What Should You Know When Determining the Correct Propeller

This information is critical to determining the correct propeller for your application: 

1.3 or 4 Blades?

A 3-blade propeller usually offers top speed performance while a 4-blade propeller provides maximum thrust and smooth cruising operation.

2.Diameter

Diameter is the distance across a circle encompassing all of the propeller blades. 

3.Pitch

Pitch is the theoretical distance a propeller will move through the water for each revolution (i.e., a 21’’pitch propeller should move a boat forward 21’’for each revolution, assuming there is no slippage).

4. Right hand or left hand Rotation?

In most cases, right hand propellers are used for single engine applications and one left hand propellers are used for twin engine applications to achieve better steering control.

5.Cupped Blades

This is a technique used to enhance the performance of propellers under certain conditions. A cupped propeller will exhibit very high efficiency at high speeds as well as minimize cavitation under heavy loads.

6.Rake

Rake is a special design feature. Positive rake benefits from normal bow lift to permit the use of a larger diameter propeller, while negative rake can provide extra blade strength for use in very high speed application.