Understanding a Boat's Propeller Pitch

A boat propeller has two basic dimensions: diameter and pitch. These dimensions are used to describe the propeller, usually in inches, and always stated as diameter x pitch. For example, a propeller described as 14.5 x 19 has a diameter of 14.5 inches and a pitch of 19 inches. These dimensions are often stamped or cast right on the propeller. Recreational boat propellers are usually offered in two-inch pitch increments within a prop model line, but some high-performance props are offered in one-inch increments to allow for fine-tuning boat performance. calculating propeller pitch

How to Calculate Propeller Pitch

Propeller diameter is simply the diameter of a circle scribed by the blade tips of the prop.

Propeller pitch is the distance the prop would move forward in one rotation if it were moving through a soft solid—think of a screw being turned into wood. The blades on a propeller are analogous to the threads on a screw. Some propellers have a constant pitch, meaning the pitch is the same at all points from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the prop blades.

Progressive pitch starts lower at the leading edge and increases to the trailing edge. The pitch number assigned to a progressive-pitch prop is the average across the entire blade. Progressive pitch improves performance in high-speed applications.

Propeller pitch determines the final gear ratio between the engine and the water. A boat should be “propped” to operate within its wide-open throttle (WOT), which can be found in the motor specifications or the owner’s manual. Ideally a motor with a WOT range of 5000-5800 RPM (as noted on the boat tachomter) will reach 5400 rpm with the boat running wide open and trimmed out for optimal performance, with a full load of fuel and water and an average passenger load. That RPM may go up with a light load of fuel or passengers, and lower with a heavier load—by propping for the middle of the range there is leeway in either direction.

If the propeller pitch is too low (lower in inches) the engine can run over the desired WOT RPM which can lead to engine damage, or to the engine protecting itself with a rev limiter.
If the prop pitch is too high (higher in inches) the motor may run below the WOT range—called “lugging the engine”—which can also put undue stress on engine and gearcase components. Moving up or down two inches in pitch will usually change WOT engine speed by approximately 400 RPM.

A lower-pitch prop is like low gear in a car or a bicycle—you’ll accelerate quickly but top speed will suffer. A prop with too much pitch may deliver more top speed because the prop moves further forward with each rotation, but acceleration may be poor and the boat will struggle to get on plane.

The best bet is compromise between these extremes, a prop size that puts the engine in the sweet spot of its RPM range for everyday use.

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