2001 Lowe Tahiti 224 w/150HP Evinrude Outboard - Which Prop?

[jwdavis28]

I appreciate the help in advance. Just bought this boat (my dad bought it new) and it has always had the RPM's top out at about 48-4900. I think this is a bit low.

Am I right? Current prop is an aluminum 3 blade 14.5/19. I like the aluminum props due to trees in some of the areas we fish and if we strike them with a SS prop more lower end damage seems to occur.

Is this a case of just dropping to a 17 pitch or would I be better looking at 4 blades? Appreciate the thoughts.

Thanks,

(tried search with no luck)

 

[Sea Rider]

Welcome to Iboats,

Firstly must know the factory wot range for that OB and what max rpm was achieved on a full wot run with current prop while lightly loaded, once it's known can play with props, pitches all you want.

Happy Boating

 

[jwdavis28]

Well after looking that up the Factory Range for the 150 FICHT motor is 4800-5300. I was hitting the bottom of that range on a cool day lightly loaded.

 

[Sea Rider]

If combo is not that heavy going one pitch less while maintaining a 3 alu blade prop should put your max wot revs at or around max 5300 wot rpm, will have better hole shot with slight less top end speed than with current prop.

Happy Boating

 

[jwdavis28]

I appreciate the feedback! I may wait and see how it pulls a single skier before changing.

 

[Sea Rider]

To pull skier need a fast hole shot and or skier ability to stand right up with less hole shot..

Happy Boating

 

[Maclin]

In my opinion that engine is asking for a 17p prop, assuming it is in top state of tune. Running that low of rpm at WOT means it is lugging and susceptible to piston and other internal damage over the long term.

Going to a 4 blade with same pitch usually lowers RPM. Reasons for going to a 4 blade center around the prop needing more bite in the water. Most changes to a 4 blade involve going down one in pitch to maintain same top RPM.

I would go to a 17p ESPECIALLY since you mentioned pulling skiers. "Trying" the 19p for pulling skiers would serve no purpose since the numbers you gave more or less prove the case for a drop to the 17p.

Again, all of this is my opinion, and assumes that the engine is in tip top shape and in good tune and is actually capable of putting out the advertised 150hp.

 

[jwdavis28]

In my opinion that engine is asking for a 17p prop, assuming it is in top state of tune. Running that low of rpm at WOT means it is lugging and susceptible to piston and other internal damage over the long term.

Going to a 4 blade with same pitch usually lowers RPM. Reasons for going to a 4 blade center around the prop needing more bite in the water. Most changes to a 4 blade involve going down one in pitch to maintain same top RPM.

I would go to a 17p ESPECIALLY since you mentioned pulling skiers. "Trying" the 19p for pulling skiers would serve no purpose since the numbers you gave more or less prove the case for a drop to the 17p.

Again, all of this is my opinion, and assumes that the engine is in tip top shape and in good tune and is actually capable of putting out the advertised 150hp.

I blew the motor so it wasn't in tip top condition LOL!

Traded it in on a 2016 Tahoe 215 Xi with the 250hp 4.5L Mercruiser. Love it so far!