I have a 2002 Chaparral 205 SSE with the 5.0 Mercruiser (190 hp) in it. What prop should i use and what pitch?

Question

Id like more high end speed than low end pull because I will most likely not be towing anybody.

Answer 1

Go to Mercury website and they have a prop selector website. It gets pretty close to your needs

Answer 2

You need to contact your local dealer and ask them what prop is stock.  That is what you need to run.

If you go with a higher pitch prop then you are dropping your RPM's at W.O.T    This will result in a slower speed and drag when trying to get up on plane.  Typically you can go about 1, maybe two sizes up, but NO more.

See today's boat manufactures do hours and hours of testing to ensure you get the right prop to your specific boat model.  They pick what is going to give you the perfect results.  Once again, if you go bigger you will loose rpm's and not be in the "power band" and won't be able to turn the prop.  The recommended RPM of your engine is 4400-4800.

One other thing you can do is go with a stainless prop and you will gain about 2mph.  This is because the stainless prop won't flex as bad a aluminum.

Lastly, you have more HP then you think.  A mercruiser 5.0L is 220HP at the prop.  If you had the V6 (4.3L) then it would be 190hp.

How do I know all of this........I've been in the Marine Industry for 10 years.

Answer 3

I have a very similar setup, diff manufacturer.  Anyway, mine is a 17 pitch I believe, and works fine.  I assume you don't have an owners manual, but it would tell you in that.  Do a little research and you'll find the recommended prop size and pitch for that set up (get in touch with the company).

Answer 4

i Wish to know and i have no idea what you said. um 500 pitch