[Rhodes22-list] Propeller selection

[Bill Effros]

Jim,

Congratulations on your motor selection.  Like every other owner of this
motor on the list, I am thrilled with mine.

I don't know which propeller I have, however I can tell you that the motor
effortlessly (less than half throttle) gets the boat to hull speed.  The
only thing I would wish for is the ability to go slower.

Have the dealer set the idle speed as low as possible.  The engine is very
reliable, and won't stall once you locate the lowest idle speed.

Select the propeller that gives you the least forward motion per revolution.

I have the Tohatsu remote control unit which I mount on the port side stern
rail.  This is a costly option from Tohatsu, and you can get a generic unit
for a lot less money, but not if you would like to convert your engine to
key-start, and have the ability to start the engine or shut it down from the
remote location.

I strongly recommend remote control units that allow you to intuitively
control your boat (push forward-go forward, push back-go back) if you can
see you're likely to find yourself in situations where mistakes under motor
could be costly.

Remote control units are easily fitted to existing motors, however, you may
be able to make a better deal with your dealer at this time.  I know Rummy
got a very good deal on his.

You will find that the little alternator on your motor puts more energy into
your battery than it withdraws when you are using it as a starter motor.
There's absolutely no need to get a separate battery to start the motor.
The built-in starter rope is all the back-up you need.  In the ten years
I've owned the motor I never needed the rope.  I tried it once, out of
curiosity.  It started on the first to pull.

I have two solar panels in addition to the Tohatsu.  My boat sits on a
mooring all summer, and in a parking lot all winter.  My batteries (I have
two, hooked together, which seems to be one more than I really need) are
always on board.  They are always fully charged.  I have never recharged
them using shore power.  They are five years old, and still working fine,
but they no longer have as much reserve as they used to, so I plan to
replace them this year.

Bill Effros

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Connolly" <jbconnolly@speakeasy.net>
To: <rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org>
Cc: <rhodes-list@sailnet.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 10:32 AM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Propeller selection


First of all, thanks to the list for all the feedback on my previous motor
question.

FWIW, I will likely end up getting the Nissan/Tohatsu 2-stroke 2-cylinder
20" NS8BEF2.  This is the smallest, lightest (and least expensive) new motor
I could find with electric start (priority for my WW) and charging system.

I still like Yamahas, but to get these features, I would have to go with the
T-8, almost twice as heavy as the Nissan, and 50% more expensive.  They are
also scarce.  Couldn't find a 20" shaft F6 or F8 for a good price, most
places with good prices sold out until July.

Now the question, which prop?

Nissan web site lists a heavy boat as 1,500-3,000LB, and lists two potential
propeller choices for the NS8BEF2 and a heavy boat as follows:

Diameter pitch blades SN
8.5 6.5 3 3B264-5130M
8.5 7 3 3B264-5140M

The local Nissan dealer was not willing to speculate on which would be
better.  Since the Rhodes is at the upper end of heavy, it seems logical
that the lowest pitch might be the better selection.  This is also
consistent with the FAQ.  I am worried about over-revving though if pitch is
too low.

Does anyone have any experience with either of these propellers & a
Nissan/Tohatsu 8 on the Rhodes?

Jim Connolly



_________________________________________________
Use Rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list