Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

[aw1575]

Hi there. It's a hassle trying a range of different props so figured I would ask for first-hand experiences. Can you please give me your experience as to the best prop for use on a 2003 Bayliner 185 with a Mercruiser 4.3 MPI. We use it mainly for wakeboarding, skiing and tubing so holeshot rather than speed is the key. Also if you've tried something that didn't work, it would be great to know too. If you have it, please give me prop make, model, diameter and pitch. Has anyone used the Mercury High 5 prop with this boat and if so, how did it go? Thanks very much.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

For watersports, the high-fives are really hard to beat.

BUT

Any prop suggestions (good ones anyway) will need to start with what you have now and how it performs. REAL numbers, no guestimates.

 

[1badhusky]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

I've got same boat - but the 07 model. Have tried a couple props:

The stock 3 blade 23 pitch was dinged up, but it took longer than you'd like to get up on plane.

So, tried a 4-blade propulse variable pitch set at 21 and it exploded w/in 10 minutes - i don't recommend propulse.

Then a 4-blade 21 pitch aluminum - much better out of the hole, very smoothe, but couldn't get quite to 4400 rpms.

So, just picked up a 4-blade 19 pitch aluminum - this should be right on the money - the 2" reduction in pitch should put me just below 4800 rpms. trying it out tomorrow.

 

[aw1575]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

Thanks for your replies. 1badhusky, I'll be interested to hear how the 19 goes and because of my problem, particularly interested to know about bow lift. Is it a stock Merc prop or another brand? Thanks again. Alan

 

[sleeper]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

I've got same boat - but the 07 model. Have tried a couple props:

The stock 3 blade 23 pitch was dinged up, but it took longer than you'd like to get up on plane.

A 23 pitch prop should have only come with a carbed 4.3 with the 1.81 ratio alpha. The 4.3 MPI has I believe the 1.62 ratio, which would have come with a 21 pitch prop.

I will repeat what many others have said, do not base prop pitch on what others have used on a similar or identical boat. There are too many variables. Use your own data based on rpm at wot.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

as others have said, we need your specific details. there is another guy here on iBoats that has the exact same boat as I do, except a different color. Same engine, options and everthing.... He runs a prop 2 pitch higher than me and can hit 4700 RPM. Me, I run lower and can only get 4500 when I am light.

I carry more people at more heavier weight, lots more gear to include little kid skies, medium skies large kid skies and my fat guy skies. We also have three tubes and all the stuff to go with it.

 

[1badhusky]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

Well, the previous owners of my boat may have put a different prop on than it came w/ stock, but I don't know why they would have gone to a 23" pitch over a 21".

Also don't know why a carb'd 4.3 would get a higher pitched prop than the mpi - the mpi has more hp to push teh higher pitch, so that doesn't sound right.

Anyway, trying it out here in a couple hours and will report back.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

Also don't know why a carb'd 4.3 would get a higher pitched prop than the mpi - the mpi has more hp to push teh higher pitch, so that doesn't sound right.

Anyway, trying it out here in a couple hours and will report back.

Becasue the outdrive gear ratios are different. Not saying the proping is correct, but that is where the other poster was going with that tidbit of info.

 

[1badhusky]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

Well, results are going to be delayed - check out why:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=387644

freaking unbelievable...just can't have nice things.

 

[MRCLEAN92626]

Re: Best prop Bayliner 185 4.3 MPI

I have a Bluewater Eagle with a 4.3L and an Alpha One outdrive. When I purchased the boat, the prop that was on it was completely torn up. I replaced it with a Hustler 14.25X21 3 blade. This is a good overall prop. Planes out quick enough, but the RPM's will still push over 4800 slightly with only a couple people on board. Top speed on GPS is 41 MPH. When I want to go out wakeboarding for the day, with a load of people, I have a four blade Amita prop 14.5X 17. It was supposed to be an 18 pitch, but unfortunately was listed incorrectly in the ad. I didn't think one pitch would be a big deal, but if your not careful it will scream over 4800RPM's real fast. So it is used for towing only, at around 3500 RPM's. Max speed with this prop, at 4600RPM's is 29 MPH on GPS. When it's time for me to buy new props I would prefer a 19 for towing and a 23 for cruising. Hope this helps.