An inboard prop is responsible for moving a boat through water but choosing the right one can be challenging for boat owners. Propellers are available in a variety of sizes and in different configurations depending on boat owner preference and needs. The propeller should be efficient and operate smoothly to avoid damaging the engine and prolong the life of the boat. Here are some things to consider when choosing a boat propeller. Propeller Depot is able to ensure you get the lowest price on all inboard boat propellers. Propeller Depot carries the entire line of Michigan Wheel inboard boat props.
Selecting the Right Number of Blades
Manufacturers produce props with anywhere between two and five blades and each has its own advantages and disadvantages under specific boating conditions. Boat owners should analyze their own use to determine which prop to purchase. A higher amount of surface area will generally produce more thrust for the vehicle but the engine has to have the horsepower to handle it or the extra surface area will produce too much drag. The average pleasure boat works well with three blades but with more horsepower available, a four bladed prop produces a higher plane and smoother ride. Your boat hull design must be able to accommodate the four blades. Four blades help prevent slipping in rough water conditions. Trawlers, workboats and tugboats use five bladed props, but only if four blades produce too much vibration.
Different Props are Better for Different Jobs
Pleasure boat owners typically use their vessel to water ski, cruise, trawl and fish. Some props provide more speed while others have features that allow for additional pulling power. The higher the pitch, the more speed the prop will produce. A lower pitch produces better acceleration and more power. You should choose a prop that best fits your needs or various props to use in different situations, depending on how you use your boat and how frequently you take it out on the water. Boat owners who need speed occasionally but prefer more power most of the time can consider having the blades cupped to add approximately three miles per hour to the boat’s top speed.
Choosing the Prop Diameter
The clearance between the inboard prop blades and the boat hull should be a minimum of fifteen percent of the prop diameter but 20 percent or more is even better for optimum performance. If the prop is too large in diameter, it is possible to increase the pitch by no more than one or two inches to compensate. A prop with four blades has more surface area against the water than a prop with three blades and provides more control for the pilot.
Choosing the right inboard prop for your boat may require some trial and error to determine which works best for your vessel and meets your boating requirements. Testing different pitches and props with different numbers of blades will give you a feel for which works better. A boat expert can help guide you in your decision by answering your questions. Testing may take some time but it is worth the effort to find the prop that performs best for your individual needs.
