Which Way Should I Go?

[Agoose]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

I am concerned about the lower unit but it has been on the boat for 13 years since the repower without a problem.
The motor forum guys warned me about the Alpha One having problems with the 454.
My problem is I just spent alot money getting the lower unit rebuilt!
For what I paid I could have put on a rebuilt one!
So for now I kind of stuck with it.
I'm leaning towards going with the original 15 and 1/4 ss prop with the 17 pitch.
Any thoughts?

 

[Agoose]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

Is there anybody out there?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

If that 17P prop went to 4600+ RPM with a normal load, I'd go with a Large blade Apollo in a 17P (15-1/8X17)
Right here at Iboats, and much less than the Merc prop.

 

[Crownie2]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

The way I read it, it didn't hit 4,600 at all and the best guess is that it would only hit about 3,600.

OK, on the diameter - what is the length and weight of the boat?

On the Alpha drive - it is commonly said it will take 350hp with out much problem. If you avoid jack rabbit starts and jumping out of the water you should be OK. I would guess you have been gentle because the drive has lasted this long...

Bob

 

[Agoose]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

I bring the boat up slow, of course I've only had it out a few times. I can't speak for the first owner but I'm told he took good care of it.
The boat is 28' long and weighs 4500 lbs. The beam is 8.5 '.
I'm going to check the tack but to start the testing I'll try the Apollo prop.
Thanks for the advice. I'll keep checking for any further postings.

 

[Agoose]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

I did find out the Alpha gear ratio is 1:50:1.
The original owner told me it always ran around 4400 at WOT so at least I'm in the ballpark with the prop I have.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

Do we have a WOT RPM that you can achieve?...I'm still a bit un-clear on that...

 

[Agoose]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

Yes it sounds like at WOT the previous owner got 4400 rpm"s. This is with a 15 and 1/4" prop with a 17 pitch.
The boat is winterized and I'm gearing up for the spring so I can't do any testing.
Do you think I should stick with this prop or should I go with a 15 pitch?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

I think it would be best to wait and get some numbers next year. Going by what the previous owner says is risky at best. Assuming a 15" prop will add 200-400 is also risky and old theory. Those numbers don't hold true much anymore.
It's getting to the point you have to have the comparison of 2 different makes to find the difference

 

[Agoose]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

Sounds like a plan.
1. I'll buy the Apollo prop or similar.
2. Check my tach.
3. Match my speed with my gps speed.
4. Report back in the spring with my results.
I appreciate all the help and advice from everyone and I hope you all had as much fun as I did this year.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

Keep us posted!

 

[Agoose]

Re: Which Way Should I Go?

The weather is finally summer in New England! I bought a new solas 15 and 1/4 inch ss prop with a 17 pitch. My tach was way off, reading 3000 rpm when the motor was turning 4500 rpm. The speedometer and GPS both agreed at 37 mph at WOT. I think I'm pretty happy with the results. Should I do any fine tuning as the previos said the boat would do 40. I'm in the ocean and he was on a lake. I'm not sure but I would think the boat would be higher in the water and I'm not sure of the effect. I would think tides and currents would have a big effect also. I think I'll probably baby it at 25 to 30 mph if you guys don't see any glaring problems with my results.
Thanks for all the help so far.