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What size prop for 540?

duckluv26

Well-known member
i'm going with a powershift. probably turning about 240 hp. right now i turn a 72X34 paddle prop at 2800. anybody with similar setups. should i go with a 72" or could i go up to a 74". thanks.......
 
Duckluv, there's a lot about this that I don't know, so please accept this as an idea / opinion. The Power Shift is is an adjustable prop .... as little or as much pitch as you want. Measure from the centerline of the crankshaft down to the transom, and if you've got enough height in your engine stand (37") so that you won't be hiding more than about 3 inches of the the prop behind the transom with every revolution, go with the bigger 74" prop.

You won't have to turn it as fast to get the same push, so it will quieter, and you'll burn less gas.

MM Pat, help me out here. Did I tell him right?

K.
 
Most people around here with Powershifts on a 540 are running the 74". I have a friend that runs this setup on his anglevalve 540 that runs awesome, he can run through most grass and trees without going over 1700rpm.

Larry
 
will i still have the snap to get unstuck on dry ground surrounded in tall cane? where i run, it is very important to break loose in some nasty stuff. it is well worth it to me to sacrifice gas mileage for snappy power to get me unstuck. thanks
 
Your gonna see alot more "snap" with the powershift then you would believe when you pull that tree trunk of a paddle prop off the motor. The 72" would give you a little quicker rev, I'm not sure if it would be anything really noticeable from the 74". What kind of hull and setup is your boat?
 
Big Feather & Larry - I would agree with what ya'll said. If that Kline I run had room in the cage I would be turning the 74" but not enough clearance so it has a 72".

With under 280 hp I would stick with the two blade powershift. I have not had a chance to try a three blade, but Mark Robicheaux says only the angle valves have the HP to maximize that extra blade.

Try that powershift at the factory mark and it should be turning around 2800, but always be careful. You can set it up with too little pitch and the motor will over rev way too much. I try to set my pitch to where I turn around 2700-2750 tied down on the trailer and you might gain 50 rpms on the water, but not much more.

Sensenich has a good blade as well, but I believe it only comes in a 3 blade. It may have more snap or rev up faster, but since I believe you pay per blade I would go with the 74 inch 2 blade, rather than a 72 inch 3 blade Sensenich.

Both companies really stand behind their products. I like the powershift alittle better, but both are really top notch.
 
Longer Prop= MORE PUSH
I'd actually go with 76" if you have the clearance.. Around my area the Hunt boats run mostly 76" on 260-horsepower 0-540's, and 78" on 290+ horsepower 0-540's.. If 72" is all you can clear, it will do just fine.. You might try Terminator Propellers.. I run a 74" and love it, turn it about 2900r.p.m and you will have great push!! http://www.Terminatorpropellers.com
 
this setup will be on a 13'X8' Air Ranger Ultra Lite. I thought I should go with the 74", but I just wanted some reassurance. I'm gonna talk to Patty today too and see what she says. thanks guys.........
 
I use a 78" whirlwind stump puller on a continental 520 and love it, very tough and lite. you can buy them direct from whirlwind and very good people to deal with for around 1200.00
 
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