Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Turnbud on 06/14/20 - 12:29 PM

Hi Folks, new to the forum. Taking over a 2001 13 Sport from my late father. 40hp Merc 2 stroke. Label on the lower unit shows 13 x 26 and 2.0. I am assuming 13 inch prop, 26 inch pitch and lower unit gear ratio 2.0.

Although i believe this is the stock propeller that came with the engine and boat since new, i suspect the pitch is too high. Sluggish getting up on plane, really bad when 2 or more people on board.

Just wondering if someone else has solved this same issue with the same boat and engine combo. Don’t really want to do a trial and error thing by buying more than one prop. What is the best compromise for good hole shot without making the boat too slow at higher throttle settings?

Thanks Dave.

Posted by Phil T on 06/14/20 - 1:00 PM

Welcome Dave.

Don't worry about the sticker.

FYI - There are no stock props. Each prop is selected by either the selling dealer pre-2002 or by Boston Whaler.

Owners who have the same engine and model have tested props and recommend these two. Note the size only applies to these make/model of prop and are not applicable to other brands since prop sizing is not universal.

Black max 15” pitch
Yamaha SS 14"

Posted by Turnbud on 06/14/20 - 1:05 PM

Thanks for the reply. I actually edited my post just after you responded...i finally found the stamp on the prop - shows 14p. The Black Max option you mentioned would be even higher pitch...wouldn’t seem to be going in the right direction for what i am looking for...

Posted by Phil T on 06/14/20 - 1:19 PM

14 pitch what? Pitch size is not the telling characteristic. Blade design is not standard.

Has the engine been serviced, carbs rebuilt in the last few years, new plugs etc?

What prop (make/model/pitch) do you have now. If you don't know, there should be a model # stamped on the inside of the hub. Remove and post the #.

What is the loading of the boat? Where is the battery, fuel tank, gear, passenger(s), operator, anchor etc. If all the weight is in the stern, the boat will be a dog, regardless of prop.

On my brother's 13' Sport with a mid 80's Yamaha C40, the fuel tank was best under the driver seat. Battery in the rear. 1st passenger siting forward, 2nd passenger next to operator, 3rd passenger forward. Anchor and tool box under forward bench.

When loaded, best to hammer throttle to get on plane then throttle back. Takes a little practice to do it smoothly, especially in the ocean.

Edited by Phil T on 06/14/20 - 1:21 PM

Posted by Turnbud on 06/14/20 - 1:25 PM

From the best i can tell the prop is stamped with:

46 816/06A40 14P

Must be a 10 inch prop (roughly measured, not due to anything on the stamp), 14 inch pitch. Original prop that came with the boat/engine right from the Whaler dealer.

No major maintenance on the motor recently, but runs well to the ear.

Loading is standard for a 13 sport - tank under seat, battery under seat, anchor in bow compartment.