Should I change my props? Freshwater to saltwater.

[nogimmicks]

Hello all. I apologize if this question has been beat to death however I cannot find anything informative by searching.

I have been lurking a while and am now registered having finally made the move and purchased my first boat.

I purchased a pre-owned 2002 Crownline 266BR with a 6.2L Mercruiser and Bravo 3 drive with 24P props. The boat had 132hrs and is in immaculate condition.

This was a freshwater boat and I am now using the boat in saltwater and have heard from several people that I may experience higher rpms than normal because of the boat being set up for freshwater.

3 things I have a problem with.

1. I definitely see the rpms getting very close to the upper side of the limits. (hovering around 5200) and feel uncomfortable.
2. The boat is supposed to have a top speed around 53mph and it seems I cannot keep it over 43-45 even when running it down below a quarter tank and only 2 people on board with very little equipment.
3. On higher speed turns it leans very far over and doesn't seem to be very precise or sharp. I almost feel like it is going to roll over (maybe just cause Im a noob at boating)

Any insight would be appreciated.

I am considering several options whether it be different pitch standard props, different pitch new 4/3 props or the new XR props.

This being my first boat the last thing I want to do is be negligent and ruin a motor or otherwise. I plan to upgrade to a nicer boat next season once I feel confident as an owner and want this one to be right for whoever may buy it.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Should I change my props? Freshwater to saltwater.

I'll try to geet you started until the pros get to check in.
What is the max rated rpm for the motor?I would have thought 4,800 though I haven't seen any 6.2 specs. If rated at 5,200 its meant to run there. I personally wouldn't run at max rpm routinely for extended periods.Its not going to self distruct but I feel it shortens its life.
Never saw any discussion about salt water causing an rpm/prop change.Just a stab in the dark;
Salt water is more dense (?) so the boat floats higher, easier to push?But the water is harder to push so prop can't wind up???
Most boats will roll a little in a turn the harder you turn the more it will roll.
I believe a deep V will roll more than a modified or shallow V.If you trim in a little it will probably roll less.Sometimes when quartering a strong wind the boat will lean
from the steering thrust.Sometimes a deep V will try to run leaning on one side of the V with your prop setup it may not.Is your speed by a gps?If it has trim tabs have you tried raising them all the way out of the water.If your trimming the boat excessively with the tabs it causes drag. With your max rpm and speed,and your gear ratio you may be able to go on a slip calculator and figure your slip.
arouund 15% is consider a little high though heavy boats will have higher slip.
I guess with dual props your slip would be reduced.