New Boat Sales - Mercury /
Mercruiser - Propellers
Where Power Becomes Performance
It’s hard to overstate the importance of running the right propeller
on your boat – whether
you’re a top-notch professional angler or weekend recreation
warrior. Your propeller is
where it all comes together. Where technology meets the water. Where
power becomes
performance!
Talk to the Certified Sales & Service people at McKellar Marine
Services to help you
make the right choice in getting the most out of your craft.
Laser II |
Sport Series
Mercury’s best value propellers for customers who are
ready to step up to the durability and performance of
stainless steel. Within the Sport Series, choose
from the Laser II, the Vengeance, or VenSura. |
Bravo Two |
Elite Series
Mercury’s most trusted and best-selling propeller
designs. The Elite family includes the Bravo Two model,
Bravo Three, High Five, Mirage, Tempest,
Trophy Plus and Trophy Sport. |
Bravo I |
Comp Series
Mercury’s most cutting-edge geometries for the most
demanding boater.
This series includes the Bravo I, Enertia, Fury, Maximus
and Revolution 4. |
Alpha 4 |
Aluminum Series
No other prop on the market today provides as much
performance, durability, and value. Choose between
the Alpha 4 or Black Max in the Aluminum Series. |
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How to Choose the Right
Propeller |
Understanding the basic science behind propeller design
will help you understand their importance – and help you
choose the Mercury prop that best suits your needs and
meets your expectations on the water. For a richer, more
satisfying boating experience.
How To Choose Pitch
1. Identify the make, model, year and horsepower of your
engine
2. Consult the owner’s manual to find the recommended
wide-open-throttle (WOT) RPM range for your engine.
3. Using the existing propeller, make a test run to
determine the current WOT RPM and speed. Vary the boat’s
trim angle for maximum speed. The boat should be loaded
as it would under “normal” operating conditions. A full
tank of fuel is recommended.
4. If the current propeller isn’t within the
manufacturers recommended WOT range, select a propeller
with a larger or smaller pitch using the following
rules:
1. Adding 1 inch of propeller pitch will reduce WOT RPM
by 150 to 200 RPM.
2. Subtracting 1 inch of propeller pitch will increase
WOT RPM by 150 to 200 RPM
3. If you’re upgrading from a three-blade propeller to a
four-blade propeller, remember that many four-blade
propellers generally turn 50 to 100 RPM less than a
three-blade propeller with the same pitch.
How To Choose Stainless vs. Aluminum
Many boats are factory-equipped with aluminum
propellers. Aluminum propellers are relatively
inexpensive and suitable for general purpose use.
Stainless steel propellers are more expensive, but are
far stronger and more durable than aluminum.
If you are looking to improve the performance of your
boat, upgrading to a stainless steel propeller is the
most cost-effective way to get better handling,
acceleration or top speed out of your boat.
Will a stainless steel propeller damage my lower unit in
the event of an underwater impact? Mercury engineers,
conducting underwater impact testing, found no
substantial difference in the amount of torque
transferred to the propeller shaft between an aluminum
and stainless steel propeller. Mercury’s Flo-Torq II hub
system is designed to give way during an underwater
impact – protecting the outboard and still providing you
the ability to idle home safely.
How To Choose Numbers of Blades
The choice between a three-blade and a four-blade
propeller depends mostly on the desired performance
characteristics of the boat. A three-blade propeller
usually offers better top-speed performance in a
non-surfacing piercing application, while a four-blade
propeller provides better acceleration and smoother
cruising operation.
Most propellers are made with three blades as a
compromise for vibration, convenient size, efficiency,
and cost. The efficiency difference between a two- and a
three-bladed propeller is considered less significant
than the vibration difference. Most of today’s
production propellers are presently either three- or
four-bladed.
In recent years, with the growing frequency of
propellers being run at an increased height (surface
piercing), four- and five-bladed propellers have become
more popular. They suppress the higher level of
vibration and improve acceleration by putting more blade
area into the water. They can also help to make the rake
more effective in lifting the bow of the boat for added
speed. |
Drop in for more information, sales and
service at McKellar Marine Services,
in McKellar!
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Certified Sales and
Service
Mercury Mercruiser
Inboards
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Sterndrives
Propellers
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