What is the impact of a lower pitch propeller on acceleration and top speed?

A lower pitch propeller is designed to allow the engine to turn its maximum RPM more quickly, which corresponds to increased acceleration. This is because the lower pitch allows the boat or vehicle to "grab" the water or air more effectively at lower speeds, enabling it to accelerate faster from a standstill or during slow speeds. However, the trade-off with a lower pitch propeller is that the top speed is usually lower. When the engine reaches its maximum RPM, the lower pitch propeller may not generate the same forward speed as a higher pitch propeller would at that RPM. Therefore, while a lower pitch propeller facilitates quicker acceleration, it limits the vehicle's ability to sustain high speeds, resulting in slower top speed.

This relationship between pitch, acceleration, and top speed makes the choice clear when considering the broader context of propeller operation in marine and motor applications.