85 Johnson Outboard 30 HP - Help Needed on Prop Selection

[terrierman41]

To make a long story short I chewed my prop on a rock last fall. I've been looking at different props available for the model of motor and am a little confused by the tilt sizes, for example 9", 8", etc..

Can anyone offer any advice on sorting this out? Thanks


PS I've been mainly shopping online because there aren't any marinas near me that I'm aware of.

[werner.reiche]

Unless you had a problem with your old prop, replace it with the same size and pitch. (I assume you mean pitch whey you say tilt?).

Stay away from the piranha (composite with replaceable blades) props. Junk.

[skypilot]

I don't know about here but I've never purchased a prop without trying it first in the States. The mechanic and/or the dealer can give you an idea of max RPM for that motor and prop pitch combo. Then it just a matter of choice in either time to reach plane or top end speed.

Before you buy a prop be sure you have the motor set properly(height) on the transom and not just whatever the dealer decided.

[terrierman41]

Unless you had a problem with your old prop, replace it with the same size and pitch. (I assume you mean pitch whey you say tilt?).

Stay away from the piranha (composite with replaceable blades) props. Junk.

Sorry I meant pitch. Not sure what the old pitch is? Is there a sure fire way to tell?

[werner.reiche]

The diameter and pitch should be stamped on the back of the hub of the old prop (around the spline). Some have them stamped on the front - so you need to take the prop off the spline to read them.

[Fisherman]

When you buy or look at props there are two numbers such as 10 x 15. The first number is the diameter of the prop. The second number is the pitch and in theory when the prop is turned it would advance that distance in inches, ie, 10 x 15, 10" in diameter, 15" pitch. They can also have it listed in metric.

[terrierman41]

Thanks a bunch guys, I'll have a look.

[Pat32rf]

How did your boat work with the prop that was on it? Most new motors come with a "middle of the road" prop but over the years yours might have been changed to suit another boat or owner.

[terrierman41]

Worked great until it chewed on a rock, lol.

[terrierman41]

It's a 10 X 15 and I got a price of $129.99 form a marina in Simcoe County. Does that sound about right?