Blade Guide & Boating Terms

Pitch is one of the fundamental characteristics of a propeller. Props are usually sized by their diameter and their pitch. A 14 x 17  would describe a 14 inch diameter with a 17 inch pitch.

Pitch is not an angle, it is a distance traveled. The prop acts like a screw being driven into a solid material. As the propeller rotates it moves forward. How far the propeller moves in one revolution is the pitch. The 14 x 17 would move 17 inches forward in one revolution of the propeller.

The splines are the teeth on the motor out put shaft. The motor spline count matches the propeller spline count. The splines lock the propeller to the drive shaft and transmit the engine torque to the propeller.

Not every propeller is designed to turn the same direction when the boat travels forward. There are always two possibilities.

When the propeller is viewed from behind the boat looking forward: left-rotation (counter-clockwise) or right-rotation (clockwise). 

Our patented HydroBites are small flow fences on the high pressure side of the propeller. These ridges improve hole shot, reduce vibration and control ventilation associated with tight turns and high trim angles.

The XB style blades are a thinner profile, semi-cleaver type blade. They typically produce faster speed and acceleration, but are less resistant to impact damage. We specifically recommend these blades for Force motors using our FB3 hub assembly. Our standard B-style blades, unlike the XB style, are cupped and are more resistant to ventilation in rough water.

Diameter is one of the fundamental characteristics of a propeller. Props are usually sized by their diameter and their pitch. A 14 x 17  would describe a 14 inch diameter with a 17 inch pitch. 

When choosing a propeller matching propeller diameter is less important than matching the propeller pitch as compared to your old prop. 

The gearcase diameter refers to the measurement of the part of the outdrive where the propeller fits into. This measurement helps to ensure that you’re being fitted with the correct propeller size and Piranha hub assembly. The diameter can be found by measuring one outside point on the gearcase to the farthest opposite point. Gearcase diameters are measured in inches and fractions of inches.

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