Re: Prop Help on a Bayliner
I have almost the same boat, and I am surprised at the high rpms you are
stating. Although the prop will make a difference in speed, as I found out,
there are other things to consider. The Volvo 4 is basically a car engine with
points in it that need to be clean and gapped, as well as the timing set.
I would suggest a basic tune-up for the engine to make sure everything is
working at its optimum best. It's worth it for this engine, as the power is
sufficient for cruising and pulling a skier, and you get fantastic gas mileage.
Aside from that 2 cents of info, I can offer my experience with the prop.
With the 14 x 19, I felt that the engine was very responsive, but that the
speed was not high enough. I was getting about 32mph. I went to a 14 x 21,
and that made a big difference for the better. I get better take-off and power
for pulling up a skier, and at the top I am getting about 36mph and this is around 4k rpm.
Gas mileage is still fantastic. This increase in overall performance kind of defies statistics
about how props are supposed to work, and I think it is so great only because
the engine is tuned and running at its best to get the maximum benefit from
the 14 x 21 prop.
Only other thing I'll mention is that I don't think the Capri is designed to be a
sports car type boat, and that it was designed to be primarily a cruiser.
My Capri has something right on the hull about it being "2 stage" for takeoff.
There are plenty of real experts on this forum who offer great advice and are willing to
help anybody, but there is also some bias (competition, maybe envy) against Bayliners.
There is another forum for Bayliner owners you can check out at:
http://baylinerownersclub.org/forum/
I think the Capri is a great combination of boat and motor, and take good care of it.
Happy boating!
in Ohio. 