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Picking a Propeller

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Power

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO MAKE A SMART PROPELLER CHOICE.

When it comes to propping your outboard, one size doesn’t fit all. There are too many variables involved, such as boat size, horsepower, application—even altitude. Even with all of that to consider, there are ways to zero-in on what you need.

Generally speaking, the right propeller will allow your engine, under a normal or heavy load, to reach the upper portion of the wide open throttle (WOT) range specified by its manufacturer, without exceeding it. For example, if your outboard’s WOT is 5000-6000 RPM, you need a propeller that will allow your engine to turn between approximately 5700 and 6000 RPM, with an average load in the boat. Many things affect load, such as fuel levels, full bait and/or live wells, batteries, passengers, equipment like anchors and ropes and safety gear like PFDs and fire extinguishers. Be sure to account for everything when determining your load weight.

Large Offshore propellers

Once you've identified your WOT at your average load weight, use the following steps to pick a propeller that will maximize the power of your outboard and enhance your boat's performance.

Step 1

Check out our performance bulletins.
Visit the Performance Bulletin area of our site, choose the type of boat most similar to yours and see what propeller is listed.

Step 2

Review our propeller charts to see the solutions available for your horsepower.
Look for the same series names and pitches of propellers featured in the Performance Bulletin. Then, adjust the pitch depending on your boat's weight and your altitude. Pitch down for heavier weights and higher altitudes. Pitch even or slightly up for lighter weights or lower altitudes. Each inch of propeller pitch is equal to approximately 100 +/- 50 rpm.


Two Stroke
300-150
L150hp-L300hp (counter rotation)
L130
200—70 small hub
130—60
55—40
30—20
15—2

Propeller Charts by Horsepower.
Four Stroke
F/LF350 V8
F/LF300 V8
F300 (V6)—F150
LF300 (V6)—LF150
LF115
F115—T50
F60—T25
F25
F20—F2.5

Step 3

Determine the pitch of your propeller.
If we don't offer a Performance Bulletin for your type of boat, check the outside barrel of your current propeller for the pitch. You can also remove the propeller and look on the inside of the hub for the propeller "size". Then, consult the horsepower charts listed above to adjust the pitch accordingly.

Step 4

Check out the latest edition of Prop Shop.
Each quarter, Prop Shop reports on general propeller information and the latest Yamaha propeller releases, and shares unusual propeller applications we've discovered.

Volume 2 Edition 5 - December 2012
What's all this noise about SDS?, Reliance propellers now available with SDS, You've got questions? We've got answers., Don't judge a prop by its name, Dual Thurst Prop on F70 

Volume 2 Edition 4 - September 2012
Three parts to 
proper performance, Know the effects, Testing propellers, 
Over and out?,  Reconditioned propellers

Volume 2 Edition 3 - July 2012
Yamaha introduces 3 new propellers, We like to hear from you, Unusual application of the month

Volume 2 Edition 2 – April 2012
Why Yamaha Propellers, What's in A Hub?, Propeller Q&A, Yamaha or Turbo? Unusual Application

Volume 2 Edition 1 – February 2012
Maintenance Tips, Performance Testing, Propeller Selection, Propeller Types, Spare Propellers, Propping Large Bay Boats

Volume 1 Edition 4 – December 2011
Making/Testing Propellers, Propeller Q&A, Shift Dampener System (SDS™), Cleaning Your Propeller, High Altitude Propping

Volume 1 Edition 3 – October 2011
How to Pick a Propeller, Propeller Q&A, The Endless Propeller Solutions Tour, Saltwater Series II Propellers on V MAX SHO®-Powered Pontoons

Volume 1 Edition 2 – August 2011
Yamaha's Endless Propeller Solutions, Propeller Q&A, Installing a Guardian SQ-LOK "Universal" Hub System, Pontoon Propellers on F70-Powered Flats Boats

Volume 1 Edition 1 – June 2011
Propping a Yamaha F350, Picking a Propeller by Application, Our New Shift Dampener System (SDS™)

To view these, you'll need Acrobat reader. Click to download it for free.

Step 5

Test propellers on the water—that's the best way to know.
Your Yamaha Marine Dealer will be able to help you determine the propeller that's right for you and may even be able to let you test a few on the water. Before consulting with a dealer, be sure to follow the steps above and have the following information handy:

  • Boat make, model and year
  • Engine model and Primary Identification Number (PID)
  • Current propeller size and style
  • Current maximum RPM at wide open throttle
  • Typical and maximum loads (weights) carried