I recently struck a rock with my 1996 Tournament powered with 1996 Saltwater Series 2 Yamaha 150 2 Stroke. Upon inspection, the prop is a 13 3/4 17 pitch. Using all the online stores to replace it, it seems that that diameter isn't recommended. I bought the boat used and have never been impressed with the overall speed and find that the rpms increase at full throttle, but there is no increase in speed, just in rpm and noise. I plan on keeping the 17 pitch but am thinking that I need a larger diameter. I am thinking 14.25. I understand that larger diameter would usually decrease speed and increase thrust, but could it be that the smaller diameter just spins ""freely" in the wash after a certain rpm. Honestly a bit clueless and am just guessing. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated before spending 500 or so to find out. Thanks!
Prop Diameter
- Thread starter rpeecee
- Start date
I'll check my mother's for a comparison - she has the same boat/engine.
BUT... you may very well simply have an old hub that is slipping based on what you wrote. That would be a much more likely scenario based on the info given.
BUT... you may very well simply have an old hub that is slipping based on what you wrote. That would be a much more likely scenario based on the info given.
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Interesting. I never thought of that. It does well pulling up my son wakeboarding so I never considered a slipping hub. It may very well be the original prop and I will most likely replace with same. I did once try a 14.5 x 17 and it was definitely NOT correct. Thank you so much for the reply.
Hmmm... well that new info, it puts doubt on a slipping hub. But then... it depends on how heavy he is and how hard on the throttle you're going.
Is it a Yamaha prop? Has a stamp of "17M" on it?
Is the prop in perfect shape?
What type of RPM's can you get to going WOT and trimmed up till no more speed or the prop ventilates? Speed at that point?
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My tach gauge isn't working currently 
Just going by sound at this point, before the strike the boat only went 28-30 top speed. I am really just wondering if the 13 3/4 x 17 sounds like a correct option to be on there in the first place. I guess I'm in a position where I need to spend a lot to figure this out with replacing the gauge and then seeing if the boat runs optimally with a replacement 13 3/4 x 17. Thanks for the info and recommendations.
Just going by sound at this point, before the strike the boat only went 28-30 top speed. I am really just wondering if the 13 3/4 x 17 sounds like a correct option to be on there in the first place. I guess I'm in a position where I need to spend a lot to figure this out with replacing the gauge and then seeing if the boat runs optimally with a replacement 13 3/4 x 17. Thanks for the info and recommendations.
Mustang65fbk
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When you say you've got a Tournament, I'm guessing you're referring to a 192 Tournament with the 150 hp outboard on it, or are you referring to the 225 Tournament? If the former, though not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but Grady White has a 180 Fisherman on their website with a single F150 on it and it has almost the exact same dry weight as your boat. The prop on their test boat is a 14.25 x 18, which hit a top speed of 46.3 mph @ 5,900 while burning 15.5 gph of fuel and getting 2.99 mpg. Their "optimum cruise" was 27.8 mph @ 3,800 rpm while burning 5.90 gph of fuel and getting 4.7 mpg. As you mentioned, it seems like it would be a pretty decent prop choice, or like Coastboater said, Ken @ Prop Gods is also a great resource for asking these questions to. Good luck.
Wow. Thank you for noticing that omission. Yes, it's a 1996 tournament 192. It's never been over 30 mph in the 15 years that I have owned it. In fact, it gets loud and feels like I shouldn't go past 3/4 throttle as the noise and rpm increases but the speed doesn't. In recent years the tach has faded to the point that I can't read it. Now that I am forced to buy a new prop, I started to wonder about the prop that I assumed was original. Again, thanks for the help.
You didn't say if the ventilation plate is almost even with the hulls keel when trimmed level. It kinda sounds like the motor leg is too short. Is the leg 25" or 20". If the prop is running in the shadow of the transom, it will ventilate at speed.
The length of the leg is 20 inches. Measuring from top of transom to bottom keel (below the drain plug ) is 25 inches. Also, when turning hard (like to go back and pick up a fallen skier, the prop has always ventilated. Could this be the real issue? You guys are amazing with your knowledge. (and I have very little on these subjects apparently). 
Thanks again.
Thanks again.The ventilation plate is about 4 inches above the keel. Is that enough of a distance to cause ventilation at speed and turns? I think I know the answer