellers with 3, 4 or as many
as 5 blades found on many mid to higher horsepower engines. Stainless steel
propellers Stainless Steel Prop offer the greatest selection of pitches, blade
design, blade numbers and ventilation variations. The stainless props will
typically hold their true design specs from the low end to the high-end
operation (no "flexing"). This is very important in conditions such as high
winds and rough seas, because, believe it or not, your propeller will have the
greatest impact on your hulls performance in those conditions. I have had the
opportunity to visit the world leading propeller-testing grounds at Mercury
Marine. The true propeller test is to run dozens of different props with various
pitches and diameters in the same conditions with one constant (the same boat
and motor). It is truly amazing the difference in the overall boat handing with
the various propellers. Please take note however, not all manufactures of
stainless steel props adhere to as strict a set of standards as others.
Therefore, when you're going to lay down your hard-earned cash for a new prop,
consider a quality brand such as Mercury Marine.
When you're looking to test props in order to find the right one for your boat
and motor, always, as in any motor operation, follow the manufactures
recommended RPM ratings. The tachometer on your rig is a vital indicator of the
overall performance of your motor. Know the recommended RPM rating for your
engine, and find a prop that gives you good hole shot, as well as a good top-end
speed, while staying within your engine's recommended RPM range.
New technology in the design of stainless steel props can also offer other
features that positively effect your boats performance, such as Mercury's Tundra
Running PERFORMANCE VENT SYSYEM (PVS) and it’s FLO-TORQ II universal hub system.
The PVS system offers the ability to tune the venting of your props blades for
optimal performance. By simply removing/changing/adding the PVS rubber venting
plugs you can fine-tune your rig's optimum performance. The other major prop
innovation, FLO-TORQ II, is a system designed to resist any slippage and cushion
the lower drive train during any sudden underwater collision. This system also
has the advantage of allowing owners of other manufacture's engines the ability
to use Mercury performance propellers on their engines. This is done by simply
installing a hub that will adapt to the other manufacture's prop shaft.
I hope the above will offer some insight to the propeller operation and makeup.
For any further information regarding Mercury propellers or selecting the right
prop for your boat and motor, you can go to
mercurymarine.com
and click on the propeller selection icon.
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Angling Promotions
Darren Jacobson is a well
rounded Multi-Species Angler. Darren is a familiar face at sport
shows throughout the country, conducting seminars and working
with sponsors. Angling Promotions promotes your product and
cements your relationships with valued clients through the outdoors industry.
Want More Sales!!
Retail sales are the result of a professional marketing and
promotions campaign to create consumer demand. My overall objective is to sell
product!!
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