PROPELLER CHARACTERISTICS
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Finding the right match between the propeller, engine type and boat size will optimize the following performance factors
— increased top end, faster planing speed, improved low end punch and load carrying capability.
If you want to modify your boat’s performance, consider the following before making your selection. |
3 blades ... or 4?
We recommend 3-blade propellers for recreational boats
with 3, 4, and 6 cylinder outboards and I/O engines. These
propellers provide good “hole shot” and top-speed
performance.
We recommend 4-blade propellers for bass boats and
boats with high performance hulls running high
horsepower outboard engines. Compared to 3 blades,
they provide better “hole shot” performance with less
steering torque and less vibration at high speeds. |
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What’s the advantage of a left-hand prop?
Two propellers spinning the same direction on twin engine
boats will create steering torque. In other words, two
right-hand propellers pull the stern hard to the right and
the bow to the left.
Two opposite-direction propellers on twin engines
eliminate this steering torque because the left-hand propeller
balances out the right-hand propeller. This results in
better straight-line tracking and helm control at high
speed. |
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How does wheel diameter, pitch, and slip
affect performance ... and how is it measured?
Slip is the difference between actual and theoretical travel
of the propeller blades through water. A properly matched
propeller will actually move forward about 80 to 90 percent
of the theoretical pitch. |
| What is the difference between thru-hub
exhaust, over-hub exhaust, and non
thru-hub exhaust?
Thru-hub exhaust propellers consist of a round barrel to
which the blades are attached. The exhaust passes
through the barrel and out the back, without making contact
with the propeller blades. This provides provides a
good clean water flow to the blades, usually resulting in
good acceleration and hole shot. |
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| Over-hub exhaust propellers have the blades attached
directly to the smaller tube that fits over the propeller
shaft, eliminating the larger exhaust tube. These types of
propellers are often used for attaining maximum top
speeds. (On some boats, the hole shot can often suffer
due to the extreme exhaust flooding that occurs around
the propeller blades during acceleration.)
Thru-hub exhaust and over-hub exhaust propellers are
used on boats where the exhaust passes out though the
rear of the “torpedo” on the lower unit, around the
propeller shaft. Most outboards utilize this type of
exhaust. |
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| Over/Thru-hub exhaust propellers are a combination
of thru-hub and over-hub exhaust propellers. This allows
some exhaust to escape at lower RPMS, providing a
controlled amount of exhaust flooding. These types of
propellers will allow the propeller to be slightly easier to
turn during initial acceleration, allowing for a better hole
shot on some engine/boat combinations. |
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| Non thru-hub exhaust propellers are used for inboards
using shaft driven propellers, sterndrives using through
hull exhaust, and on some outboards that don’t route the
exhaust through the lower unit torpedo. |
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Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel?
Most pleasure boats are factory equipped with aluminum
propellers. Aluminum propellers are relatively inexpensive,
easy to repair, and under normal conditions can last for
many years.
Stainless steel is more expensive, but much stronger and
durable than aluminum. If you are looking for better
performance than can be provided by your aluminum
propeller, such as ultimate top speed or better acceleration,
a stainless steel propeller may be required.
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730 Main St. #346, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
E-mail: lensprop@boatprops4sale.com
No Refunds. Exchanges only with 25% restocking fee.
843-280-2908
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