Prop Help For an I/O

Guys, I beat my aluminum prop to heck this past week in the river and I have to get a new one. I read a lot of different threads about them, but I think I'm still just as confused because so many people use different ones for different motors/boats/weight/etc. I don't care much about top end, just getting out of the hole with a good wake and stable handling. All we do is ride behind it.

I have a '98 Chaparral with a 4.3 Volvo SX. I'm probably going to go with an Aluminum or Composite prop, at least until the river comes up. Should I go with a 3 or 4 blade and what pitch?

Thanks for the help.

I have a 4 blade prop, perfect for wakeboarding, gives you more holeshot, less top end. I think it is a Michigan Wheel 4 Blade, 18 pitch. IF you want it I will sell it. You just need the hub kit for your outdrive. It is aluminum, and in new condition.

here is a link

http://www.michiganwheel.com/MIWheel/products/outboard/vortex_4-blade.htm#vort4

(Message edited by jwharan on May 03, 2007)

Go four blade because you have more surface area to push water back. You'll get a better hole shot. Look at the props on a bench or the floor and you will see it.
Try a lower pitch number than you have now to improve the hole shot. Lower pitch means more engine revs or more effective torque. So you go from 19" pitch to 17" pitch and you accelerate faster.
If you go with a composite prop remember that the blades break more easily and they are not as efficient. Some do allow you to change a broken blade without replacing the whole prop.

Adam,
Find out what the pitch is on your current prop and go down by two. If your running a 19 then go 17. The pitch should be stamped on the prop hub.

I wouldn't spend any more than you have to on a prop if your running a river.

Thanks for the guidance fellas. I guess aluminum it is and I was thinking of going with a 17 pitch on a 4-blade from what I had read, but it seemed the more I read the more confused I was.

Any recommended sites or brands so I can start my shopping?

Thanks again.

Adam, What boat/motor do you have?

I have a '98 Chaparral with a 4.3 Volvo SX.