Prop question.

Looking at finally upgrading to a stainless steel prop. I have a 2003 yamaha 115 and have had the original prop on it since I bought the boat. The prop is a 13×19-k is what it says anyways(aluminum). Now I have a guy I work with that has a practically brand new Apollo stainless prop that he wants to sell me. It’s a 13 1/4×17.

I’m wondering what kind of performance difference I’m going to see going from a 13×19 aluminum to a 13 1/4×17 stainless?? Is it worth buying or should I be getting a different pitch?? I’m just looking for alittle better all around prop.

Thanks for the advice it’s been awhile since I’ve been on the site

Since you know the guy ask him if you can try it out first. Let him come with if he wants.

Give the guys at SBC a call they will be able to answer your question.

Yup he is letting me try it but I need to buy a hub kit before I can even try it. So I just wanted some advice frist becuase I don’t know anything about the differences in prop pitches.

Thanks tho I might have to give them a ring.

What type of performance are you looking for? Better holeshot, more top end speed, handling in waves?

Potentially may have same setup next week with size, if so I’ll be repropping immediately with a Spitfire. Heard many good things about these and for the price it’s affordable to at least try out. Will let ya know how it goes hopefully.

I would say maybe just alittle more all around. Little better whole shot and maybe alittle more top end?? I’m guessing I wouldn’t get both tho right?? It’s either one or the other?? My boat has always been doggy out of the whole so it would be nice to pop up better, top speed isn’t bad but like I said if I could go alittle faster I’m not Gona complain lol.

kevinh1570 wrote:

I would say maybe just alittle more all around. Little better whole shot and maybe alittle more top end?

Definitely recommend upgrading to a 125 or 150hp pitch then

What kind of boat is this on?

After going down one pitch on my last boat I really didn’t think I’d appreciate the hole shot that much to lower the top end, but it turned out I really enjoyed it. Never been much of a speed demon, so popping out on plane quicker really feels nice.

I’ll leave all other prop stuff to other guys here.

Generally, you’re going to want to drop in pitch when going from aluminum to SS because SS doesn’t flex like aluminum does. I don’t know anything about the Apollo prop, your setup, or what a hub kit costs, but if the price is right, it would be worth a try.

first you need to know what your running for rpms at wot, and that will give you a base line to go off,with out knowing that your shooting from the hip.i always like to prop a boat empty as close as you can get it.

gregory wrote:

first you need to know what your running for rpms at wot, and that will give you a base line to go off,with out knowing that your shooting from the hip.i always like to prop a boat empty as close as you can get it.

Kevin, I agree with Gregory with the first part. Know the top rpm rating for your motor and test your boat at wide open throttle to see how close you are. Every change in pitch will usually result in a couple hundred rpm change.

What I don’t agree with in Gregory’s reply is the empty boat portion unless that’s how you always run. Loaded with standard gear and fishing buddies is how you want your boat to run at its best.

What boat is this 115hp motor on? What is the max hp rating? If the boat is rated for a 150hp and you have a 115hp on it, that will make a big difference. What is the max rpm of the motor? What is the max rpm you are getting at wide open throttle? Answer these questions and we can come up with a better advice

It’s a 1700 lund so it’s rated for a 150. I’ve never paid much attention to what rpm I run, I will have to run it and see.

Thanks for the help

This article on a 1700 has a 140hp on similar boat topping 41mph top end. If you have a 115hp on there, hope your not expecting anything to crazy good with repropping. Get your rpm gauge and get what you can out the motor.

2 or 4 stroke?

4 stroke

Your target will be between 5,500 & 6,000 rpm at WOT for your motor.

The closer to 6000 rpm the better for optimal performance. See what you are getting now with the current prop. If you are in the 5500rpm range with the 19 pitch prop, you should be able to step down to the 17 pitch. You will loose a little top end speed but will have a better hole shot. I am not familiar with 4 blade props, you could check with a prop shop a d see if that is an option. The problem with boats like yours is, dealers sold/sell them under powered as a price point. The 115hp is enough to make it marginal for most buyers. It has been discussed time and time again, always max out the hp rating for the boat, the performance of the boat will be optimized and resale will be easier when you sell the boat.