prop size and pitch

[walberts]

I have a Yamaha 6 that has a long shaft, but a prop that seems more appropriate for a planing hull than a displacement type.  It doesn't dig in and shove the way it should.  RPMs are higher than they should be and when I use reverse to slow or stop the boat, the prop doesn't have much bite on the water.

Any suggestions?

[commanderpete]

Yamaha makes a high thrust/low pitch sailboat prop. Don't really know the specifics on it.

I don't expect a whole lot of performance out of the engine in reverse

[Bill]

CP's right, get the high thrust prop.  And, don't expect an Ariel or Commander to back up . . .

[walberts]

I'll check with the Yamaha dealer and see what he has available.  I'll report the specifics when I get them.  I've been using a Merc 9.9 sailmaster which has much flatter pitch prop.  When I used the Yamaha, I noticed the lack of braking power when I came into the gas dock.   :eek:

That was when I thought about the pitch issue.  

The Yamaha is a great engine and I want to use it because it is a 100/1 mix 2-stroke rather than the Merc's 50/1.  But when I gave it a trial, I was made very aware that I was not comparing apples to apples.  The prop seemed to be the most likely offender.

The Merc is a good engine with an alternator and electric start, but ... the smoke ...

I've been thinking about the Nissan 6, 4-stroke engine as a replacement for some time ... I just need the right prop on the Yamaha 6 to see how the boat will perform compared to the larger engine.