Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 1985 15' whaler super sport prop
Posted by Gibby on 05/28/13 - 1:19 PM
#1
I am currently rigging a 1985 Whaler 15 Super sport with a 2013 Mercury 4 Stroke 60 HP 1.83:1 (non bigfoot)motor on it. Motor is mounted in 3rd hole up. What would be the appropriate prop for general overall performance? IE: tubing, fishing etc. Mercury site prop selector recommends 10" x 16 or 17 pitch. Does this seem right?
Posted by Tom W Clark on 05/28/13 - 1:55 PM
#2
No, that does not seem right and is a perfect example of why I do not like the Mercury Propeller Selector; it usually gives bad advice.
The only 10" x 16" and 10" x 17" propellers Mercury makes is the three blade aluminum. If you wanted to be cheap and use an aluminum prop then you would want either their 10-1/4" x 14" or 10-1/8" x 15" size.
The only stainless steel prop Mercury offers for your motor is the old Vengeance and in that model you would want the 10-1/2" x 13" size.
A better performing and less expensive choice might be the 10-1/2" x 12" Stiletto Triad 3.5.
Posted by Gibby on 06/05/13 - 7:16 PM
#3
Hi Tom, Thanks for the response. The dealer that supplied the engine provided me with the aluminum 10 1/8" x 15 so you were right on. I was reluctant to go stainless because my kids will be using this boat and I am afraid of them ruining the lower unit when they hit rocks etc. I will use the one provided for now and then upgrade to one of your recommendations once break-in is complete.
Posted by wing15601 on 06/05/13 - 7:34 PM
#4
Gibby, I think the rumor about a stainless prop causing lower unit problems if something is hit is hogwash. What outboard manufacturer in their right mind would not prohibit stainless props if that were true? I purposely avoided a local dealer and opted for one much farther away because the salesman said he would recommend an aluminum prop because if I use stainless and hit an underwater object with the prop it would ruin the lower unit. Isn't the hub in the prop supposed to protect the motor from impact?
Posted by tedious on 06/06/13 - 12:02 PM
#5
Yes, the idea that an aluminum prop will save your lower unit is indeed hogwash - although you hear it all the time. The best direct evidence I have seen of it being foolishness is in a post by dgoodhue in this thread:
http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...post_90515
Tim