🚤 How to Pick the Right Propeller Pitch for Yamaha Outboards (15–23 Pitch Guide – Southeast Asia Edition)

Yamaha propeller pitch. For Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia & Thailand – by BoatsPartsWarehouse.com

Choosing the right propeller pitch for your Yamaha outboard has a huge impact on your boat’s performance — including speed, fuel economy, load-handling, and engine lifespan. In Southeast Asia’s tropical waters, where Yamaha is the #1 most-used outboard brand, picking the correct prop pitch is essential.

This guide explains exactly how to choose the correct 15 to 23 pitch propeller for Yamaha engines commonly used in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

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⚙️ What Exactly Is Propeller Pitch?

Propeller pitch = the distance (in inches) the propeller would move forward in one full rotation under ideal conditions.

🔹 Lower Pitch = More Power

(15–17 pitch)

• Faster acceleration
• Better for heavy loads
• Quicker planing
• Lower top speed

🔹 Higher Pitch = More Speed

(19–23 pitch)

• Higher top-end speed
• Lower RPM at cruising
• Slower acceleration
• Requires more engine power

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📌 The Most Important Rule in Prop Pitch Selection

A 2-inch change in pitch = about 300–400 RPM change at WOT (Wide Open Throttle).

So:

• Too high RPM? → Increase pitch
• Too low RPM? → Decrease pitch

This simple rule helps you pick the correct 15–23 pitch prop with near-perfect accuracy.

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🔧 Yamaha Outboard RPM Ranges (Common in Southeast Asia)

Yamaha Outboard	Ideal WOT RPM	Typical Pitch Range
40HP–60HP	5,000–6,000	13–17 pitch
70HP–90HP	5,300–6,300	15–19 pitch
115HP	5,000–6,000	17–21 pitch
130–150HP	4,800–6,000	17–23 pitch

These are the engines most used in:
✔ Philippines island-hopping boats
✔ Indonesian dive boats
✔ Thai long-tail and tour boats
✔ Malaysian fishing & leisure boats

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🛠️ How to Pick the Right Pitch (Step-by-Step Guide)

STEP 1 — Test Your Current WOT RPM

Run your boat at full throttle during safe, calm conditions.

If your RPM is…

• Over the limit → Increase pitch by 2
• Under the limit → Decrease pitch by 2

This is the golden rule boat mechanics use across Manila, Bali, Langkawi, and Phuket.

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STEP 2 — Choose Pitch Based on Your Use Case

🔹 For Heavy Loads / Fishing / Transport:

15–17 Pitch

• Better torque
• Faster planing
• Handles passengers + gear
  Perfect for:
• Fishing boats in Cebu, Dumaguete, Sabah
• Passenger/tour boats
• Workboats in Bali & Lombok

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🔹 For Balanced Power + Speed:

17–19 Pitch
Ideal for:

• RIB boats
• Center consoles
• Multi-purpose family boats
• Tourism operators

Most popular choice across Southeast Asia.

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🔹 For Top Speed / Light Boats:

19–23 Pitch
Great for:

• Sport boats
• High-speed island hopping
• Long-distance routes (e.g., Batangas–Mindoro, Bali–Nusa Penida)

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🚤 Pitch Recommendations by Yamaha Engine Model

For Yamaha 70HP (Top Seller in SE Asia)

• Light boat → 17–19 pitch
• Loaded boat → 15–17 pitch

Yamaha 100–115HP

• Multi-purpose boat → 17–19 pitch
• Speed-focused → 19–21 pitch

Yamaha 150HP

• Fast RIB → 19–23 pitch
• Tourist boat with load → 17–19 pitch

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📊 Quick Prop Pitch Selector (15–23 Pitch)

Boat Type	Best Pitch
Fishing Boat	15–17
Tourist / Passenger Boat	17–19
RIB / Inflatable	17–21
Fiberglass Speedboat	19–23
Dive Boat	17–19
Light Island Hopper	19–21

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🛡 The Best Prop Material for Southeast Asia

Saltwater, coral, sand, and warm temperatures make prop material VERY important.

✔ Stainless Steel Propellers (Best Overall)

• Faster acceleration
• More durable
• Better grip in turns
• Ideal for high-HP Yamahas

✔ Aluminum Propellers (Budget & Light Use)

• Cheaper
• Easy to repair
• Great for 40–70HP Yamaha motors

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🔍 Signs You Need a New Propeller

Replace your prop if you notice:

• Vibration
• Chipped blades
• Cavitation burn marks
• Slow planing
• Loss of 300+ RPM

These issues are common in the Philippines & Indonesia due to shallow reefs + sand.

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🏁 Final Advice: Picking the Right Yamaha Prop Pitch

To choose the perfect 15–23 pitch propeller:

1. Check your Yamaha’s WOT RPM
2. Adjust pitch by 2 inches per 300–400 RPM
3. Choose based on speed vs power
4. Match prop to boat type + load
5. Use stainless steel for best long-term performance

This guarantees smoother acceleration, better fuel efficiency, and longer Yamaha engine life.

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Check Out:

• Yamaha Propellers → /collections/yamaha-props
• Stainless Steel Props → /collections/propellers?filter=stainless
• Aluminum Props → /collections/propellers?filter=aluminum
• Yamaha Outboard Parts → /collections/yamaha-outboard-parts
• Boat Hardware & Accessories → /collections/marine-hardware

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