[Putershark]

Originally Posted by john f

The Evinrude manual says 5800 for WOT - depending on prop of course. I have a 3 blade aluminum - standard from Evinrude I assume. I will check the pitch next time I'm at the boat. If I have a choice, I will stay with the better hole shot - at todays prices, how often and for how long does anyone run at full throttle?

You will get better hole shot and burn less fuel by lowering the pitch one inch which usually equates to around 500 RPM in either direction for each inch you increase or decrease the prop pitch.

The reason I say this is engine load and how long does it stay at that point... You will burn less fuel if you punch it and get it on a plane quickly, and then throttle back to a cruse speed "while" reducing the engine load at the same time. The SS prop will also return better performance due to the less flex of the blades. The other thing many forget is going to a 4 or even 5 bladed prop will make one really pop up on a plane, but you may loose some top end.

Like you though, I look for a good cruise prop, but trust me the move to Stainless Steel will shock you when it comes to launch and have positive returns in lower fuel burn at the same time