It’s a little bit embarrassing to admit that I don’t know much about propellers. You’d think a power-boat owner would know a lot, or at least SOMETHING, about a piece of gear as critical as this, wouldn’t you?
All I know is that my boat has a three-blade prop that appears to be pitched correctly, since my maximum engine RPM at wide-open-throttle (WOT) falls with the engine’s specifications. But then I hear that four-blade props might give better performance, somehow. What? Who? And when I start to do some research, it turns out propeller optimization is a very idiosyncratic and subjective exercise!
I any case, I got this press release the other day, and suffice to say I’m going to have to start reading these a bit more carefully, to see if I ca learn anything meaningful. And then see if I can find corroboration from my fellow boaters! On with the press release…
Now owners can affordably increase their boat’s performance. Employing high-tech blade geometry, the state-of-the-art Rascal, Hustler and Legacy series aluminum propellers from Turning Point Propellers offer top-end speeds, handling, fast hole shots and fuel efficiency equal to stainless steel without the high cost.
With the highest mechanical properties attainable in cast products, the durable Rascal, Hustler and Legacy series aluminum propellers are squeeze-cast for added strength, resulting in tighter, smoother grain structures. Protecting them from corrosion, a five-step process creates a uniform, high-quality, long-lasting and attractive powder-coated finish.
The efficient propellers feature progressive, tuned pitch angles to accelerate and channel water, minimizing slip and improving fuel economy. Tuned rake angles compact the vortex produced by the prop, lifting the boat and boosting overall performance. Increasing horsepower, a high-flow, through-barrel exhaust system ensures maximum exhaust current.
Designed to help 8-35 hp engines on smaller vessels such as Jon boats, dinghies, aluminum skiffs and tiller boats reach their full potential, the sturdy, aluminum Rascal props are available for 2-1/2" and 3" gearcases. Perfect for 40-75 hp outboard engines on pontoon, inflatable, fishing, runabout, bay and work boats, the versatile Hustler mid-range props work with 3-1/2" gearcase engines. Topping the lineup are the Legacy series high-performance props, which match to 4-1/4" and 4-3/4" gearcase engines and inboard/outboards with 40-300+ hp.
Featuring the unique MasterGuard Hub System, the Rascal and Hustler series are compatible with Evinrude/Johnson, Honda, Mercury & Mariner, Yamaha, Suzuki and other similar outboard engines. The only hub/housing system on the market that extends down to 8 hp, it helps owners save money when replacing or upgrading their damaged props.
Utilizing a high-tech polymer, the interchangeable hub absorbs harmful engine vibrations and shift shock. Backed by the industry’s only lifetime hub warranty, its marine-brass spline provides a long life and corrosion resistance.
The suggested retail price for the versatile Rascal series propellers from Turning Point is $69.50, the Hustler series starts at $82.50 and the Legacy series starts at $112.50. Hubs for Rascal housings start at $19.50, while hubs for Hustler housings start at $31.50 and hubs that match the Legacy series housings cost $48.
Turning Point has been engineering, manufacturing and marketing high-performance, pleasure craft aluminum and stainless steel propellers for almost a decade. Available worldwide, its innovative designs make the company the first choice in marine propellers.
