Quote:
Originally Posted by pair of jacks
Currently running a 14 1/2 inch x 15 pitch prop on 175 Etec- get about 5400 rmp's top end. The prop is a no-name aftermarket stainless steel and the blades have little to no sweep to them. Thinking about going to a Evinrude Rebel prop 15 3/4 inch by 15 pitch with pronounced swept blades. Have heard varied guesses on what performance will be gained or lost. Before I spring for $400 would like to hear some opinions- thanks!
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The OPTIMUM rpm range on the small-block V-6 E-TEC is 5300-5500 for the 2007 models like mine, but it's 5500-5600 for all later models per this web site:
http://www.etecownersgroup.com/post/...u-2011-5396435 Your WOT rpm may be a couple hundred rpm too low depending on what year your motor is. Before you change props, make sure motor is mounted high enough that you can clearly see the AV plate out of the water when you're up on plane. And of course make sure the tach is accurate (not a problem if using I-Command!)
I've heard good things about cruise and min planing speed performance of the Rebel prop and asked my dealer about it. He said his experience was that it was better suited to the big block 3.3/3.4L motors, especially on a heavy boat. He didn't think the 2.6L motors had the torque to spin it fast enough unless they were on a boat much lighter than mine, and I think your boat is a fair bit heavier. I'm running a 4B 15 x15 PowerTech prop that uses the old SST blade profile and spins 5450 pretty much regardless of load at about 39-40 mph. I'm giving up several mph in top end, but it has an awesome hole shot, stays on plane down to 12 mph, and has averaged over 4 mpg on trips of 250-700 miles. I'd like to try a Rebel sometime, but I'm not sure I can improve on that performance very much! If you're able try one, let me know how it works out! Denny