Back to the main site

Propeller question

R

Rick Sherman

New Member
Messages
4
Reaction score
1
I have a 2026 Bennington S22 SSB model. It has a 2026 Yamaha F series 150. The current prop is a SS Yamaha Reliance ( 14.50 dis X 15P. With 2 adults the WOT is right at 6000. With 4 adults it does ok. Needs 4000 rpm to cruse oand stay on plain. With 6 adults it really struggles in the mid range to stay up on plain especially in rougher water. I have read in several places that the 4 blade Yamaha Altima works much better in the conditions I am struggling. I have also read that I should reduce the pitch from 15” down to 13”. My biggest question is will the 13 pitch 4 blade be enough pitch reduction to keep us under the 6000 max?
 
Check with Ken at propgods.com .He has helped several members here get dialed in .

Boat Engine Propeller Testing Services - Prop Gods

Reach out to the dependable team at Prop Gods to ensure that your boat engine propeller is in peak condition. Learn more.
propgods.com propgods.com
 
Imagine your pickup truck has tiny bicycle tires driving in mud - you can slowly increase speed but any kind of acceleration will just spin out. That's a pontoon with an undersized prop. The Reliance is IMO a poor choice for a big heavy plowing boat like a pontoon even though it's made for smaller HP engines like your F150. Just not enough grip.

Now imagine your truck has giant, fat 35 inch tires and it has a small inline 4 engine. Now it has too much rolling resistance and rotational inertia and it loses top speed. That's an oversized prop with not enough HP on your pontoon. Obviously your goal is to find the optimum middle ground.

A 4 blade can certainly give you more grip but you could lose too much RPM. There are better 3 blades for sure that many members here are swinging. Reaching out to Ken Reaves is a great recommendation as he not only can give you some advice but also sell you the necessary prop, hub and hardware. And he's recognized as one of the GOATs in the boating world.
 
Last edited:
Which hull do you have? Traditional 2 pontoons, or one of the tritoon hulls?
 
Echo above suggestions. I am not a fan of the Reliance props to begin with. I think a different 3 blade with different cupping is going to go a long way for you. A 4 blade might as well, but that changes more up. Either way, Ken with Propgods can really assist with your specific wants/needs. I am thinking a 14p (maybe 13p) Enertia or SWSII. I just think those SS props do the most…the best when talking 150+ HP motors on tritoons.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top