26S Considering new prop.

Sep 5, 2017
29
Macgregor 26S TN River
I have a 1992 26S with a fairly clean bottom. It lives on a trailer, so not much growth. I have a Tohatsu 8 HP (MSF8) 4 stroke with a 8.5X7.5 inch prop. I am seeing speeds of 6.1 - 6.3 knots at 3200 rpms with a good bit of weight in the boat (4 people and supplies). I do not see much rpm increase between 60% and 100% throttle. I suspect I might see (maybe slightly) more speed if I were to change to a 8.5X6.5 inch prop. I would also like to have a backup prop on board.

Q1, What props are you running, and what speed?

Q2, How much should I expect to pay for a 8.5X6.5 inch prop?

Thanks
-Russ
 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
I you are motoring at speeds of 6.1 - 6.3 knots at 3200 rpms with a good bit of weight in the boat (4 people and supplies) then it your propeller may be correctly sized. However, if you want to operate closer to the engine's WPT of 5000 - 6000 rpm then a smaller pitch will do that but I suspect you will not get any more top end speed out of the boat. The manual attached says 8,5 x 6.5 is standard but check with Tohastu to be sure. The lower prop pitch will increase “hole-shot” or ability to get up to speed very quickly from a standstill but can come at the expense of top speed. The lower pitch will cause your engine to reach maximum rpm at slower speeds.

Good plan to have a spare propeller...........good value for money and insurance.

Q2, How much should I expect to pay for a 8.5X6.5 inch prop?
$67 3B2B645140 Prop 8 & 9.8 Hp (8.9 Dia X 7 Pitch) Black 3B2B645140 Prop 8 & 9.8 Hp (8.9 Dia X 7 Pitch) Black - www.tohatsu.us
$88 Amazon.com : Asaki Propeller 8 1/2x7 for Tohatsu 8/9.8 HP Outboard Right 3B2-64514-0, New : Sports & Outdoors
$139 3B2B64514-0 Tohatsu Propeller 7 3B2B645140, New Genuine OEM Part | eBay
$46 Boat Props for All Years Tohatsu/Nissan MFS 8 4-Stroke (12 Spline) (propellerdepot.com)
(note the original part number 3B2B64513-1 superseded by 3B2B64514-0 per manufacturer)
 

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Tedd

.
Jul 25, 2013
745
TES 246 Versus near Vancouver, BC
I think you're theory is correct. But I'm surprised you're such a speed demon! I owned a 26S for four years and never motored at more than 4.5 knots. Usually around 3.5 knots. Sorry, I didn't keep a record of the prop.