Stainless Steel Propellers for 135-300HP Mercury Engines
When it comes to marine performance, choosing the right propeller can significantly impact your boating experience. For Mercury engines ranging from 135HP to 300HP, stainless steel propellers are the gold standard for durability, efficiency, and enhanced performance. This article provides a detailed breakdown of blade configurations, pitches, diameters, OEM numbers, and more, helping you navigate your options with confidence.
Why Stainless Steel Propellers?
Stainless steel propellers are renowned for their strength and longevity, outperforming aluminum alternatives in high-speed and high-torque applications. They offer better resistance to corrosion, reduced flex under load, and increased efficiency, making them an excellent investment for boat owners with Mercury engines.
Detailed Specifications of Stainless Steel Propellers
Below, we’ve organized the key specifications of propellers suitable for Mercury engines. This comprehensive guide ensures that you can identify the perfect propeller to meet your specific needs.
Blade Configuration and Rotation
Mercury propellers come in configurations of 3-blade and 4-blade designs. Here’s a breakdown:
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3-Blade Propellers: Designed for speed and high performance. They reduce drag and improve acceleration.
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4-Blade Propellers: Ideal for better handling, smoother rides, and enhanced control in rough waters.
Additionally, these propellers are available in both right-hand (R) and left-hand (L) rotation to suit various engine setups.
Diameter (D) and Pitch (P)
Propeller diameter and pitch are critical factors in determining your boat’s performance:
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Diameter: Refers to the overall width of the propeller’s circle. Mercury stainless steel propellers feature diameters ranging from 13 inches to 16 inches.
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Pitch: Indicates how far the propeller moves the boat forward with each rotation. Pitches are available in increments from 13 inches up to 26 inches, allowing for fine-tuned performance adjustments.
OEM Numbers and Compatibility
Each propeller is uniquely identified by an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) number. These numbers help confirm compatibility with your Mercury engine. For example:
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48-16548-23: A 3-blade propeller with a 13 ¾-inch diameter and a 21-inch pitch.
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48-13706A46: A 3-blade propeller with a 14 ½-inch diameter and a 25-inch pitch.
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48-8M0040400: A 3-blade propeller with a 16-inch diameter and a 19-inch pitch.
OEM numbers also provide insights into specialized designs, such as the Laser II series, known for its exceptional speed and acceleration capabilities.
Popular Models and Their Specifications
Here is a table summarizing some of the most sought-after models:
Engines Applciation: 90CT‑400 &MERCRUISER STERNDRIVES 4-3/4" Gearcase 90,100,115HP Command Thrust...2014 & Newer 135 HP...1987-Newer 150 HP...1978-Newer 175 HP...1978-Newer 200 HP 1978-Newer 220 HP...1987‑1988 225 HP 1980-Newer 225 HP(SeaPro/Marathon)...All Years 250 HP...1994-newer 275 HP...1990-1994 300 HP...1983&1999-newer 3.4 Litre...1984-1986 MERCRUISER STERNDRIVES MODELS 1S,1B,1C...-1982 MODELS 120,140,145 DTS...-1982 MODELS 165,228,470,485,888,898...-1982 MODELS 225S,233,255TRS,260,280TS,330TRS...-1982 MERCRUISER 120-260HP...1983-1985 ALPHA ONE DRIVE (GEN.1&GEN.2 ALL MOTORS&HP) BRAVO ONE DRIVE (BRAVO ONE &BRAVO ONE X DRIVES ONLY) 15 Spline Tooth |
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OEM# | SOLAS part NO. | B | D | P | R |
/ | / | 3 | 13.6 | 21 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 13.6 | 21 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 13 3/4 | 17 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 13 3/4 | 17 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 13 3/4 | 19 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 13 3/4 | 19 | L |
48-16548-23 | / | 3 | 13 3/4 | 21 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 13 3/4 | 21 | L |
48-16548A46 | / | 3 | 13 3/4 | 23 | Laser II |
48-16546-A46-21P | / | 3 | 13 7/8 | 21 | Laser II |
48-898998A46 | / | 3 | 14 | 19 | R |
48-898999A46 | / | 3 | 14 | 19 | L |
/ | 9531-140-21 | 3 | 14 | 21 | R |
/ | 1532-140-21 | 3 | 14 | 21 | L |
/ | 9531-140-23 | 3 | 14 | 23 | R |
/ | 1532-140-23 | 3 | 14 | 23 | L |
48-898994A46 | 9531-143-17 | 3 | 14 1/4 | 17 | R |
48-898995A46 | 9532-143-17 | 3 | 14 1/4 | 17 | L |
/ | 1651-143-23 | 3 | 14 1/4 | 23 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 14 1/4 | 24 | R |
48-16550-25 | / | 3 | 14 1/4 | 25 | Laser II |
/ | 1531-145-15 | 3 | 14 1/2 | 15 | R |
/ | 1532-145-15 | 3 | 14 1/2 | 15 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 14 1/2 | 17 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 14 1/2 | 17 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 14 1/2 | 19 | R |
/ | 1551-145-21 | 3 | 14 1/2 | 21 | R |
/ | 1552-145-21 | 3 | 14 1/2 | 21 | L |
48-13706A46 | / | 3 | 14 1/2 | 25 | R |
48-13707A46 | / | 3 | 14 1/2 | 25 | L |
48-13704A46 | / | 3 | 14 5/8 | 23 | R |
48-13705A46 | / | 3 | 14 5/8 | 23 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 14 5/8 | 25 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 14 3/4 | 15 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 14 3/4 | 15 | L |
/ | 1551-148-16 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 16 | R |
/ | 1552-148-16 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 16 | L |
