PROPELLER PITCH MEANING
Pitch is used to describe the theoretical distance that a propeller “cork screws” through the water in inches of forward travel.
In theory, a 14” pitch propeller would move ahead 14” with each complete revolution of the propeller.
There is always some percentage of inefficiency as water conditions, boat weight and propeller style are introduced into the performance equation.
The lower the “slip factor,” the more efficiently the propeller will perform and the faster the speed at a given engine RPM.
Lower pitches accelerate faster but have a lower top end speed.
Higher pitches have a slower acceleration but may attain higher top speeds.
An inch of pitch approximately equals to 150 – 200 engine RPM at wide open throttle (WOT).
If pitch is increased by an inch, RPM will decrease by 150 – 200 RPM at WOT.
If pitch is decreased by an inch, RPM will increase by 150 – 200 RPM at WOT.
Always operate your boat/engine combination within the recommended RPM range guidelines as stated in your operator’s manual.
