88 Force 50 prop advice needed

[dpb119]

I have an 88 Bayliner 15' w/ a Force 50. I currently have a 10 3/8" X 12.5 pitch prop that has some bangs and bumps. I'm not very experienced with props and I know these motors are less than admirable. However When empty w/ one or two people, I can get on plane rather easily and top out "according to the speedo" between 25-30 MPH. To me, it seems to run pretty darn good condidering... . However, When I add some fishing gear, cooler weight, etc; I can't get the boat to get up on plane and I can tell the motor is dragging or loading up. I am concidering a new prop, but don't know if a diameter change and/or pitch drop would help. Anyone experimented with props on this particular vessel? I am looking at the Michigan Match or Vortex, but can't really determine difference by literature. I don't know if a stainless would be worth the investment with this motor. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated?

 

[Docdoc]

Re: 88 Force 50 prop advice needed

Welcome to iboats. I think with this post you are going to get lots of advice. There is some good info. located here http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=000030 <br />The prop you have is sort of on the upper end as far as pitch goes for this motor and size boat. It sounds like you need a little more power to get up on plane. Less pitch will also make it easier on your motor when you are running loaded.<br />I have an 88 model Force 50 and have had good results using an 11 pitch prop. Unless you run in a lot of shallows or where you might hit submerged objects, a stainless is probably not worth the extra cost. Just my opinion.

 

[dpb119]

Re: 88 Force 50 prop advice needed

Thanx Docdoc....I checked the link and there was some info I had not recently found. I may try an 11 pitch and while using the 12 as a spare, could change back to the 12 if running light. I'm not sure how much battering a prop can take before a new one makes a difference. Mine has some dings; mostly about 1/16". I'm still wondering about the differences in the Michigan Wheel props Match Vs. Vortex.

 

[Docdoc]

Re: 88 Force 50 prop advice needed

The condition of your prop is pretty important to the longevity of your motor. If the edges are pretty dinged up, you can have some vibration that is going to affect your motor. I have taken a file to mine a time or two and smoothed out shallow dings as well as evening out the blades. If a blade is bent, don't try to straighten it. Take it to a machine shop for that, or you'll wind up buying a new prop. I looked at my prop this morning and it is actually a 12 pitch. You might try going down to an 11.5 (if possible) instead of an 11. I don't have an opinion on brands, Michigan Wheel seems to have a good rep.

 

[dpb119]

Re: 88 Force 50 prop advice needed

I had the boat out last weekend. It ran excellent (best ever) with 3 passengers, 2 adults and one child sitting mid vessel. Good hole shot and max speed at 32MPH. However, when I added a 4th passenger (200Lb), the boat would not exceed 10MPH. When I moved the passenger to the bow seat, there was no change. The added weight changed performance drastically. I've read that Force engines tend to carbon up. Maybe I'll try seafoam to de-carbon. Do you think a smaller prop would benefit? Any added advice is welcome....