What type of propeller should I get for my boat? It is a 55 horse evinrude outboard two-stroke?

Question

I am seeing that they sell different pitch degree, which is better for making the boat go faster, higher or lower?

Answer 1

wow, that is a huge subject, prop configuration has about as many different theories as there are boat owners.

I have been told to look at it this way: with the throttle wide open, are the engine rpm's close to what the book shows as maximum?

If your engine is overpropped, (meaning too much pitch) it will not make full rpm's, you will be overworking it and slowing you down

Transversely, If you seem to be making too many rpm's, you are not working your engine hard enough and you need more pitch

Answer 2

the ONLY way to properly prop a boat/motor combo is to start with a mid pitch prop and RUN the boat with the intended NORMAL load. using a tachometer(most important gauge you can have) check the wide open rpms. you sould always prop this type motor close to its intended operating range. its located on the motor, in the owners manual, and the dealer should know. then prop up or down as necessary. if you use your boat for two different types of boating ie. skiing vs tournament fishing, you should have two props for the different loads!!. most dealers LEARN from experience what prop SHOULD work on a boat/motor combo, that they have had experience with. but should ALWAYS BE WATER TESTED to ensure proper prop selection. ps you dont give year/model of motor but most of those older omc's were rated at 5500 rpms w.o.t. (wide open throttle)

Answer 3

it depends on certian factors: the weight,  and type of your boat, what type of performance you looking for, what your rpm at full throttle is, if you go to a dealer with this info they will tell you, i would "guesstimate"  a right handed, 4 blade, 15 pitch and a 10' dia prop, if your boat is alum, or a bass boat ,  then you might need a diff prop.