Prop selection help

Hello! I'm looking for opinions on a prop selection. I currently have a Mercury Spitfire 10.3" dia. 13 pitch. Max rpm is just a hair short of 6200 rpm where it sounds like its just starting to slip. I really like the hole shot and overall performance, just have to keep an eye on those rpm's. I need to get another prop, so the question is: Stay with the same prop or should I go with the Spitfire 10.1" dia. 14 pitch? Its my understanding the pitch change will drop the rpm's about 200, just not sure what the smaller diameter will do. Looking for thoughts/comments from the experts. This is on a 2012 Lowe stinger 175 with Mercury 60HP 4stroke.

Thanks!
Ty (Nory)

WOT rpms on that motor should be 5500-6000 rpm. A 14" pitch would put you down around 5900. Check with your local prop shops. A lot of them will loan you one to try.

I have used the same props on my rig. 60 Merc 2 stroke on a 17' Tracker.

13P was about like yours, RPM was close to 6000. 14P is just right, I get about 5600 wide open fully trimmed.

If you're interested, I'll be selling that Spitfire 14P. Should bolt right on your motor. It's like new, I'm just going with a different outboard altogether and will get more money by selling the prop separate.

Atimm,

How did the 14p perform? I'm guessing a little slower out of the hole and maybe a 1-2 more mph on the top?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nory

Atimm,

How did the 14p perform? I'm guessing a little slower out of the hole and maybe a 1-2 more mph on the top?

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Yeah, pretty much. Holeshot is not like it was with the 13P but not terrible by any means.

Out of all that I've tried (13P and 14P alum 3 blade, 13P stainless 3 blade), the 4 blade 14P Spitfire has performed the best.

Mercury has a prop chart online. I went to a 4 blade and am very happy with mine

Curiosity killed the cat! I had to try a Mercury trophy sport (s.s. 4 blade). Went with 12P. WOT rpms are now 6000 - right where I want it. I was hoping to get a little more speed and an even better hole shot. Hole shot about the same, maybe a tad bit worse. Top speed the same of 31 mph but I got to 31 really quick versus old prop having to really work and keep tweaking the trim to get to 31 mph. Didn't really get to try for more speed due to small lake not allowing enough room. Might be able to get 1-2 mph trimming it out some more. For what its worth. Thanks for the responses!