Propellers

[IndyMatt]

Alright gearheads... and prop heads!! A general question, hopefully simplified about prop selection. As we all know, Factory direct drive spinners (2004) were a 4 blade NiBrAl 13x13x1LH. I have been looking around for a spare prop and came across a rather reasonable (dirt cheap) 3 blade 13x13x1LH. This would be a back-up to the OEM so I am not really looking for any gain in performance, just similar abilities if somthing should happen to my factory spinner. Anyone have any experience with this?? Any recommendations??

[Ed Obermeier]

My 2000 Legacy came from the factory with a 3 blade 13x13 nibral. I did upgrade a year later to a 4 blade nibral, the 3 blade is now my backup (which fortunately I haven't needed...yet). I think you'd be fine with it, and if it's a good deal why not?

The 3 blade was fine but I like the 4 blade better, better hole shot and I think it improved the wake slightly.

[DKJBama92Mariah]

I'm not sure where i read it, but i think the general rule for going from a 3 to a 4 blade is that you should drop an inch in either pitch or diameter. This prop would probably be a little too "short" for you, but would be fine as a backup. I would just avoif WOT runs on that prop just make sure you dont overrev. I just wish i could find a good deal on something close to mine to have as a backup. I always hate being without the boat for a week when the prop has to go to the shop (there are a lot of logs and trash on my lake). Mine is a 14x16 b/c my boat has the 1.23:1 tranny, and i havent seen one yet. I just keep my eyes peeled for a good deal. If anyone happens to run upon one, i'd appreciate a PM.

Cheers,
DKJ

[IndyMatt]

Thanks for the info guys... Bama when you say short do you think I shoud increase diameter, pitch or both? Like I said, Im just looking for a backup so if I do need to have some work done it doesnt take the boat out of commission. In regards to picking up props... look at ebay every once in a while.... there is not much there now but I just picked up a 14x18x1/18 Nibral (For dads Tige) for $47.55. Listed as used but no nicks or dings... looks new. Its an OJ Force 4 retail is $358.00 too good to pass up.

[IndyMatt]

Ed,
Do you remember if there was a significant RPM/WOT when you upgraded?

Bama,

Check out http://parts.listings.ebay.ca/Boats-...istingItemList

There is a company that has your new 14x16x 1 1/8 Prop. Not much of a bargain though... I think they are $249.95.

[IndyMatt]

Bama,

Check out: http://parts.listings.ebay.ca/Boats-...istingItemList


Not sure what your shaft size is but there is a listing for a new 14x16x11/8 for 249.95. Not much of a bargain but better than the 350+ that most shops are selling them for.

[Ed Obermeier]

No noticable difference in WOT RPM, and I don't think I lost much if any top end. I seldom have ever taken this boat WOT, no good reason to except to pull the very occasional barefooter. Not sure of the pitch on the 4 blade, I think it's a 14 but not positive. I got it from a buddy who was running it on a 99 Comp, he sold the boat and sold me his 4 blade (put his original 3 blade back on it to sell) so I knew it would be a match.

[BW2-LTS]

Last year I tested props for my 04 LTS. Stock was a 13x13 SS 4 blade. I tested three
nibral 3 blade props, 13x12.5 -- 13x12 -- 13x11.5. The 13x12.5 had almost no difference in RPM or top end with a little slower hole shot (1/10th of a sec.) The props I tested were all O.J. CNC matched. If the prop you are thinking of buying is not CNC matched you will probably notice a little more vibration but the overall performance
will be real close.

[IndyMatt]

Alright... Stupid question. Can anyone tell me, by looking at a prop, how to tell if its a LH or RH rotation? My assumption has always been that the broad side of the blade would be on the opposite side on one vs the other. I went to Skidim.com and the photos of the props are identical in regards to blade position. I purchased a 13x13LH from ebay but when I received it, stamped on the hub next to the dimensions is an arrow that suggests a right hand or clockwise rotation.