/ | 1551-148-17 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 17 | R |
/ | 1552-158-17 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 17 | L |
/ | 1551-148-18 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 18 | R |
/ | 1552-148-18 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 18 | L |
/ | 1551-148-19 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 19 | R |
/ | 1552-148-19 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 19 | L |
/ | 1551-148-20 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 20 | R |
/ | 1552-148-20 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 20 | L |
/ | 1571-148-23 | 3 | 14 3/4 | 23 | R |
/ | 1571-149-22 | 3 | 14 7/8 | 22 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 15 | 14 | R |
48-898990A46 | / | 3 | 15 | 15 | R |
48-898991A46 | / | 3 | 15 | 15 | L |
/ | 9571-150-21 | 3 | 15 | 21 | R |
/ | 9572-150-21 | 3 | 15 | 21 | L |
/ | 1571-151-20 | 3 | 15 1/8 | 20 | R |
/ | 1572-151-20 | 3 | 15 1/8 | 20 | L |
48-13700A46 | / | 3 | 15 1/4 | 19 | R |
48-13701A46 | / | 3 | 15 1/4 | 19 | L |
/ | 1571-154-18 | 3 | 15 3/8 | 18 | R |
/ | 1572-154-18 | 3 | 15 3/8 | 18 | L |
48-18278A46 | / | 3 | 15 1/2 | 17 | R |
48-90159A46 | / | 3 | 15 1/2 | 17 | L |
/ | 1571-156-16 | 3 | 15 5/8 | 16 | R |
/ | 1572-156-16 | 3 | 15 5/8 | 16 | L |
/ | 9571-156-23 | 3 | 15 5/8 | 23 | R |
/ | 9572-156-23 | 3 | 15 5/8 | 23 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 15 3/4 | 13 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 15 3/4 | 13 | L |
48-19838A46 | / | 3 | 15 3/4 | 15 | R |
48-19841A46 | / | 3 | 15 3/4 | 15 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 17 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 17 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 18 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 18 1/2 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 18 1/2 | L |
48-8M0040400 | / | 3 | 16 | 19 | R |
48-8M0040401 | / | 3 | 16 | 19 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 20 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 20 | L |
48-8M0040402 | / | 3 | 16 | 21 | R |
48-8M0040403 | / | 3 | 16 | 21 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 21 1/2 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 16 | 21 1/2 | L |
48-8M0040404 | / | 3 | 16 | 23 | R |
48-8M0040405 | / | 3 | 16 | 23 | L |
/ | / | 3 | 25 | 15 | R |
/ | / | 3 | 25 | 15 | L |
/ | 1553-140-20 | 4 | 14 | 20 | R |
/ | 1554-140-20 | 4 | 14 | 20 | L |
/ | 9553-140-21 | 4 | 14 | 21 | R |
/ | 9554-140-21 | 4 | 14 | 21 | L |
/ | 1554-140-23 | 4 | 14 | 23 | R |
/ | 1554-140-25 | 4 | 14 | 25 | R |
/ | 1553-140-18 | 4 | 14 1/8 | 18 | R |
/ | 1554-141-18 | 4 | 14 1/8 | 18 | L |
/ | 9553-141-19 | 4 | 14 1/8 | 19 | R |
/ | 9554-141-19 | 4 | 14 1/8 | 19 | L |
/ | 9553-143-17 | 4 | 14 1/4 | 17 | R |
/ | 9554-143-17 | 4 | 14 1/4 | 17 | L |
/ | / | 4 | 14 1/2 | 14 | R |
/ | 9553-145-15 | 4 | 14 1/2 | 15 | R |
/ | 9554 145-15 | 4 | 14 1/2 | 15 | L |
/ | / | 4 | 14 1/2 | 16 | R |
/ | / | 4 | 14 1/2 | 16 | L |
48-857026A46 | / | 4 | 14.6 | 19 | R |
48-857027A46 | / | 4 | 14.6 | 19 | L |
/ | 9573-153-18 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 18 | R |
/ | 9574-153-18 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 18 | L |
/ | 9573-153-20 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 20 | R |
/ | 9574-153-20 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 20 | L |
/ | 9573-153-22 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 22 | R |
/ | 9574-153-22 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 22 | L |
/ | 9573-153-24 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 24 | R |
/ | 9574-153-24 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 24 | L |
/ | 9573-153-26 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 26 | R |
/ | 9574-153-26 | 4 | 15 1/4 | 26 | L |
Specialized Features
1. Laser II Series
These propellers feature higher rake angles for improved lift and enhanced top speed. For example:
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48-16546-A46-21P: A 3-blade propeller with a 13 7/8-inch diameter and a 21-inch pitch, designed for optimal performance.
2. Bravo One Drive Compatibility
Mercury propellers are engineered for compatibility with Alpha One and Bravo One drives. This ensures smooth operation and reliable performance across various boating conditions.
Selecting the Right Propeller
When choosing a propeller, consider the following:
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Engine Compatibility: Ensure the propeller matches your Mercury engine’s specifications (e.g., horsepower, drive type).
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Boating Needs: For speed enthusiasts, opt for 3-blade designs with higher pitches. For better control and maneuverability, choose 4-blade models.
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OEM Verification: Cross-check the OEM number for precise compatibility.
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Pitch Testing: Adjust pitch based on your boating habits—lower pitch for quicker acceleration or higher pitch for improved top speed.
Conclusion
Investing in the right stainless steel propeller for your Mercury engine can transform your boating experience. With options tailored to various horsepower ranges and performance needs, these propellers provide unparalleled durability, efficiency, and versatility. Whether you’re chasing speed, stability, or smooth rides, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.
For more information and guidance on selecting the ideal propeller, explore our detailed specifications or reach out to a trusted marine equipment specialist.