Hey Guys,

I'd like to pickup 2 new props for my 1997 Baja Islander 180 (current prop is the original and has had it). Brett at BBlades recommended some models for me, and I'll probably use the test program once it's launch time.

Here's the boat specs:
18 foot, 2400lbs dry.
Engine: 5.7L (2bbl) 230hp (210prop)
Drive: Alpha Gen II, 1.62 ratio.
Current prop: BlackMax 14.25 diameter x 21 pitch.

So the first prop I'd like is for top speed. I'm just not sure where to begin, should I even change diameter/pitch or go same size but stainless?

Second prop I'd like to use for best performance with heavier loads/water sports. Brett recommended a Revolution 4, and I would like to use a 4-blade (but I might go aluminum since the other stainless one will set me back a few)...where should I start with specs on this one?

Thanks in advance, and thanks to Brett for his help so far.
-Jay

I'd just go with whatever Brett suggest. He forgotten more about props than anybody here actually knows about them. Sure, somebody will probably chime in here and say "XXX worked on my 1957 Schwartzcraft, so it should work on your Baja." Do you really want or need that kind of advice?

Hahaha...Schwartzcraft. Yeah I probably should have clarified a bit more; I'm not looking for someone to spit out an exact number of which prop to buy. I'll definitely talk to Brett more, but I'm not buying until the spring, so I'm more trying to understand which specs to play with and how they'd affect a boat with characteristics similar to mine.

I would be wary of a Rev 4 with that motor. The Rev 4 is a lot of prop (blade area). I would avoid aluminum. In the end an 18-20" four blade or 19-21" three blade stainless will likely work best. In the end you just have to try a bunch of props. I'm sure Brett will have good ideas.

A 19" Laser II would be a good starting point.

Brett can tell you chapter and verse what any prop in the universe might do with / for / to you and your hull.

Too Stoked, your too kind. Thank you.

jstand22. with your hull and power package, it makes sense to stay with a 3 blade prop. Just going to the stainless steel geometry and the crispness of the castings compared to the aluminum prop will help you.
Depending on the current rpm and speed data will determine what pitch to use. Often we need to go down a inch of pitch to get the same rpm going to stainless from aluminum.
We will need to discuss your usage and goals to make the final decision since 4 blades can also be a option.
When you are ready, let us know and we can start a test program to allow you to ttry before you buy.

Brett

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^listen to brett^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^