Advice on new propeller for TUFF 16

**Blue89turbo** · 08-28-2025, 07:42 AM

Hey guys.

I am looking for some help on choosing a new propeller for my Tuff 16.

The boat has a 60hp Mercury 4 stroke and came with a 13 spline 10” 17 pitch aluminum prop.

With this set up I can run 50mph at ~6000rpm.

The label on the drive shows 12x22 and has the 1.83 gear ratio.

I am wondering if I should try a 12x22 prop.

Should I try stainless steel, blade or cleaver?

Please share your ideas.

Thanks for the help!

**LakeFever** · 08-28-2025, 08:28 AM

I’d be curious how a 13 spline srx 23p would run on that rig. 13 spline props don’t leave a ton of options I spent a bit of time looking for good ones when I had all the V4 crossflow thing going on. Most of the best props I saw were converted. I know one guy who ran a 22p small ear chopper that he had re hubbed for 13 spline. Worked really well. In fact that might be your best route. Small ear chopper is 14” dia though so make sure it will clear. Call Kawartha propellor they know their stuff and can probably sort you out

**Blue89turbo** · 08-28-2025, 12:49 PM

Thanks LakeFever. I may contact Kawartha props to see what they say.

I was thinking of maybe trying a 10x19 or 10x21 and see how that goes...

**LakeFever** · 08-28-2025, 02:28 PM

I have no idea what diameter fits on that motor but I have a similar hull. A hydrostream Vandal with a 75hp and it loves the 24 small ear chopper. The 22 works good too but I run out of rpm with that one.

**hellbents-10** · 08-29-2025, 07:17 AM

I ran a 23 or 24 Lazer 2 on mine with a 2.0 gear ratio 90hp Yamaha. Went 62 at its best 5500ish rpm.

**David** · 09-01-2025, 06:59 AM

Merc used to make 18-20-22 cleavers that would fit your motor. They would be hard to find now, and cleavers are not the answer for everything.

Hill propellers makes props for your motor, both thru hub and over hub. Maybe not enough pitch though. Is it possible to convert your gearcase to 1.64? Merc used to sell taller ratio triples