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WHAT IS THE PROPER PROP ?

I have purchased a used 1975 Formula Thunderbird. It has a 6 cylinder mercruiser with an alpha i/o.

the prop is a little beat up.

what is the common prop size used on a boat like this.

19 footer with the six cylinder.

there are so many to choose when i look into a catologe or on ebay.

thanks

sonofadocker

sonofadocker
Aug 6
2006
The diameter and pitch of your existing prop will be stamped on the outside of the hub. If you are happy with how the boat performs, stick with the same numbers.

You can also take your prop (assuming it is aluminum) and have it repaired for about half the cost of buying a new one.

Aug 6
If you are replacing with the exact same prop, get the model number as well (On the back side of the hub). Pitch and diameter are important but so is blade area. Getting the model number will assure you have the same prop. I went from Alum to SS on my tender and I went through 3 props until I got one just right. The new alum vortex props tend to have less surface area then their Merc counterparts and also less than their michigan SS counterparts. If the prop is all there (no missing aluminum) then a rebuild would be cheaper. If it has large gouges then I suggest replacement (Small chips can be banged out but larger ones are not worth the trouble and tend to make the prop weaker)

JimH wrote:

> "sonofadocker" <sonofadocker@yahoo.com> wrote in message

Ed
Aug 6
On 6 Aug 2006 05:20:51 -0700, sonofadocker penned the following well Gene
Aug 6
Thanks for the last two replies. The boat is docked now and i can not see the stamping on the prop when i went into the water to look. i thought someone might know what a common prop is for the engine size and lenght of the boat. we just go around the bay at low or half throttle. i have never had the boat to full throttle yet or made the boat work hard. i would not know the difference between props performance at this time.

thanks

sonofadocker.

sonofadocker
Aug 6
Well, that was helpful. :>) Shortwave
Aug 6
following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

Yeah, I know, but if the OP reports back on his WOT info and we find that his current prop, though tired, is within factory specs.... JimH's response would be the favored course....

Did you see my query regarding your jackplate/prop experiences?

Gene
Aug 6
http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=126,53050,126_53052&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

If that doesn't work, just go to Mercurymarine.com and go to prop selector.

You will need the length of the boat, HP of engine, approx weight if you have it.

The tool will give you some suggestions.

ALSO, you can call formula.

There is another tool at michiganwheel.com

Ed
Aug 6
Just answered it and no I didn't. Must have skipped over it cruising through the posts. Shortwave
Aug 6
   

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