Choosing the Right Boat Propeller

Boats are comprised of many components critical to providing optimal performance. Boat propellers tend to be overlooked when selecting and maintaining a craft. Yet these parts are the final stage in a boats drive train, the part that literally connects the boats horsepower to the water to create propulsion. Described in this way, it becomes easy to see why selecting the rightboat propeller is important to getting the best performance from your craft.

Here Wholesale Marine provides an overview of what boaters need to consider when replacing or upgrading their prop. The important terms are, Shape and Size, Steel vs Aluminum, Diameter, and the all-important, Number of Blades. Heres why:

Shape and Size

Additional names for a props shape and size are its diameter and pitch. Propellers pitch provides a degree of resistance that translates into the engine having to exert more horsepower to turn it. Boaters need to match the props pitch to the engine manufacturers recommended wide open throttle (WOT). For those not great at math, we also offer our easy to use Prop Guidethat can assist in making the best selection for your craft.

Steel vs Aluminum

The metal that boat propellers are constructed from is a factor in their strength and durability. Aluminum is lighter in weight and steel can be more durable. However, a rock can crack or break steel blades whereas aluminum is more flexible and resilient. However, aluminum blades can warp if exposed to higher throttle speeds for long periods. There is the additional consideration of the weight of the propeller relative to the attitude of the hull. Weigh your choices when making your selection. Wholesale Marine carries a large selection of both steel and aluminum propellers for any craft, including Turning Points High Performance Aluminum Propellers.

Diameter

Diameter is considered when upgrading your boat propeller. Generally, adding diameter will decrease rpm, reducing the propeller diameter will increase it. Diameter adjustments may also influence the hulls running attitude.

Blades

Here again the ratio of the number of blades influences the boats speed. More blades equal more drag in the water therefore slower speeds.

These are just the basics. There are certainly more factors to consider when upgrading your boat propeller. Speed and performance, durability, reliability, and other factors influence boaters buying decisions. Wholesale Marine stocks a large selection of propellers from the best names in marine supplies including Mercury, Evinrude, Johnson, Michigan Wheel and many others. If you have a question, or would like to discuss your boat propeller options, we invite you to give us a call. Just call us at (877) 388-2628. Were here Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM EST and look forward to hearing from you!