Bayliner Ciera prop question

[Alex57]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 1996 Bayliner Ciera 2355

I got a dent in the prop so I will be changing it before she goes back into the water (as soon as the snow is over that is)

She's got a 5.7 Mercuiser 2bbl with an alpha 1
She planes well and cruises around 20mph, but top speed is only about 30mph at wot 4200rpm.

I am wondering if I got the right prop on there.
ANy suggestions on what prop it should have? Is 4200rpm and 30mph as good as it's going to get or can I get a little more out of her with a different prop?

What kind?

Thanks.

Alex.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

Without knowing What your Prop is Now,.......

A Good Answer is about Impossible.........

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

I think you should be able to get more out of it.....

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

The following may answer your questions.

You'll need to know your current pitch and drive ratio.

Also you need to know if the engine is tuned up correctly and has no mechanical problems with it.

http://www.csgnetwork.com/marinepropcalc.html

http://www.rbbi.com/folders/prop/propcalc.htm

http://www.go-fast.com/Prop_Slip_Calculator.htm


There's also a Prop forum here on IBOATS (looks like you have already posted there too! )


Regards,


Rick

 

[Alex57]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

Thanks for replying.

Is there any place I can look up the original specs (gear ratio and prop pitch) for my 1996 bayliner?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

Your gear ratio is 1.50:1.....
Bayliner might know the prop answer......
My guess 14x21........JK

 

[Don S]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

Are you using your drive trim at all when running and doing your WOT tests? If you have it trimmed down too much,that will sure kill your rpm and speed.
What drive do you have, Alpha or Bravo?
If you get the PN of your prop, it's easy to figure out what size and pitch your prop is.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

She's got a 5.7 Mercuiser 2bbl with an alpha 1

Sorry Don, I couldn't resist.

 

[Alex57]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

Thanks for the replies.

Don,
I am trimming properly, yes. and using trim tabs.

Haut,
Are you sure about 1.5 to one? on the mercury site it says they came 1.4 to 1, 1.6 to 1 and 1.8

I guess I will call the dealer. Just thought maybe someone has the same setup and would know off the top of your head.

I know the way to measure is by wot rpm, but is 30mph normal for that boat with that engine?

Thanks again.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

I seen the 5.7, 2bbl not sure how I missed the Alpha I part ???

I'm only Blind in one eye, just can't see out the other :%

 

[Don S]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

Haut's just guessing. Besides, Alpha I Gen II drives didn't have a 1.5 gear ratio.
Look on the port side of the drive, it will give you the gear ratio. After that you go by WOT rpm. and if you get the prop PN off the outer hub, we can tell you what prop it is. Once you get it propped right, your speed will increase some.

 

[Alex57]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

thanks everyone. will look into the gear ration and prop.

Any chance this can be timing or carb related ?

I have had a tune up recently but I have my doubts about that mercarb....

 

[Don S]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

If your rpms were down in the 3000 to 3500 range, I could see a problem with the fuel or ignition system, but you are up to 4200, that is typical over propped type rpm problem. Especially no knowing how much stuff (ie. weight) you have on the boat or the distribution of weight.
Since you already said you dinged the prop, was that 4200 rpm after the ding or before? If a blade is tweeked and you can't see it, it will cut down on your speed.

 

[Alex57]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

Ok for everyone that gave input, I found out whats on there.

It was a 15X15 3 blade aluminum prop.

So my options are either:

1) To replace with the same size prop and try to figure out why it won't rev past 4200 rpm. ( I suspect it is the mercarb)

or

2) To get a 14Xsomething (14 pitch) prop which will bring the rpms up, but which will most likely not give me any more top speed.

I don't want a SS prop becasue in my experiance, and from what I have heard, it is better to damage and replace the aluminum prop than to run into somethign hard which will not damage the prop but instead possibly damage the outdrive (as the schock transfers).

I guess teh real question now is can the carb (which i will be rebuilding) be the problem and cost me a few hundred rpms?

and if not what else could be the issue?

 

[Alex57]

Re: Bayliner Ciera prop question

Don, the Ding did not affect performance. The wot and speed was the same before.