Propellers for High Altitude
Propellers for High Altitude
If a boat engine is losing power at high altitude, should a different propeller for high altitude than used at sea level be considered?
1986 Outrage 18 with 2001 Honda 130 HP
Former Owner 1991 Guardian 19 with 1994 Evinrude V4 140HP
Former owner 1987 Montauk with 1998 Mercury 90HP
Nova Scotia
Former Owner 1991 Guardian 19 with 1994 Evinrude V4 140HP
Former owner 1987 Montauk with 1998 Mercury 90HP
Nova Scotia
Re: Will Fuel-Injection Improve Engine Performance at High Elevations
DON--I believe that changing the propeller to accommodate reduced engine power output at altitude is a common technique used by boaters. To change a propeller takes only a few moments.
Many boaters also change the propeller to accommodate unusual loading situation, particularly on smaller boats where changes in weight aboard can be significant percentage changes in total weight.
Many boaters also change the propeller to accommodate unusual loading situation, particularly on smaller boats where changes in weight aboard can be significant percentage changes in total weight.
Re: Will Fuel-Injection Improve Engine Performance at High Elevations
Don -
If an owner has a carbureted outboard, installing larger jets can help mitigate some of the impact of the air density change. One can also use a lower pitch prop as well but you can only go so far.
In a handlful of cases I know a prop change has helped. In several instances, all high elevation (8,000'+), a repower was required.
If an owner has a carbureted outboard, installing larger jets can help mitigate some of the impact of the air density change. One can also use a lower pitch prop as well but you can only go so far.
In a handlful of cases I know a prop change has helped. In several instances, all high elevation (8,000'+), a repower was required.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
Re: Will Fuel-Injection Improve Engine Performance at High Elevations
jimh wrote:I believe that changing the propeller to accommodate reduced engine power output at altitude is a common technique used by boaters.
The shop [that is selling me a new engine] said I certainly would need [two] different propellers: one propeller for high altitude, and one propeller for the coast [at sea level]. The shop said they have a lot of experience in getting the correct propellers for high altitude.