Pontoon Performance Series props -- feedback

[OK Toon]

I'm looking at possibly getting one of the Pontoon Performance Series props and just wondered if anyone else has one and what they thought about it.

We have a 2-toon, 22' pontoon with a 90hp-4stroke. Currently running a 13.5" x 15 (repitched) aluminum prop. Running at WOT at about 6400, we are getting 23mph by GPS. The prop was originally a 13.5" x 13 and I was pegging the RPM gauge at 7000 and getting the same 23mph by GPS.

I am wanting to go to SS prop because I'm thinking the aluminum may be flexing too much (especially after being repitched). I like the idea of the larger blade area. Looks like I'd probably go with a 14" x 11 on this type of prop. Just thought I'd ask for any feedback since there wasn't much info when I searched for this topic.

[Bamaman]

We're seeing some pontoon specific propellers come on the retail market, however we've seen none of these props discussed on this forum or other specific brand pontoon forums.

It would be nice to see someone do an in depth comparison between pontoon and regular propellers--and on different size motors. Are these props better on smaller motors than larger motors?

Right now, we don't know how they perform.

[OK Toon]

Thanks Bamaman -- I thought I was going crazy when I couldn't find hardly any discussion of these props on the Internet and barely a mention of them on this forum. I figured if anyone would know about them, they be speaking up about them here. I guess I'll just have to wait.

Maybe Bryon will do some testing -- he likes propping and reporting the results....

[r&s20]

OK TOON,

are you referring yamaha's pontoon performance prop's, or pontoon prop's in general ?

[OK Toon]

Well, I was originally referring to Yamaha's prop. I sent an email to Ken at PropGods and he told me he's had good success with a Powertech prop - he recommended a 14" x 12" for my motor. He also said either my tach is off or somebody has removed the govenor since I should not be able to go over 6200 before rev limiter kicks in - which it doesn't. He thought at 5800 RPM I should even gain a little more speed than what I'm seeing now at 6400 RPM.

[Cycleman07]

I have a Pontoon Specific Mercury Prop. It has extra cupping for increased hole shot when pulling tubers etc. That being said I do not see a huge difference in this prop vs. non specific props in overall performance. My .02

[chopper6358]

I use a hydrus pontoon specific johnson prop on on my boat.the major difference in this prop and the so las prop of the same size and pitch is cavitation. With the so las general use prop I had lots of cavitation, with the hydrus pontoon prop the cavitation problem gone and boat seems to accelerate a little stronger but no difference in top speed

[r&s20]

I have a 20' with a 90 hp. evinrude on it. I am running a powertech 14x12p ss prop. the hole shot is very strong, if you aren't ready it will knock you down. but the best top speed I've gotten has been with a 13 3/4x 13 Michigan wheel aluminum pontoon prop.

[Bryden24shp]

Thanks Bamaman -- I thought I was going crazy when I couldn't find hardly any discussion of these props on the Internet and barely a mention of them on this forum. I figured if anyone would know about them, they be speaking up about them here. I guess I'll just have to wait.

Maybe Bryon will do some testing -- he likes propping and reporting the results....

I'ld be more than happy! If I can get the boat on the water. We are still flooded really bad here at home!

[OK Toon]

Well after several email exchanges with Ken at PropGods, I have ordered a PowerTech WBX3 prop 14" x 12". I should get it next week so I'll have a report after July 4th weekend. I still need to get my boat in to have the tach checked to make sure it is correct. If its correct, then I need to have the governor checked since I have been able to peg the tach at 7000 and even now I'm running at 6400. Ken said the rev limiter should allow no higher than 6200 and preferred range is 4500 - 5500. So with the new prop I'm hoping for 5500 and 23-24mph (which is about the speed I'm getting now at 6400RPM).

Going from aluminum to SS - I can't wait

[Bryden24shp]

Good luck, Steve! Keep us posted!

[OK Toon]

This just got delivered today. I'm like a kid in a candy store. I can't wait to put this on the boat Friday morning and see how she runs. I'll report back this weekend.

[Bamaman]

A new stainless prop is a pretty thang. It looks like a very high quality piece.

I used to go thru an aluminum prop every year on my inboard outboard boat. When I got a new I/O, I went to a stainless prop and it lasted me 11 years--until the thrust bearing bolts fell out and my engine locked up. I scarcely ever had a scratch on the stainless prop. The investment in the stainless prop saved me big $ over the years.

When I got my new Bennie, my dealer set me up with a Yamaha M 14 pitch prop. It was about 3 mph slower than expected and I easily hit the speed limiter @ 6300 rpms. They ordered in a Reliance 15 pitch for my F150, and it's right on the money @ 6000 rpm's. I would consider it comparable to the industry standard (for pontoons) Mercury Enertia propeller.

[rancherlee]

The Yamaha Props are pretty darn good, Yamaha bought up Precision Propeller a few years ago and many of the newer "yamaha" props are renamed Stiletto/Turbo props. I have the ported "Turbo pontoon 1" version of the Yamaha pontoon performance and it has worked great the past few years. Can't go wrong with a powertech either, I'll be looking at a Powertech 4 blade when I get my 70 swapped out for a 115hp

[OK Toon]

The results are in... we loaded the boat with 4 adults, 3 ice chests and a full tank of gas (20 gal). I made a few test runs @5500 RPM. Getting a consistent 17mph on GPS. Headed to the shore with new prop and tools. Put the new prop on and then went for same test runs. @5500 RPM I was now getting a consistent 20mph.

I should have done test runs with the old prop at WOT to get base. Because I did do WOT with the new prop and I was only getting 6000 RPM and only got up to 21.2mph. That was slower than I had been getting before the new prop but those speeds were obtained when there were just 2 adults and 2 ice chests.

Overall I am happy with the prop because I did gain speed at the RPM I should be running and the hole shot is amazing.