Acme Propellers

ACME Props and ACME Propeller Accessories - Resources & Information

Founded in 1996, ACME Marine Group has produced high-performance propellers with year-after-year durability. ACME is a well-respected brand in the marine industry, and its propellers are designed to provide optimal thrust and efficiency for a wide range of boat and engine types. Made in the USA, every ACME propeller is engineered and manufactured with ACME's exacting CNC process to produce outboard props that stand the test of time, providing reliability you can count on in the toughest marine environments. 

PartsVu offers a complete selection of ACME Propellers, including OEM manufacturer and aftermarket parts, propeller hardware, and propeller tools. Whether you need an ACME Props 2561 4-blade Lh Prop, ACME 13 X 11-1/2 L 3-blade Props, ACME Props Propeller Carry Case, and much more, PartsVu has what you need to get the job done. 

Need help servicing your ACME Propeller? PartsVu regularly publishes helpful how-to guides and other valuable maintenance information to help boaters service their outboard engines, boats, trailers, and more. Browse the PartsVu Xchange, our outboard maintenance blog, for a wide range of relevant topics and review the FAQ section below, covering everything you need to know about maintaining your boat in confidence.

ACME Propellers FAQ

What should I know about ACME Propellers for boats and outboard engines?

There are a few key things to consider when choosing an ACME propeller for a boat or outboard engine:

1. Size: ACME propellers are available in a range of sizes to suit different engine horsepower ratings and boat hull sizes. It is important to choose a propeller that is appropriately sized for the engine and boat to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
2. Pitch: The pitch of a propeller refers to the distance that the propeller would travel in one revolution if it were moving through a solid. A higher pitch propeller is generally more efficient and will provide more thrust, but it may also require more horsepower to turn.
3. Material: ACME propellers are available in a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and composite. Each material has its own pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the boat and engine.
4. Number of blades: ACME propellers are available with two, three, or four blades. In general, a propeller with more blades will provide more thrust and be more efficient, but it may also require more horsepower to turn.

Overall, an ACME prop is a reliable and high-performing option for boats and outboard engines, and can help to improve the performance and efficiency of the boat. It is important to choose the right size, pitch, material, and number of blades to ensure the best possible results.

What should I know about how to read boat propeller numbers?

Learning how to read propeller numbers is relatively simple. Boat propellers are typically identified by a series of numbers and letters that indicate the size, pitch, and material of the propeller. Here is a breakdown of what these numbers and letters mean:

• Diameter: The diameter of a propeller is the distance from the center of the hub to the tip of one of the blades. It is usually expressed in inches.
• Pitch: The pitch of a propeller is the distance that the propeller would move forward in one revolution if it were moving through a solid, like a screw. It is usually expressed in inches.
• Material: Propellers can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and bronze. The material of the propeller is usually indicated by a letter, with "A" indicating aluminum, "S" indicating stainless steel, and "B" indicating bronze.

For example, a boat prop with the markings "14 x 21 A" would have a diameter of 14 inches, a pitch of 21 inches, and be made of aluminum.

It's important to note that these numbers are just a general guide, and the actual performance of marine props will depend on a variety of factors such as the size and power of the engine, the hull design of the boat, and the operating conditions.

How do I read a boat pitch chart?

A boat pitch chart is a tool used to help select the proper propeller for a particular boat and engine combination. It is a chart that lists the recommended pitch range for different combinations of boat size, engine horsepower, and operating speed.

To use a boat prop pitch chart, you will need to know the size and horsepower of your engine, as well as the size and type of boat you have. With this information, you can look up the recommended pitch range for your specific combination on the chart.

For example, let's say you have a 20-foot boat with a 150 horsepower engine. The pitch chart may recommend a pitch range of 15-20 inches for this combination. This means that a propeller with a pitch of 15-20 inches would be a good choice for your boat and engine.

It's important to note that pitch charts are just a general guide, and the actual performance of a propeller will depend on a variety of factors such as the size and power of the engine, the hull design of the boat, and the operating conditions. It may be necessary to experiment with different pitch values to find the best propeller for your specific needs.

What's the difference between a 3 blade vs 4 blade prop for outboard engines?

Are you deciding between a 3 blade or 4 blade prop for your outboard motor(s)? The main difference between 3-blade and 4 blade props (such as an ACME 4 blade propeller) for outboard engines is the amount of thrust they can produce and the smoothness of operation.

• 3-blade propellers are generally more efficient at producing thrust, as they have less blade area and create less drag. This means they can often provide more speed for a given engine power. They also tend to be more durable and require less maintenance than 4-blade propellers.
• 4 blade propellers, on the other hand, are known for smooth operation and low vibration levels. They are often used on boats that need to operate at low speeds or in rough water conditions, as they provide a more comfortable ride. However, they are generally less efficient at producing thrust than 3-blade propellers and may require more power to achieve the same speed.

Overall, the choice between a 3-blade and 4 blade prop for an outboard engine will depend on the specific needs of the application. 

What outboard engine tools should I have onboard?

Even if you don’t do your own maintenance, all boaters need some basic boat tools in their marine tool kits to help them out of a jam. Of course, if you plan to do your own maintenance or a portion of your own maintenance, you’ll need to be a bit better equipped.

So which boat tools should you have onboard? The following are our recommendations and the reasons behind them. Of course, the tools you should have onboard are significantly dictated by the type of boating you do. As a practical matter, a near-shore, freshwater boater needs fewer tools than an off-shore boater. While a problem close to the shore can be an annoyance, a problem off-shore might be a whole different matter.

• Fuel filter wrench—good idea to have on board if you get enough water or debris in your fuel system that a fuel filter change becomes necessary.
• Adjustable band filter wrench—you may need to change your fuel/water separating filter if you have water in your system or if you got some bad gas at the marina. US marinas nearly always sell high-quality filtered gasoline, but marinas in the Bahamas are notorious for selling contaminated gasoline.
• Prop nut wrench—carrying this wrench only makes sense if you carry a spare prop. Many boaters carry a spare inexpensive aluminum prop in case they spin a hub or bend a blade so severely that it wobbles.
• Deck fill key/deck plate key/spanner wrench—these universal tools are designed to open all types and sizes of deck fill lids and shackles. Many of these tools also include bonus tools like bottle openers. Perfect for a cold one after fishing.
• Toolkit—if you have room on your boat, all-purpose toolkits can come in handy. 
• Pliers—channel lock, standard, and needle nose
• Leatherman–a very helpful all-purpose tool.
• Rigging knife
• Serrated knife—for cutting rope, your all-purpose tool might include a serrated blade.
• Flashlight
• Emergency plug set—in case a leak manifests while you are out on the water.
• Battery booster pack
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Zip ties—because we all know that you can fix almost everything with zip ties and duct tape.
• Duct tape

Where can I learn more about ACME Propellers for my boat and outboard motor?

PartsVu has plenty of resources for everything you need to know about ACME Propellers for your boat, including common propeller problems, maintenance tasks, and more. Start with the following guides and be sure to use the search bar to find plenty of other useful guides to maintain your boat in confidence:

• Outboard Propellers - Engineered for Performance - PartsVu
• Boating Safety - Essential Guide to Gear & Technologies
• Easy Step-by-Step Guide of the Most Common Boat Motor Repair
• How to Install a Propeller on a Mercury Outboard?
• Selecting the Yamaha Propeller That’s Best for You
• Boat Propeller Physics—Insight from Turning Point Propellers