What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
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What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
I recently bought a 14x8 wardaddy powered by a Lycoming O-540 and the propeller that came with the boat is starting to have problems. The original propeller that was on there was a 72" powershift signature series propeller. I live and ride in South Florida and the conditions that I mainly run are open water, grass, and slough type conditions, but every once in a blue moon I'll run dry when i'm pulling up to a camp and that's about it. So now i'm left with a decision on which propeller to buy and I have compiled a list on which ones I like the best. My main goal is to get the best propeller for my price range which is anywhere between $2000-$2500. I don't care at all for warpdrives and everyone i've talked to has told me that three blade propellers are to much prop for my engine. The propellers that I like are:
-6 blade 72" Whirlwind Razr X
-4 blade 72" Whirlwind Excalibur
-2 blade 72" Sensenich NGQ
I'm looking for honest answers from people who have used or know people who have used them. :old_glory:
-6 blade 72" Whirlwind Razr X
-4 blade 72" Whirlwind Excalibur
-2 blade 72" Sensenich NGQ
I'm looking for honest answers from people who have used or know people who have used them. :old_glory:
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540

Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
I run a 72 in three blade Ngq on my 540, I had a 2 blade Ngq and a 6 blade warp before that. I'm happy with the 3 blade. I do miss the warp snap though.
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
If your cage and motor will handle a 74 inch prop go for it.
I would talk to Andrew at water walker and test one of his props. He will bolt on
And test with you with a little notice. The water walker prop is considerable lighter
Than the old power shift. I have the new water walker on an AV540 and like it.
However everyone I have run across running the NGQ has nothing but good things
To say and very happy with it. I would put those two together and see what works best on
Your boat.
No experience with the whirlwind. You said you did not like a warp drive but reference both
Thin blade whirlwind???
Did I misread?
Call and talk to all of them, that is the fun part hunting for the perfect combo for your boat.!!
I would talk to Andrew at water walker and test one of his props. He will bolt on
And test with you with a little notice. The water walker prop is considerable lighter
Than the old power shift. I have the new water walker on an AV540 and like it.
However everyone I have run across running the NGQ has nothing but good things
To say and very happy with it. I would put those two together and see what works best on
Your boat.
No experience with the whirlwind. You said you did not like a warp drive but reference both
Thin blade whirlwind???
Did I misread?
Call and talk to all of them, that is the fun part hunting for the perfect combo for your boat.!!
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
I ngq I like mine same motor
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- kwanjangnihm
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
mwood7800 are you running an AV540? what mark are your blades pitched at and what is your sweet spot WOT? thanks!mwood7800 wrote:I run a 72 in three blade Ngq on my 540, I had a 2 blade Ngq and a 6 blade warp before that. I'm happy with the 3 blade. I do miss the warp snap though.

He'll cut your throat, baby, stick you in the back, drive off in your Cadillac.
He's more trouble than you think, he'll kill your sugar, leave you in the drink.
He's more trouble than you think, he'll kill your sugar, leave you in the drink.
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
For your type of riding, I would highly recommend the 6 bld razorX.....If you want a little more mid range and less "whine", get it in a staggered setup!
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
I never looked at the marks, I use a wire tie on the cage. I'll have a look
- digginfool
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
I have the Excalibur on my sled. Prop has excellent push and good top end. I know others have had excellent experience with the NGQ as well. As long as you stay down here in South Florida, the RazorX would be a good consideration but not sure it would have the push you need if you have to run dry with that size of boat. I ran the Sensenich Saber (6 blade 72") and loved the high end but it definitely lacked the low end push of the Excalibur. Your best bet is to talk to Darrin at Sensenich, Patty at Whirlwind and, as suggested above, Andrew at Water Walker. Those people truly know what will work best for your boat and style of riding. They've outfitted every known combination whereas most of us have used two maybe three props on our boats.
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
I have a NGQ for sale in the classifieds .
" I have two guns...
One for each of you "
2011 Al David / AV 540
One for each of you "
2011 Al David / AV 540
- Hamant Airboats
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
We are dealers for Sensenich and Whirlwind, give us a call at 321-259-6998. We'd love to help!
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
NGQ is a great prop, it would be my choice!
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
Ask you riding buddies what they think and buy what they recommend. That way you won't have to convince them of why you bought something else.
Mark 7:9
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
It is an AV. My marks have faded outkwanjangnihm wrote:mwood7800 are you running an AV540? what mark are your blades pitched at and what is your sweet spot WOT? thanks!mwood7800 wrote:I run a 72 in three blade Ngq on my 540, I had a 2 blade Ngq and a 6 blade warp before that. I'm happy with the 3 blade. I do miss the warp snap though.
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
It will have three small raised marks molded into the shank of the blade. Unless you have had the prop refinished with DuraSkin you should be able to find them. Look right along where it goes into the hub and generally they will be in proximity to where the outer clamshell and base join in that seam.
If they have been DuraSkin coated it makes it real hard to get a clean read as it sort of puddles and clouds the view.
If they have been DuraSkin coated it makes it real hard to get a clean read as it sort of puddles and clouds the view.
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
NGQ all the way. Give me a ring, I can hook you up.
- Big Casino
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Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
Depends on what your preference/style is really. They are all actually very similar with different pros/cons...
After trying several different setups I went with a 74" four blade Excalibur in a bowtie setup, with 2.5 deg of stagger between leading and lagging blade sets. You will NOT find one that pushes as hard on the bottom, nor brings the thrust up as quickly and without any of the high pitch whine of a saber/razor. However I may have given up a few mph on the topside that an NGQ had given me... But 53 mph for my fishing trawler is plenty fast enough for now.
After trying several different setups I went with a 74" four blade Excalibur in a bowtie setup, with 2.5 deg of stagger between leading and lagging blade sets. You will NOT find one that pushes as hard on the bottom, nor brings the thrust up as quickly and without any of the high pitch whine of a saber/razor. However I may have given up a few mph on the topside that an NGQ had given me... But 53 mph for my fishing trawler is plenty fast enough for now.
"...This above all: to thine own self be true..."
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
I have a NGQ 2 blade on my 540 straight valve. 13 ft high side Alumitec. It performs great.
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
i run a 5 blade warp 72" prop for25 year . does great
Re: What propeller should I buy for a lycoming O-540
No marks or silicone is covering upSWAMPHUNTER45 wrote:It will have three small raised marks molded into the shank of the blade. Unless you have had the prop refinished with DuraSkin you should be able to find them. Look right along where it goes into the hub and generally they will be in proximity to where the outer clamshell and base join in that seam.
If they have been DuraSkin coated it makes it real hard to get a clean read as it sort of puddles and clouds the view.