1997 glastr.on 185 gs...best prop???

[gdbechtold]

I have a 1997 Glastron 185 with 3.0 volvo sx i/o. about 2k dry weight. typically only 2 people (300 lbs) on board. has stock prop (not sure of d/p). would like better all around performance. $$ not an issue, so stainless is ok. Thoughts? Currently can max out RPM's when needed (with adjusted trim) at a GPS'd speed of 37 MPH.

we do not ski, just pleasure drinkers..er boaters looking for best all around performance. Not disappointed with boat, just wondering if different prop would be worth the dime.

Thoughts??

PS...do not want to sacrifice that I can sit down in this little critter, plane at any speed without currently lifting the front end above eye level. We love that about this boat. We boat in the Marco Island area of FL. We love that brother owns an 18 ft searay and has to stand to see where the H he is going until planed, so that is important.

I can cruise at any speed without ever getting up out of seat while he looks like a porpoise out of water (with a new 4 blade SS prop) until he planes.

What I don't like is that he catches me on top end. Did I mention he is the younger brother?? I just need to keep him a step back when needed.

Can't wait for the replies to this penial thread, LOL

PSS, not getting a bigger boat, so keep this one to props...and no turbos, etc, LOL

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1997 glastr.on 185 gs...best prop???

Can't wait for the replies to this penial thread, LOL

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,.....

If ya read the stickies at the top of this forum,...
You'll know the basic Info needed for a response, other than just a WAGuess....

Good Luck,....

 

[gdbechtold]

Re: 1997 glastr.on 185 gs...best prop???

My post answers most "stickies" you requested. I am only missing what the stock pitch and diameter are (as stated in thread that I don't know what they are). Maybe you can still give me some advice. See my replies to the "stickies" below. Hope this helps. Let me know if you require another specific detail. Thanks in advance

Responses to Stickies:
1) Performance issue you are trying to correct. "answered in post"
2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless as a minimum. "Stock as indicated"
3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required). "Stock as indicated"
4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful) "Can hit 4600 which is max for my outfit"
5) Engine/drive make, model, year, and HP "1997 volvo 3.0 with sx cobra outdrive, stock"
6) Boat make model, year, length and weight "indicated in thread"

 

[craze1cars]

Re: 1997 glastr.on 185 gs...best prop???

Your RPMS sound perfect, so you are well propped based on that test alone. With the info provided that is all we know for certain.

The next step is to measure the amount of slip your current prop has, using a slip calculator, to determine if a different type of prop might be more efficient and bite the water better. In order to measure your current slip we need to know your outdrive ratio (stock is usually 1.97, but there are exceptions...this will be stamped on your outdrive somewhere), and we also need your current prop's pitch. The Pitch will be stamped somewhere on that prop, or at least the part number of the prop will be stamped on it, probably under the retaining nut.

We already know 37 mph at 4,600 rpm. But we need the other two numbers to finish the math.

With those 2 pieces of extra information we can maybe provide some useful advice. Without it we simply cannot...

 

[gdbechtold]

Re: 1997 glastr.on 185 gs...best prop???

Prop is 14.5 x 19. Do you still need ratio?