95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

[AUGIDAWG]

Billy Norman Interprise's web site says:<br /><br />3 Blades or 4? <br /><br />We recommend 3-blade props for recreational boats with 3, 4, and 6-cylinder outboards and inboard/outboard motors. 3-blade props provide good "hole-shot" and top-speed performance. <br /><br />We recommend 4-blade props for bass boats and boats with high-performance hulls running high horsepower outboard motors. When compared with 3-blade props, they offer better "holeshot" performance with less torque steer and less high-speed vibration.<br /><br />My question:<br />I have a 1995 20' Four Winns 203 Coast Runner with the 200 Ocean Runner in good shape. I am currently running a stock OMC aluminum 19 pitch prop. With a half load of fuel and 2 people, I can get 48 mph @ about 5800 rpm on smooth lake water. I want to get a stainless prop, but I am wondering if I should buy a lower pitched prop, or another 19 pitch. Most of the time I am in the San Francisco bay, or in the ocean. It is a rare day that I can get up to full speed because of waves and wind chop. Sometimes it is hard to keep the boat on a plane, it either starts going too fast and pounds, or is off a plane. I am constantly working the throttle. I think a 17 pitch would cure this, but I would be "under propped".<br /><br />Here are my 5 choices as far as I can see:<br /><br />OMC Renegade offshore 4 blade 14-1/4" x 19" $630.00<br />OMC Renegade offshore 4 blade 14-1/2" x 17" $630.00<br />OMC Raker 3 blade 14-1/2" x 18" $459.00<br />OMC SST 3 blade 14-3/4" x 19" $399.00<br />TURBO 2+2 TH 14-1/4" x 18" $345.00 (from Dan's discount props)<br /><br />What do you experts think? (I'm not going to add trim tabs to my boat, so don't go there)<br /><br />I"ve been told that the Renegade 4 blade offshore was designed for tuna fishing, where you troll just above a plane, and this prop was tuned for this application. Has anyone else heard that?<br /><br />Thanks for your time.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

Any of those props have more lift than the prop you have. <br /><br />Rule of thumb -- a 4 blade will run a higher X dimension than a 3 blade. If you test, keep this in mind. Any of the props mentioned will run a higher X dimension that your aluminum. Youre right where you need to be as far as rpm's. 5800 with an average load is great.<br /><br />We have the greatest success with the Turbo Ultima 4.<br /><br />Whoever you buy the prop from should be happy to walk you thru the process if they are not available for the actual testing.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[AUGIDAWG]

Re: 95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

What do you mean by "X dimension".<br />Are you saying that a 19" pitch stainless is effectively a 20" pitch compared to an aluminum?<br /><br />If so, then will a 19" stainless drop my rpms by 150 - 200 rpms, or that the rpm will stay the same, and my boat speed will go up, or both of these effects?<br /><br />Here are a couple of sites that talk about the Renegade and prop selections. I haven't read anything about increasing or decreasing pitch when switching to stainless. This is why we ask you experts to share your experiences.<br /><br /> http://www.johnson.com/docs/320001/28_623_CAEN.htm <br /><br /> http://theoutboardwizard.bizhosting.com/how_to_choose_the_correct_propeller.html

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

The X dimension refers to the engine mounting height. It generally refers to the antiventalation plate (flat plate directly above the prop) in relation to the bottom of the hull (running surface) directly in front of the gearcase with the motor trimmed so that AV plate is parallel to the running surface.<br /><br />Races sometimes refer to the propshaft centerline rather than the AV plate.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

You didn't mention the 19" Viper which is relatively close in price to the SST, but allows the motor to be mounted a bit higher and can give better top speeds.

 

[AUGIDAWG]

Re: 95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

http://www.boatownersworld.com/Props/turbo/turbo_ultima_4.htm <br /><br /> http://www.boatownersworld.com/Props/turbo/turbo_2plus2_4blade.htm <br /><br />The guy at Dan's Discount props recommended the Turbo 2+2 TH 14-1/4"x18"<br />The Ultima 4 comes in a 19" pitch, but not the 18" pitch.<br />He said the Ultima 4 gives better stern lift, and works better on bigger offshore boats, and that the 2+2 works better for runabouts and ski boats.<br /><br />I had another guy recommend the Mercury High Five.<br />He said that this prop will make the most noticable difference. But, when I look at the Mercury guide, it doen't look like my application is correct.<br />Have you guys tried the High Five on a big outboard?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

We have had good success with both styles. I like the larger diameter of the Ultima 4 which allows a higher X dimension. Any of the props mentioned will require running higher than your current aluminum prop.<br /><br />The High 5 is a good prop but I've yet to see it do any better than the Ultima 4. Many times the Ultima 4 is slightly better.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[AUGIDAWG]

Re: 95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

Dhadley,<br />If you look at the 2+2 TH (thru hub exhaust) chart, you will see it is the same diameter of the Ultima 4.<br /><br />The High five is the smaller diameter prop.<br /><br />Were you saying you have had success with both styles, did you mean both of the Turbo props, or the Turbo and the High Five?<br /><br />Also, what happens if I don't raise the engine?<br /><br />I would like to go with the 18" pitch prop. I want to gear it down just a little for ocean use, but not all the way to a 17" pitch. I also would like to keep the engine low to help with the turning cavatation prroblem. It is bad on my boat.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 95' 200 Ocean Runner prop choice

You will most likely need to raise the motor to take advantage of the technology built into the prop, unless its mounted too high for the aluminum prop you have. Thats just something you will have to test when the new prop arrives.<br /><br />We use a lot of Turbos and have had real good results with all. Either Turbo will give you good service.<br /><br />Good luck!