2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

[Jolie Lynn]

Hi yall
I have been playing with our new toy and was thinking of going to a stainless prop and keeping the original as a spare. Prop now is Quick Silver P/N 1916P19, 19 pitch 3 blade aluminum. My sea trial yielded 4400 RPM, about 38 KNTS Gps and about 45 MPH on the speedo(about right) with half tank and two adults trimmed out to get this max set up. My question is should I try to obtain a pitch or two lower and get in the middle or high end of the range (4400-4800). Our usual load is 2 adults and three kids and 1/2 to 3/4 tank. We also like to take a couple extra kiddos too and tube. We mostly cruise about 3100 RPM for quiet no hurry sight seeing.
Thanks in advance!!

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

Hi yall
We mostly cruise about 3100 RPM for quiet no hurry sight seeing.

Then why would you want a prop that will top out your RPM if you mostly cruise?
Try it out with all the kids and adults in it. There is no reason to run it at 4800 if you dont have to. Unless you like beating on your motor.

 

[Jolie Lynn]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

Thanks,
I don't intend to run it there just wondering if she needs to be in the middle to high range MAX condition because I am sure proportionally the prop would affect the entire operating range in general with my typical load.

 

[jestor68]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

I recommend you try out a larger diameter prop with less pitch. Your current prop is just 14-1/2" in diameter. A good candidate would be a Solas Rubex L3 SS 15-1/2 X 17, if you want to go SS. The same size is available in the Solas Amita in aluminum.

The larger diameter(15-16") props are designed for boats over 3000 lbs; capable of under 50 mph. They generate greater static thrust on take off, and yield better cruising performance during to their greater ability to push(thrust) a heavy load.

This (15.5x17 prop will provide noticeably better out of the hole acceleration and improved cruising performance. I assume your boat looks something like this.

 

[Jolie Lynn]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

Great thank you!! I am going to do a little research on this one. The cost should be less than a stainless one also.

 

[Jolie Lynn]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

Just one more question....I planned to install smart tabs or manual tabs before long for the porpoising(main reason) and bow rise on take off. I have read a few threads that stated a stainless prop helps a great deal with these issues. Should I go with stainless and for go the tabs? Should I go with a better aluminum prop and install tabs? Thanks!!

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

17p solas or a 16p 4blade ss again solas....Dont get to caught on diameter your running a I/O

 

[jestor68]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

17p solas or a 16p 4blade ss again solas....Dont get to caught on diameter your running a I/O

The OP's boat has a dry weight of 4188lbs. The effect of diameter needs to be taken into account to get that heavier boat moving.

Trim tabs would be beneficial to obtain faster planing, the ability to hold a plane at slower speeds, and eliminate the porpoising you mention. I recommend the controllable type, as you can precisely adjust them to suit varying conditions/situations.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

The OP's boat has a dry weight of 4188lbs. The effect of diameter needs to be taken into account to get that kind of weight moving.

Trim tabs would be beneficial to obtain faster planing, the ability to hold a plane at slower speeds, and eliminate the porpoising you mention. I recommend the controllable type, as you can precisely adjust them to suit varying conditions/situations.

Jestor post a example of such a prop. I think im am quite sure you will find a outdated big eared pusher. But i would like to see a 15.5 prop for a gen 11 drive

 

[jestor68]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

Go the the iboats prop section and select a Solas Amita 15-1/2 X 17. It looks just like that picture. I have one on my boat.

It's a reasonable rake, progressive pitch prop with a standard cup. A totally up to date design.

If you're not convinced, I suggest you check one out in person.

 

[Slide]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

Jolie, I have a 97 Maxum 2300SC which is essentially the same boat. You want a 17p prop. I run a 17p Vengenace prop and it gets right out of the hole, cruises easy anywhere above 3k, and WOTs at 4700rpm, right where the book says it should be.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=94814

Bondo is correct for the most part, but there are applications that require more or less diameter and manufacturers are following by offering different props in different diameters.Most of these in larger diameter in SS will be for high mounting (Engine) applications where speed and efficiency is desired

Walleyhed give a good example of large dia props there. I/O's run deep and dont have the need high speed cavitation issues..Now is that the golden rule no there is no such thing. But getting your prop to but up flush to the drive is a issue and a larger hub will not be as flush as smaller hub. And that does make a difference.

You will notice 95% of I/O's using a 14" diameter there is a reason for that.

 

[jestor68]

Re: 2001 Merc 5.7 carbed Maxum 2300 SR Prop Suggestion

Not certain where you came up with that percentage, but you obviously are not not taking into account all of the lager boats out there.

The 15-1/2 X 17 will outperform the 14-1.2 X 17 on that boat. Ask me how I know.