Best prop for efficiency?

[Keweenaw2018]

Looking to maximize fuel efficiency. I'm a bit out of my depth here RE props, but the facts that I know are as follows:

Boat: 2000 Cruiser 22
OB: 2021 Honda 100 hp
Water: Fresh, cold
Alt: 600' > sea level, so basically SL
Trim tabs: (not sure if relevant) but yes
Desired outcome: fuel efficiency / range

What's the best prop for me?

 

[thataway]

What is the WOT RPM WITH THE PROP YOU HAVE NOW? What is the speed you get with at WOT?

Generally a 3 blade SS prop in 15" pitch will be best with the Honda 90=100. If you keep the boat very hight, you might get away with 17" prop.

Aluminum props are cheaper, but flex more and will be more easily damaged than a SS prop. On the other hand, a hard strike and SS prop may carry enough impact to damage the lower unit gears. I generally run a SS prop. and the back up prop (all boats should have back up props--and the tools to change the prop, if damaged. I also carry extra cotter pins, Castle nuts, and thrust washer--just in case....

 

[ssobol]

What is the WOT RPM WITH THE PROP YOU HAVE NOW? What is the speed you get with at WOT?

Generally a 3 blade SS prop in 15" pitch will be best with the Honda 90=100. If you keep the boat very hight, you might get away with 17" prop.

Aluminum props are cheaper, but flex more and will be more easily damaged than a SS prop. On the other hand, a hard strike and SS prop may carry enough impact to damage the lower unit gears. I generally run a SS prop. and the back up prop (all boats should have back up props--and the tools to change the prop, if damaged. I also carry extra cotter pins, Castle nuts, and thrust washer--just in case....

I run an AL prop because IMO a C-Dory is a shallow water boat. Where I boat, sometimes the water is a little shallower than expected and the prop can take a beating. About every other year I just replace it.

I carry a spare prop with me, but not the hardware. I'll have to fix that.