How to Select a Yamaha Propeller For Your Boat

3 min read
10 February 2023

Yamaha has a full line of outboard propellers designed to meet the needs of various boat types. These propellers vary in size, material, pitch and diameter to provide the optimal performance for your outboard engine. If you are not sure what type of outboard propellers are best for your boat or need assistance choosing a replacement prop, the yamaha propeller Selector Tool is a great resource to help make your selection.

The Propeller Type

Most outboard propellers have three or four blades with the center blade positioned slightly inward to minimize water resistance and increase fuel efficiency. These propellers are generally used on general use recreational boats. They are also commonly used on ski and bass boats where hole-shot acceleration is needed for improved handling.

The Propeller Pitch

The higher the pitch, the less hole-shot and acceleration is possible. This is because the outboard propeller encounters more resistance in the water with higher pitches. This causes the engine to have to work harder, which in turn reduces RPM and top speed at WOT.

This is the most important factor to consider when selecting a propeller for your boat. It is important to note that some propellers have a greater diameter than others so the diameter will determine how much more resistance it encounters in the water.

It is also important to note that many propellers have a smaller diameter than others so this will determine how much more RPM and top speed it can achieve at WOT. It is also important to note that some propellers are designed for right-hand or left-hand rotation.

Does Adding Cup to a Propeller Improve Fuel Efficiency?

Cupping the trailing edges of a blade can improve fuel efficiency by reducing cavitation. This process is relatively easy and not costly to add or remove. It is especially beneficial when planning hull vessels that are running at high speeds and cavitation is a concern.

Can I cup my propeller instead of buying a new one?

Using a cup on the blades of your propeller can improve fuel efficiency by reducing cavitation. It is a fairly simple change to the propeller design and does not significantly affect the rest of the blade shape.

Is it worth the cost to get a cup on my propeller?

A cup is a tight bend on the trailing edge of a propeller blade. This is sometimes referred to as a trailing edge cup or cupped propeller. This can be beneficial in a wide variety of situations depending on the type of propeller being used and how it is loaded.

Does this reduce the maximum engine rpm when I open up the throttle?

The answer to this question is yes and no. Adding cup to your propeller can increase the maximum engine rpm when you open up the throttle, but this may not necessarily be a good idea if you already have a high max rpm with your current outboard. This would also not allow your engine to get the best fuel economy when you are at wide open throttle.

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Andrew paul 144
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