Which prop for 23 cc and 350 verado

[Kwaugh5p]

I am getting close like 2-3 weeks out to have my engine installed and rigged. I have no idea where to even start with a prop so am asking all the guru’s what they think. I believe the Mercury site said 15.5 and 17 pitch. Other people said like a 23 pitch. To many guesses. What y’all think. Thanks in advance Ken.

[77SceptreOB]

Probably a 3 blade 21, but maybe a 4 blade 19. I run a 18 pitch Rev4 on my Merc 300-V8 and turn up right at 6,000 rpms light and trimmed up. 53 mph WOT

[Kwaugh5p]

What diameter. You are closer to the one guy

[bmajvi]

Have never dealt with them, but have heard good things about Ken at Prop Gods in Sarasota providing real good advice? propgods.com

[joshmon71]

old thread thought would add latest experience this summer.

23 with armstrong bracket, heavy boat. 300 verado V8 new this summer. I put the engine up higher than my old verado. much higher. used an extender plate from bobs machine to deal with 25" bracket spec and 30" shaft. very happy that did so raising engine so cav plate is clear at speed just above water. miami vice turn no ventilation blow out. I expected to have to lower a notch actually. ended up going higher was prefect imo.

19P Rev4 and I am easily at 6K RPM and no need trim. thats 2 guys, 120 gallons fuel, 60lbs ice, full gear fishing. loaded. like survival raft, tuna stuff. I am looking at a 20P, maybe 21P. If i was running 12 peeps to the beach like do on occasion I would stay 19P.

300 V8 wot is 5200-6000. So my next move to a 20 or 21P Rev4, debating.

For a 350, 23, i would start at 21P Rev4. I love the Rev4.

Ken does not carry merc props I think now. And all the try and buy went out the window with covid.

Oh, i am using regular Rev4. Not the XP, lab XP or whatever they are called.

[Kwaugh5p]

Great info. Thanks. My friend has a set of 19’s and a set of 21’s. We were going to take it out and try both props to get a feel of what it needs. These are merc enertia I think. I know that they are not 4 blades. I will post results when we try them.

[Fr. Frank]

Don't over prop the boat. The old saying is to "Prop for Max of Max at Max"

You should prop to be able to plane easily and achieve the maximum end of the maximum rpm rating at maximum loading. If you prop for light to light-moderate loading, someday when you're at max loading and you need the immediately available torque you may not only be gravely disappointed, you may be in dangerous trouble.

Prop for safe handling in storm conditions at max loading PLUS the weight of a deck with water coming over the back, bow or sides. I can honestly say that my choosing to prop this way once likely saved my life and the lives of my whole family.

In 2005, I had my 20' Seafari, with a Mercury XR4, caught in 35-40 knot winds and 6-9' seas 20+ miles off the coast of Cedar Key. The front came much faster/sooner than was forecast the day before and I made the mistake of not re-checking the weather before heading out. I was turning a Powertech 15x16.5 OFS prop, even though I could easily swing an 18" Mirage. Shoot, if I was lightly loaded I could even swing a 14.75x21" and still hit the bottom of my max rpm range. But with that 16.5" prop. I could still hit 6000 rpms at max loading.

I NEEDED that available applied torque that day.

Prop for Max of Max at Max.