Different pitches on same bravo 3 OK?

Spyderweb

Been meaning to ask about the different pitches on my props. Came this way when I bought the 2008 330 with 350 MAGS 2 seasons ago.  Picture is of port drive.  Starboard is reversed, 22P forward, and 20P aft.

Mentioned it to service manager where I had it stored this past Spring, and where they had removed them to grease splines.  Said it wasn't uncommon to have 2 different pitches on Bravo 3. He wasn't sure about them being different on each drive.  He talked to mechanic who assured him there's no way to install them incorrectly due to the way the splines were. 

Boat has always struggled a bit getting on plane but fine once up.  I always figured that was a function of a large boat (with base engines).  

Does this seem normal?

randy56

Yes not that uncommon. Not seen reversed on the other drive though. 

aero3113

I’ve head of that, some say it helps some boats and not others. Maybe you should try matched sets and see what happens? I see some Hill 4x4’s props in your future!

J3ff

seems pretty weird to me... 

Cableguy Greg

I wouldn’t want two different pitch props on a Bravo 3. @Alswagg might be able to give some insight. 

reneechris14

I have seen this before smaller pitch on back for lift big pitch on front for speed but should be the same on both drives. I would not try this the trust bearing between the outter prop shaft and inner prop shaft isn't the toughest way work it harder then you have to. With that said the Hill Marine props (4×4) make things work easier.

aero3113

I just reread your post and realized you said starboard is reversed. That doesn’t seem right to me. I’ve heard of different pitches but the same configuration on both drives.

aero3113

I bet you will feel like you have a new boat with the correct prop setup.

davidbrooks

So i can easily imagine someone hitting something. Damaging a set of props on one side. Finding a cheap set of props on craigslist that arent a perfect match but thinking "i can make these work, no one will notice". 

Spyderweb

@davidbrooks I suppose that's a possibility.  Hard to believe there's a performance reason to do it the way mine is.

Spyderweb

@Alswagg port is 20 forward, starboard is 22 forward.

Spyderweb

@Alswagg what would be the symptom or downside of having them backwards like mine?

Lake_Bum

Crappy performance, working one motor harder than the other, stress on outdrives, there are many things that should remain as equal as possible. 

Spyderweb

@Alswagg So sounds like I could buy a used set of 22's, and make another set of 22's from the 4 props I have, and then I would be in business?

RiverRat232

One prop working harder than the other on the same shaft seems like it would cause stress on the shaft.

Willhound

Spyderweb said:

@Alswagg So sounds like I could buy a used set of 22's, and make another set of 22's from the 4 props I have, and then I would be in business?

Realize you asked @Alswagg but far as I know as long as each set of two props are matched sets, yes. They should have matching serial numbers. Be careful if buying a used set, some unscrupulous sellers will try and mix to get rid of leftover props from a damaged set.

Spyderweb

Found a set of 22P's on E-Bay to make a matched set of 22's on my soon to be orphaned Rinker 330.  Can't wait to see how they'll work.  Just not sure when that might be.