Fletcher Arrowsport 16 Prop ?

[QBhoy]

Hi
Advice required on which prop required !
I realise that many variables and date are required...problem is that some of the variables are unknown. Would be great to hear from others with similar boat/engine set up....here goes. What we do know;
Fletcher Arrowsport 16ft hull
Mercury 90hp 2 stroke with good compression
Only one quick test run for gathering data and testing engine (was freezing)
Current prop indicates a 19"p solas cheapo stainless prop in pretty poor shape. One of the blades bent and rough as on other 2.
RPM gauge not working, but didn't seem to be giving the full usual 2-Stroke scream at full throttle and trimmed up.
Questionable water pressure powered speedo showing 40mph.
Got the feeling there were more revs to be had, but also thought it wasn't quick enough to be over propped.
Should be noted that hull still has very rough and badly applied antifoul on it.
Any similar experiences welcome.
Ta

 

[Fishtigua]

Yes, a 19P is a good starting point for your set-up. There are many variables to take into consideration. Weight, number of crew, tow-sport? A rev counter is a must before you spend money on any shiny stainless.

Mercury's own Laser II is the 'go to' prop of choice, shame they've stopped making them.

 

[dingdongs]

Send prop to steel developments for a refurbish as will come back like new. As suggested a rev counter is a must but dont expect car performance out of a 90 hp unless you strip all weight out of it like seats etc.

 

[TheOrs]

My Friend is running an 18P Vengeance pitched down to 17P on his Arrowsport/90Merc. Goes OK as the 90 Merc's have a greater RPM range than the 75 I have. Could perhaps be a little higher pitched but he uses it mainly for water-skiing and it works well with mono deepwater starts.

I spent some time and bought a few secondhand trial props for my Arrowflyte/75Merc combo and ended up with a Laser II 20P, pitched down to 19P. Doesn't pull a skier out quite as well but I have retained most of my top speed/MPG.

ETA: I used Streamlined Propeller Repairs in Aldershot to get the props re-pitched and polished - Highly recommended.
+ Both boats run about 43-45mph flat out

 

[QBhoy]

Thanks guys...
Yeah, well aware what kind of horsepower it takes to go fast in a boat. My own is a testament to that. Haha.
I was thinking of a laser 2 19"p... Just getting a hold of a good second hand one !
The ors...this is just the kind of info I was after.
Thanks again to all that replied. Appreciated.

 

[TheOrs]

I was thinking of a laser 2 19"p... Just getting a hold of a good second hand one !

I don't think you can get a 19P Laser II for your engine. As I understand it you will need a 'small hub' prop and 'small hub' Laser II is only available in even pitches 20', 22' etc. ('large hub' was 19', 21' etc.)

This is why I bought a 20P and got it pitched down.

I could be wrong of course; happy to be corrected...

 

[QBhoy]

Theors,
You are spot on. Looks like they only come in even numbers in that size. I'm that used to inboards these days. Been a long time since I had an outboard.
I currently run a laser 2 on my normal use boat. Can't speak highly enough of them.
I've always wondered about the tempest, trophy and vengeance props....but it's an expensive trial and error process, haha.
Not sure what we are doing with the wee Fletcher yet, it was bought as a project for my father and I. We shall either keep it as a bit of cheap fun or sell, come the new season. I'll maybe see if I can get the current prop refurbed. No one local to me that does it anymore though. I'll perhaps see if I can get a decent second hand quicksilver black max 19". They seem to be decent enough by all accounts. I'm not expecting miracles, but I was expecting to see at least 45 mph out the wee boat. Perhaps a non damaged prop and a cleaner hull will make the difference, although I literally only had one run at full throttle for only a few seconds. Didn't want to blow the thing up, considering it hadn't ran in 3 years.
Thanks again.

 

[TheOrs]

Don't see any reason why you shouldn't get 45mph out of that boat/engine. My Arrowflyte/75 Merc will run 47mph with the original 21P aluminium prop (starts to chine-walk at that speed though).

I have just run my Arrowflyte after three years in storage. Ran ok but something definitely not right; probably going to need a carb strip and rebuild.

Just noticed as well that your boat is anti-fouled. I reckon that could make a couple of mph difference. Pig of a job to remove it all though!