2255 Bayliner prop questions

[Spivy30]

I have a 1991 Bayliner 2255 Cabin Cruiser that was missing the prop when I purchased the boat. It is powered by a newer 4.3L Vortec V6 which is 190HP. The boat is probably under powered but also only weighs 3600lbs dry. I had a spare 14x19 prop sitting in my garage so I through it on the boat and took it out for a test run. With 2 people and 1/4 tank of fuel the boat got on plane easily but would only run up to about 4050 rpms. I took the boat out yesterday with 4 people and added about 20 gallons to the tank and it wouldnt get up on plane unless everybody was up by the helm but it would still only run 4050 rpms. When I was trying to get the boat on plane I would trim the drive all the way down and drop the trim tabs all the way. At 4000rpms the boat does about 28k knots which I dont think is bad for a big boat with a v6 but if I want to cruise I have to keep the boat at about 3200rpms to stay on plane. Obviously the boat needs 17 pitch prop but I dont see many 14x17s out there too often. On this website there is a solas 14 4/5 x 17 that I would like to buy but im worried about the larger diameter or im considering going to a 4blade but ive heard a lot of things like youre supposed to go down a pitch when you go to a 4. My questions is what prop should I go with? The boat will only be used for cruising and fishing.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Bondo]

Re: 2255 Bayliner prop questions

Ayuh,..... Forget about the diameter,... Ya buy Props by their Pitch,....

Generally, as pitch goes up, diameter goes down...

I think 17" still might be to tall,... especially if yer gonna carry fuel, 'n passengers...