| The most important equipment for increasing boat | | | | should be thin for optimum performance of the boat. |
| performance, speed and handling power is a boat | | | | Aluminum props are commonly available. They are |
| prop. While other equipment like the motor are | | | | lighter and protect the engine on impact. They are |
| important, fitting the correct boat prop will | | | | ideal for fresh water use or use in waters with |
| dramatically increase the sailing capacity of a boat. | | | | underwater hurdles. Stainless steel props are stronger |
| Putting boat props through boat prop tests will help | | | | and more expensive. They can be used on the high |
| boaters to get the best boat prop for optimum | | | | seas with little or no underwater obstacles. They are |
| performance of their boat. | | | | also corrosion resistant and can be safely used in salt |
| The first test of a good boat is diameter and pitch. | | | | water bodies. |
| Large diameter props push more water and are good | | | | Once the boater zeros in on a few good props that |
| for planing. They are useful for some boats that are | | | | fulfill individual needs, they should be put to tests to |
| used for leisure, towing or fishing. Props with smaller | | | | find the ideal prop. Tests should be conducted at top |
| diameters give good top end speed and are best | | | | speed, acceleration, and at different speeds from |
| used for racing boats. A heavier boat does not need | | | | standstill to 20mph to 30 mph. The performance of |
| too much forward movement and needs a lower | | | | the prop when placed at different transom height s |
| pitch. Smaller boats need higher pitches and more | | | | should be tested. They should be tested for |
| forward movement. Different types of pitches are | | | | performance in clear waters and salt waters. The |
| available for different types of boats. There are | | | | prop should be tested with different weights on |
| props with constant progressive pitches and variable | | | | board and at different fuel levels. |
| pitches where the pitch can be shifted like the gears | | | | One common test is performed in open waters with |
| in a car. | | | | only the boater on board. The prop is put to the test |
| The types and number of blades, the rake and cup | | | | to check the maximum rpm of the prop at WOT or |
| of the blade should be suitable for the purpose of | | | | wide open throttle. If the WOT RPM matches the |
| the boat. Three, four and five blade propellers are | | | | specifications given with the manual of the engine, |
| available. Four and five blade propellers are preferred | | | | the prop can effectively handle the boat at maximum |
| because they give good performance and suppress | | | | speeds. The other test is to check if the prop holds |
| vibration. They increase the acceleration of the boat. | | | | well ion difficult turns. The best prop for the boat will |
| Three blade props are preferred by boaters who | | | | handle the most difficult of turns smoothly. |
| race their boats. The blade rake and cup impact the | | | | Testing boat props before using them on boats is a |
| performance of a propeller and the boat. The blades | | | | prudent measure to enjoy hours of boating pleasure. |