In the United States, there are 12.4 million registered boats, 95% of those boats are small and trailerable. If you are a small boat owner or want to become one soon, there are a few things you need to know.
The key to a smooth boat ride is the propeller you choose. How can you select the best small boat propellers for your journey? Read on to find out.
Consider Labeling
When choosing from the many small boat propellers, you’ll notice that the manufacturer label is done by diameter and the pitch of the prop. This will give you a good indication of what size propeller you are looking at.
Know the Materials
Boat propellers come in different materials. The type you choose might be based on preference, cost, weight, etc.
The most common type of boat motor propeller for small pontoon boats is aluminum. However, in an emergency, many choose to have older composite boat propellers on hand as replacement props.
Some boat owners opt for a stainless steel propeller because they are stiffer, stronger, and more efficient. With those benefits comes a greater cost.
Although composite boat propellers aren’t often bought for daily use, the newer composite boat propeller is durable and provides a great performance. Some users even say they’re better than metal.
Check for RPM’s
In the boating manual, you’ll find the recommended RPM (rotation per minute) when your engine is being used at full throttle. Generally, this number will be between 800 and 1000.
To avoid boat propeller repair down the line, select a prop that operates within the recommended RPM for your boat. Once you buy the prop, you can check if it is right for your boat by having the throttle fully open.
If the prop makes the boat go faster or slower in the range, it is not the right part.
Find the Right Blade Diameter
If you have a blade that is too large for your boat’s engine, the boat will begin to run slower. In contrast, if you have a blade that is too small, the engine will spin fast causing damage.
The right blade diameter for your boat factors in size, weight, and cruising speed.
Get the Right Angle
Getting the blade at the right angle involves the boat propeller pitch. Each pitch is assigned with a number referring to the distance that a propeller will push forward through the water.
A low pitch on a prop will allow the boat to accelerate better and go faster. However, it will need more power while safely operating in the RPM range.
Finding the Right Small Boat Propellers
Finding the right small boat propellers isn’t going to be a simple process. Different factors go into propeller picking for small boats.
By using this guide, you can keep the key factors in mind that will help you find the right small boat propeller. Don’t wait any longer to get back on the water!
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