Pitch is the theoretical distance, in inches, a propeller moves forward every time it turns (i.e. a 19” prop should move forward 19” with each revolution; in reality, it’s a bit less, because the propeller isn’t 100% efficient).

Here’s the skinny: You want to be able to run the engine at, or near, the manufacturer’s recommended maximum RPM at full throttle, trimmed up for speed, with a typical load in the boat – and if you can, your propeller is the right pitch.

Too much pitch (overpropped) — the engine won’t reach its max RPM, is sluggish getting on plane, and has poor throttle response. Not enough pitch (under-propped)—the boat pops on plane and accelerates with confidence, easily exceeding the recommended full throttle RPM. Neither condition is good for engine longevity or fuel economy.

The cure? Since every inch of pitch is worth about 150-200 RPM, decreasing pitch should provide a proportionate increase in RPM – drop pitch an inch, gain a couple of hundred RPM. Conversely, increasing pitch usually results in a RPM decrease – go up an inch, lose a couple of hundred RPM.

After you have the pitch part of the equation figured out, then the propeller selection process can continue. Steve McLelland, Sales and Marketing Manager of Precision Propeller Industries tells us, “Different styles of propellers offer unique performance characteristics – more bow lift, quicker hole shots, and the like. Once we’ve determined the correct pitch range for a given boat, then we can start talking about what your performance goals are and what propeller will help you get there.”

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel

Aluminum propellers aren’t expensive, they work well, and are relatively easy to repair, but aluminum isn’t particularly durable, making aluminum props susceptible to wear and damage. Stainless steel propellers cost more up front; however, because stainless steel is stronger than aluminum, a stainless propeller’s blades are usually thinner and can be made in a wider variety of styles and shapes than an aluminum prop, thus the potential for better performance and increased service life. Remember, it’s stain-less steel, not stain-proof – a stainless propeller can still rust, so you need to keep it clean, just like the rest of your boat.

Three Blades vs. Four Blades

In broad terms, three blade propellers offer good overall performance; however a three blade prop may lose its grip in turns and may not be the best handling propeller on high-horsepower rigs.

Four blade propellers can get a boat on plane faster, they’re less likely to lose traction in turns, and help many boats handle better, although a four blade propeller is often a bit slower (1-2 MPH) at top speed than a three blade prop.

Propeller Resources

Yamaha Marine offers propellers to suit nearly any application, and their website, yamaha-motor.com, is a great place to start searching for the perfect prop. Here, you can check out  Yamaha’s propeller charts, as well as over a thousand performance bulletins that document real-world results on almost any boat imaginable.

We also suggest looking into Precision Propeller Industries, Inc. (precisionpropeller.com, 800-922-9955), which functions as part of Yamaha Marine Group. Precision Propeller makes Turbo® Prop stainless steel propellers, if you’re seeking something a little different than an original equipment prop.

When contacting Yamaha or Precision Propeller, make sure to have all the information about your current setup (boat length, style, engine, propeller, full-throttle RPM, and other performance data) available to discuss with the prop pros – it’ll help them help you.

Finally

Try as many different propellers as possible before shelling out hard-earned dollars on a new prop. Your local dealer might let you borrow a propeller or two if you ask nicely – there is no substitute for on-water testing.

Terminology

Propellers are described in numbers: the first number is the diameter, and the second number is the pitch.

Diameter
If you could draw a circle around a propeller’s blades, diameter would be the distance, (in inches) across this circle.

Pitch
Pitch is the theoretical distance, in inches, that a propeller moves the boat forward during one revolution. So, a 14 X 19 propeller has a diameter of fourteen inches, and a pitch of nineteen
inches.

Pitch Points
• Generically, every inch of pitch is worth about 150-200 RPM
• Increase pitch an inch and the full throttle RPM should drop around 150-200 RPM
• Decrease the pitch an inch and the RPM ought to go up roughly 150-200 RPM at full throttle
• Too few RPM at full throttle? You might need a prop with less pitch
• Too many RPM at full throttle? A pro peller with more pitch could help

(Source: Yamaha Boater’s Log)

The Service Kit comes with the following: Quad Seal, Side Cover Seal, Side Cover O-Ring, Service Wrench and Lubes.
You can purchase these kits for your Van Staal 100, 200, and 300 reels. Retail price is $89.00

(Source: Quantum)

“I use this time to get ready. The two things guys should be focusing on at this time of year is maintenance and inventory,” said the reigning Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year. “I start with reels. I put a little Quantum Hot Sauce® on the bearings, and make sure the worm gear is oiled and free of grime.”

“Once I know my reels are in good shape, and that all the guides on my rods are in good order, I take inventory of lures and line. This morning I discovered that I managed to bust some tackle storage trays last year, so I”ll make sure I get some more Plano® StowAway boxes,” said VanDam.

Kevin also advises that preparing your ‘inventory needs’ list prior to winter tackle show season can save some coin. “If you know everything you need, you can carry that list to a local winter tackle show where sales promotions often exist and get some good deals on those items versus buying them sporadically later on in the year at full retail price.”

“Winter also affords you the time to look in-depth at lake maps. Even if you fish the same three or four lakes all the time, there are probably areas of those lakes that you ignore a lot more than others. Don’t get in a rut. Take a harder look at some of those areas of your favorite lakes that you might not have fished much lately,” said VanDam.

And what if he could escape the blizzard and head south? “I’d go to Lake Guntersville,” he said without hesitation. “In my opinion, it’s got the biggest population of four to seven pound bass in the country, and I feel certain I could go there right now in January and catch the heck out of them on a Red Eye Shad or suspending Wild Shiner jerkbait.”