Boat Propeller Explained | What is Pitch and Diameter?

Want to have a boat propeller explained? We have boaters ask us for a different pitch prop all the time. What is prop pitch and diameter, and can I just "swap" them out to get better performance? Likely not. In this video we will cover:
0:00 Intro
0:59 Propeller Basics
1:45 Propeller Diameter Explained
2:24 Propeller Pitch Explained
3:12 Prop Pitch in relation to engine RPM
5:58 Advice on changing your prop pitch
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[@boatinglessons]

Have you made a successful prop swap? Tell us what it was.

[@adeletanner2262]

Even though I understood this "science" before reviewing it on youtube, I was just amazed at how poorly it was explained by so many of the so-called "experts." Your explanation was simple, correct, and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@barrybebenek8691]

Just an excellent video. I spent months investigating a prop for ours and STILL think I may have made a mistake. This is like a science. Keep’em comin’. 🇨🇦👍🏼

[@boatinglessons]

That is so kind of you to say Barry - thank you!

[@LDwiggs]

By far the best boating channel on KZbin.

[@adambrakey6351]

Best video. Very clear! Appreciate it

[@mken4740]

We need a variable pitch prop. 5-6 degree swing is fine. Use the existing trim pump and rig up a ram inside the outdrive that could push on bottom side of prop and have a cam effect creating blade twist... Let’s go! I can’t believe we don’t have something by now.

[@Sebastian-eg5iu]

I really appreciate you guys breaking down the video into different sections. Even though I find myself watching the whole thing anyway, it's still nice to refer back to.

[@Sebastian-eg5iu]

Also, you guys reference a few separate videos on this video, but I'm having trouble finding them. Are they linked through annotations? Thanks.

[@philhill184]

Excellent explanation of pitch and diameter. Thank you!

[@boatinglessons]

Our pleasure Phil!

[@MrKNOX2k]

Great Video....couldn't be said better

[@garrylong66]

very helpful , thanks

[@ozelot250]

Another excellent video as always

[@boatinglessons]

We appreciate your kind comments:)

[@rickysiebert9618]

Would it be feasible to change a prop depending on the planned usage of a particular trip? For example, using a particular prop when planning an outing with 10 people on board versus 2 people traveling across the ocean to Bimini when higher top speed would be beneficial.

[@muyege5019]

Would be better if you rotate the propeller correctly when explaining the pitch. :)

[@kevinmaclean5880]

Thought i was crazy for a second

[@h2oslider242]

I wasn't going to be that guy... But 😂

[@tomdrummy4984]

Interesting……thank you

[@boatinglessons]

Our pleasure Tom!

[@ia6980]

Question please, if my propeller changed from 7.8x8 to 7.7x7 how would it affect thrust and speed? Will greatly appreciate

[@royukuluk]

I have a 18ft aluminum boat with yamaha 70hp, so what's the good propeller for my boat?

[@bimber122]

Hi .I am the owner of a small 16 foot pontoon boat. Suzuki DF40 ATL 4 stroke engine I am asking for advice on the best size aluminum propeller for speed I should order ? thank you

[@FishHeadsIV]

Would it make sense to make a shroud to go around or behind the prop to see if Bernoulli's principle would help create more thrust? Like "air entrapment" but with a liquid.

[@boatinglessons]

This is essentially what a jet drive does? I think the extra drag may offset the benefit

[@jaysonprigger9710]

I have a 88spl on a 20ft 2000lb boat. What is the best pitch for that

[@BobEstler]

Have you reviewed the Scharo props?

[@boatinglessons]

If you are referring to Sharrow, no we have not and really want to!

[@7markshark]

I need help. in 10 days I will get a pair of Suzukis DF 150 APX for my Center Console Brand: AS MARINE AS 26 GL about 7.8 meters (or 26 feet long) and 2,55 meters wide ( 8.3 feet), Weight wet with everything is 2600 KG or 5700 poung. This boat got have a bracket in the hull integrated. I need a setup for speed. Thanks for your recommend.

[@russellwilliams2307]

I’m trying to figure out what’s the original prop size supposed to be on a 91 skeeter 200sx with a 90 Yamaha 200 can someone help with that one plz

[@boatinglessons]

That’s a tough one Russell. Boat companies are not the best at recording that data today, much less back in the 90s. Why is it important for you to know, or are you just curious?

[@NipItInTheBud100]

Is the black pontoon boat on this video a sweetwater?

[@boatinglessons]

Yes, a Sweetwater Premium. We used to be a dealer. The Godfrey brand is now Sunrise, Sweetwater, Monaco, AquaPatio, and SanPan

[@NipItInTheBud100]

@@boatinglessons did you stop being a dealer because you don’t like Godfrey boats or was it for another reason? Just getting the opinions of those in the know! I like the Sweetwater models but haven’t seen them in person to be able to judge them against other brands!

[@boatinglessons]

@@NipItInTheBud100 Godfrey makes a good boat and we sold them for about 10 years. We had the chance to align ourselves with what in our opinion are the two best brands in pontoons and went for it. Sweetwater are good, not perfect, and better than many others out there. The dealer can make or break the experience as much as the product too.

[@NipItInTheBud100]

@@boatinglessons Thanks!!

[@NipItInTheBud100]

@@boatinglessons Im jealous of you all in Canada! Your waterways are so beautiful up there. We go fishing just North of Red Lake, ON every year just because of how beautiful the scenery is! Thanks again for the great channel!!

[@howwedid-om2rs]

Some propellers joint is straight and some propellers joint is curved, why can you please define? The joints are connected to bull mouth

[@boatinglessons]

That is a good question. I expect it is to reduce vibration and increase smooth operation by reducing turbulence as the blade slices through the water

[@twlyons1]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@boatinglessons]

Thank you 😊

[@peterjensen6844]

"proper propeller pitch" - how many takes were required to get this line right, Sean? :P

[@boatinglessons]

More than I am willing to admit 🤣

[@tobberfutooagain2628]

Every time I change the weight of my boat by 50 lbs. I buy a new prop to optimize it….

[@matttaylor7397]

pքɾօʍօʂʍ