24' Sea Ray 260 hp. Need prop help.

[Buck Horn Deer Farm]

I have a1977 24' Sea Ray weekender with a mercruiser 260. PreAlpha 1.5 to 1 gear. The prop on the boat is a 16 x 16 but I can only get 4200 RPM at WOT at best trim. I think I should be at 4400 to 4600 RPM. I dont care how fast the boat can go, I just want economy at cruising speed and to be able to troll as slow as I can. Any suggestions?

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: 24' Sea Ray 260 hp. Need prop help.

As boats get older they get heavy. Some times water will get into the hull from setting bow down or a plug left in. Some extra weight from all the things you have added. Older engines get weaker, out of time. advance not working right. Bottom not as slick as it was. Tach might be off? The 16 pitch sounds like it was the correct prop at one time. You could go to a 15 and be about where you want to be. You could experment with a 4 blade( $$$$$). I would do nothing.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: 24' Sea Ray 260 hp. Need prop help.

Buck Horn Deer Farm

If you will get us some readings, with a GPS running in two different direction and how many RPMs you are turning, we can help you.


H