Posts: 3504
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I do not run a Suzuki but I would agree with a switch to 18 pitch. You will lose some RPM going steel, but dropping in pitch by an inch will increase the RPM back to the 5500 desired.
The other option you have is to stay in the same pitch, but reduce by 1/2" If Holeshot is nice with the prop you had running 19 pitch, staying in that pitch should be fine, but you will lose about 200 RPM. By decreasing the diameter, you can gain that back as well. you can expect about 100 RPM's for each 1/4" in diameter...so...going down by 1/2" will give you 200 back from the 200 rpm loss in changeover to steel.
A good steel prop will also have a bit more cupping on the trailing edge as well, so it will not flex as much, and the cupping will act much like another inch in pitch. In effect, a good 19 pitch steel prop with decent cupping will act more like 20, which is why I would suggest going down 1/2".
If you can, find a good prop shop/dealer in your area that has a demo program. Get 3 - 4 different props in pitch/diameter and head to the lake....make test runs checking and recording items like holeshot, top speed, and handling, bow lift and overall boat lift, trimming etc. One will stand out over the others in most, if not all areas.
If I were to make a suggestion, I would look at an older michigan rapture that has the XHS system in it (If you can find it...ebay being key). This will give you options since the hub is interchageable and can be made to fit your motor. Key issue here is getting the right hub diameter. All in all, I say go 13-1/2" x 19 with a good trailing edge cup. What I feel this would do for you is give you the RPM you need, maintain your overall holeshot, and increase your top end by a couple of MPH over your original stock aluminum. Depending on what you find in props, you might be able to tweek out more as well by lifting the motor higher on the transom, then increasing the diameter of the prop based upon the number of holes you move up. If you go up 1 or 2 holes, I would say increase diameter by 1/4".
Lots of variables, but with a little time invested, you can find a prop that works really well.
If you want to stay aluminum I would suggest a solas propeller. I was out last night and put on a solas alcup 3 on my 90hp yamaha and I think it performed almost just as well as my michigan ballistic propeller. It cornered better than my ballistic, and I only lost about 1/2mph in speed. I was very surprised at that with where my motor is mounted.
Steve |
