This may be a stupid question, but I don’t have a lot of experience with this stuff.
I removed the Tempest three blade prop from my 1998 Mercury 200 EFI. The diameter of the Tempest matches the diameter of the lower unit.
I was planning on installing a spare four blade prop, while I ship the tempest to Mark C for rework. When I slid the four blade prop on the splined shaft, I noticed the propeller diameter is smaller than the lower unit, where the two meet. I didn’t notice this before I removed the four blade prop from the 1989 Mercury 200 it was on. I slid the four blade prop back on the older 1989 Mercury 200, and sure enough, the prop diameter is smaller that the lower unit where the two meet. This tells me the four blade prop will work on my newer 1998 Mercury 200 EFI.
I understand the four blade prop will accelerate out of the hole faster, AKA better hole shot, but the top speed will suffer slightly.
I wonder what would happen if the four blade prop actually matched the lower unit diameter like the Tempest does?
I cleaned up my boat and covered it yesterday, with the intent of not using it again until spring. I figured I would install the four blade prop, but then I noticed they have a different diameter.
my question is…Will the four blade prop with a smaller diameter work on my 1998 Mercury 200 EFI? I’m guessing Yes, it will work, since it fits the same on the older Mercury 200.
For now my boat is parked & covered under a carport for the winter, without a propeller on the engine.