2010 Tahoe Q5i SF Prop Selection(s)

[balphin23]

So there doesn't seem to be a lot of reviews. Just a general consensus on what types of props to choose and various opinions from all so I have decided to do some testing. I currently own a 2010 Tahoe Q5i Ski & Fish with the 4.3L V6 MPI (220hp) fuel injected with an Alpha One stern (1.62) and like to do water tow sports throughout the summer when the fish aren't highly active. I have only used one prop so far, the one that came with the boat from the dealer. It was a 3 blade 13 3/4 x 21. The dealer wanted me to buy the High Five x 21 but so many people recommend the 4 blade both for balance, hole shot, and kind of an all around performance/mid-range cruising prop. I have found a shop in my local area of DFW called Eagle Marine and they will let there customers try out various props. To start out with I am going with many users suggestions along with the shop managers. It is a Solas HR Titan 4, 4 blade 14 1/8 x 19.

Results:
(3 blade, 13 3/4 x 21): Top Speed was 55-57 (not with a GPS) all trimmed out on calm water with two persons on board; Hole shot was great as long as I wasn't pulling more than 300 pounds on a tube. The engine would bog a little until it spun up then it wasn't a problem. We like to pull multiple tubes, along with pulling up some bigger guys on wakeboards while being able to still have 5-6 people on board so I need something with a little more umph at start.

I have installed the Solas HR Titan 4 (14 1/8 x 19) prop this evening, and will post the results after I run it out this weekend. The Mercruiser website recommended the 14.628 x 19 for my application so I might get a little more umph than they are suggesting. I never run up to redline, I drive with the tach so to speak, and I like to stay in the power band.

If anyone has some other ideas let me know and I will check them out.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: 2010 Tahoe Q5i SF Prop Selection(s)

I think you will like the 4 blade. I know I do. I will never go back to a 3 blade unless there is no choice.
New boats are usually over-propped. Just to keep you from over revving the engine.
The 19 should be the good choice for all around use. It wont be as fast but ill will do a good job.

I run a 4 blade 16p for towing/skiing, and a 4 blade 18 for general use and some tube towing.

 

[balphin23]

Re: 2010 Tahoe Q5i SF Prop Selection(s)

Well after this weekend I learned that the Solas 4 1/8 x 19 prop wouldn't allow the rpms to get above 4300 rpm. Which did surprise me. I would have thought that I would have been roughly within the same range as the original prop (see specs above). I will be going by the marine store to swap out for a Solas 4 1/8 x 17 tommorrow to see how she does. I will keep you posted.

Spec of the run:
Lake Austing, My Wife and I with a full tank of gas (roughly 22 gallons). Total boat weight loaded roughly 3350 pounds or so.

 

[balphin23]

Re: 2010 Tahoe Q5i SF Prop Selection(s)

Well by switching back to the old prop I am still not getting more than 4200-4300 rpms now. I think maybe the guardian system may have been tripped, but I don't know what to check. Any advice? Thank you.