shopping for a used prop is hard for a noob

**fatlenny** · 04-29-2023, 04:58 AM

My Merc 800 outboard seems to have been repowered at some point in its life. The serial number on the transom bracket is 0A986046 (appears to be a 1986 115 mid and lower) while the numbers on the power head are 5773561 (appears to be a 1981 80 HP.) please correct me if I am wrong here.

I am always looking for a way to save a buck or better yet a few hundred, looking market place and such, it seems difficult to find props that I know will fit my application. I spend too much time asking questions and or going to meet someone only to find their prop is for a larger setup. The barrel of my prop is just under 4" in diameter and anything I find used is bigger.

Is there something I am missing when doing my searches? Im looking for a prop in the low 20's pitch to start my testing on the cheap. I have checked a few places around, but seems not many prop shops close to me (Flint MI area) to be able to test props without spending an arm and a leg.

**XstreamVking** · 04-29-2023, 05:44 AM

Put an ad in the props wanted. forum, Someone has an old 80 hp prop sitting around gathering dust.

**fatlenny** · 04-29-2023, 05:47 AM

Ya but,,, should I be looking for a 115 prop as that is what I believe my lower unit is?

**282** · 04-29-2023, 06:51 AM

Post some pictures, someone here will be able to help

**LakeFever** · 04-29-2023, 06:52 AM

Xstream gave sound advice.

The main concern is the spline count. Count the splines on your output shaft, measure the barrel of your lower unit gear case diameter. With those two factors you can have a much easier time inquiring about used props in ebay or local ads because anyone can provide this info so long as they can count and use a measuring tape that is.

What are your goals? Top end gain? Acceleration gain? More stability? Props are not just about pitch. Anyways far as im concerned if you really want to find the prop that makes you love the boat you have to try many, and work your engine height to match. This process will yield more gains than adding 50hp

**fatlenny** · 04-29-2023, 08:07 AM

At this point of the game, the goal is top end gain. I understand that props are much more than pitch, but have to start somewhere right? And starting with the Michigan prop 13.5 x 15 that came on this put together outboard is just going to be a prop to tool around and maybe pull the grand kids on a tube (if this prop is not spun, marked and checking today) I know people may say I will not be able to make a boat go fast and have it pull people but I am prepared to swap props and lower motor as needed. I am not looking to make the best 14' speed boat or the best boat to pull a tube, but I want a little of both knowing the setup will have to be changed accordingly, and maybe have to change setup on the lake.

**LakeFever** · 04-29-2023, 09:08 AM

Even before i joined S&F i had a lake prop and a ski prop. You want a 17p for skiing and pulling. You also dont want too high of a motor height or the boat wont be planted very well under tow load. Its near impossible to set up a boat for good top end numbers that also pulls skiers well without a jack plate. Theres a sweet spot to be had but the high mph gains won’t be dramatic if you want a set up for both. Also remember just because a certain prop diameter and spline are compatible sometimes you need to get creative with washers and nuts to get it fit onto the shaft right. Id be trying xstreams advice first

*edit* dont be afraid to buy many props they hold their value and you can sell what doesnt work for you usually on par

**skialot2** · 06-08-2023, 12:49 AM

Both motors use the same props.

**David** · 06-09-2023, 07:07 PM

I would look for an old Laser to start or maybe a Trophy. In both cases, be sure to get the right hub size. 20 years ago, even pitch Lasers were small hub (good for you) and odd pitch Lasers were big hub ( not for you).Trophies we’re similar.

The current Laser 2 props will all fit.