| As the weather starts to heat up on of the most | | | | RPM less than a three-blade prop, even when the |
| popular ways to enjoy a vacation is out on the | | | | pitch is the same. |
| water either boating or fishing. After a long winter | | | | Next you should consider the material that the boat |
| you may find it is time to replace your boat props, | | | | props are made out of. Typically, boat props will be |
| so the question is what type of boat props is right | | | | made out of composite, aluminum and stainless steel. |
| for your needs. When it comes to choosing boat | | | | The benefit of composite boat props is that they |
| props you want to consider the pitch, material and | | | | have good performance, are very durable and can be |
| number of blades. While these three areas will help | | | | cheap. Most boat props are aluminum since they |
| influence your decision you also need to choose boat | | | | work for a variety of uses due to the many models |
| props based on the size of your boat and the | | | | and styles they are available in. For highest |
| recommended operating range for your boat engine. | | | | performance and best durability you should choose |
| First you want to consider the pitch. It can be | | | | stainless steel, however they are also the most |
| difficult to understand this obscure propeller | | | | expensive. |
| parameter. Essentially if boat props have a flat blade | | | | Finally you need to consider the number of blades on |
| angle then they will be easier to turn with a faster | | | | boat props. Typically recreational boats will have |
| spin when compared to boat props with steeper | | | | three bladed props. If greater horsepower, speed |
| angles. So how can you determine which level of | | | | and load requirements are needed then a four or five |
| pitch is right for your needs? First you need to look | | | | bladed prop can be considered. Four blade propellers |
| at the engine owner’s manual to find the | | | | have the added benefit of keeping the boat on plane |
| wide-open-throttle range for your specific engine. | | | | at lower speeds, giving increased speed in the |
| Once you have this WOT RPM range you can make | | | | mid-range, giving you quicker acceleration, smoother |
| your selection based on the following three criteria. | | | | running speeds and holding power better under rough |
| The first criteria is that for each inch of propeller | | | | boating conditions. Robert Thomson is seasoned |
| pitch you will be reducing the WOT RPM by | | | | boating campaigner and is always happy to share his |
| anywhere between 150 to 200. Second, if you take | | | | secrets with his readers. You can find information on |
| away an inch of propeller pitch then you will be | | | | boating items like Great Big Mable or Towable Tubes |
| increasing your WOT RPM by 150 to 200. Finally, if | | | | and Big Mable Towable at Premium Power Sports |
| you have a four-blade propeller it will turn 50 to 100 | | | | helping and supporting the boating community. |