Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

[Jay Woods]

I just recently bought a 27' Bayliner Ciera. It has a 260hp 5.7 Mercruiser that was replaced in 2009. It's an Alpha 1 out drive, 2nd generation. I currently have a 15 pitch 3 blade aluminum prop on there. It takes anywhere from 30 seconds to almost 2 minutes to completely plain out with this boat. I have been suggested to do one of a few things.. either upgrade to a Bravo 3 out drive, or change to steel 4 blade prop.. any suggestions? I think the prop would be a much easier route, but if I choose to do the out drive swap, I need to do it during the winter season. Thanks in advance to anyone that can offer any experienced help. This is my first boat of this size, and I also have trim tabs (if that helps), although I don't really use them often, just keep them at the default of being flush with the bottom of the boat.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

We can probably help you out but need more info If you read "read this first" at the top of the page and get us the info it will help.Look for your gear ratio stamped on the outdrive.
What year is the remaining outdrive?
Don't assume because its a recent setup that everything is right.
wot rpm and speed lightly loaded is critical.
A 4 blade could help your hole shot but your present performance is key to a solution.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

What is the final RPM your engine can get to with this prop under WOT? What speed is attained at WOT? (WOT=WideOpenThrottle)

At the top of this forum there are some guidelines that give you the kind of info to provide when asking about prop pitch and related.

Namely:

• Drive ratio.
• Prop Pitch.
• RPM at WOT.
• Speed at WOT.

With those pieces of info then answers with much more valid content can be given.


The trim tabs can help with this also, putting them down then gradually raising them may help in the time to plane. With your current method for example, does the bow rise a lot?

The condition of the engine and state of tune make a difference.

The condition of the bottom of the hull can also be a factor, for example if this boat is in the water all the time then marine growth on the hull will take it's toll.

 

[Jay Woods]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Thanks, I'll take a look at it. I believe it's a 2.00 ratio, and my RPM's are in the target range, and around 4500. I've checked, and the remaining out drive is the original installed in 2001. I'm right around 35-38mph at full throttle with just me on board.

 

[Jay Woods]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Drive Ratio: 2.00
Prop Pitch: 15
RPM @WOT: 4500
Speed @WOT: 35-38mph

I have been suggested several times to go with a steel 4 blade prop, but I may be venturing to new waters soon, and not sure if I'm comfortable with steel.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Someone will respond soon, but with a 2.0:1 ratio drive, a 15 pitch should do better. RPMs are actually not high enough at WOT, that 5.7 should turn 4600-4800, maybe even 5000.. I think something else is up.
Is the hull full of water?

 

[Jay Woods]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

haha, of course not.. I've even emptied the boat, only left the essentials. I have consider a 14 pitch, or even maybe a 4 blade prop.. will that help?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Not truly an expert but my thoughts:: We really need an accurate rpm reading.
I think the stock ratio is 1.65. 1.65 at 4500 12% slip nets about 34 mph.
2.00 cant do 34 @4500.
Assuming 1.65 it appears your performance is in the ball park.Is the speed by gps?
Does the boat have trim tabs?Are you sure the throttle opens all the way?
Is the motor timed right and advancing as it should?Bottom clean and smooth?
Do you trim down for hole shot?
A 4 blade 14" pitch prop may help, SS will cost about 3 times as much
and it would be a crap shoot how much better it might be than aluminum.
If there is a choice of diameter I would lean toward the larger diameter.

 

[Jay Woods]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

I thought it was 2.00, but I could be wrong. I do have trim tabs, and the speed is by the speedometer on the dash. I do have a GPS, and I suppose I could record a better mph on that. You don't think it would be worth upgrading to a 4 blade steel prop, or even an aluminum one? I just had the timing checked, and it's good. The bottom of the boat was repainted last year, and it was in freshwater for only 2 months before I pulled it out.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Got to get your actual rpm's and wot speed . Use your trim tabs (power tabs) ?
Don't waste money untill you figure that out. .02

 

[steelespike]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

As duckdown suggested it would be helpful to have actual rpm and gps speed.
While the boat is a bit of a load, 5200 lbs, I din't think a 15" pitch is excessively high.
Yes a 4 blade should help your hole shot but it would be nice to be sure of your actual numbers.Normally it is suggested to drop an inch when going to a 4 blade a 14 becomes very close to props you see for really heavy possibly underpowered boats. I don't think your underpowered at 260 when you figure they get 40+ out of a 3000lb boat with 130 hp.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Uh...the V-8"s use a 1:47 ratio, the 2:0 ratio is used on a 4 cylinder engine. If what you have posted is correct about pitch and speed your RPM are wayyyy off as prop calulator is putting RPM at 5600!!! A 1:47 ratio at 4800rpm with 12% slip is 40.8 mph

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Not truly an expert but

And just who/whom are you trying to kid???????? Maybe not on an I/O so I will give you that. Grin

Mark

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

I just recently bought a 27' Bayliner Ciera. It has a 260hp 5.7 Mercruiser that was replaced in 2009. It's an Alpha 1 out drive, 2nd generation. I currently have a 15 pitch 3 blade aluminum prop on there. It takes anywhere from 30 seconds to almost 2 minutes to completely plain out with this boat. I have been suggested to do one of a few things.. either upgrade to a Bravo 3 out drive, or change to steel 4 blade prop.. any suggestions? I think the prop would be a much easier route, but if I choose to do the out drive swap, I need to do it during the winter season. Thanks in advance to anyone that can offer any experienced help. This is my first boat of this size, and I also have trim tabs (if that helps), although I don't really use them often, just keep them at the default of being flush with the bottom of the boat.

Hello Jay welcome to i-boats. What are your expectations for the boat. I will tell you now your combo is one of pleasure and cruisng....Not to much on the performance end. It was not designed for that...high performance that is....By the way i would love a nice big cruiser right now and i am very close to a purchase....Is it comfortable?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Uh...the V-8"s use a 1:47 ratio, the 2:0 ratio is used on a 4 cylinder engine. If what you have posted is correct about pitch and speed your RPM are wayyyy off as prop calulator is putting RPM at 5600!!! A 1:47 ratio at 4800rpm with 12% slip is 40.8 mph

After the fact; my info indicates a 5.7 260 and 250 with a 1.47 and a 5.7 260 with a 1.65.
The 1.65 produces 34.1 at 4500 1.47 at 4500 produces about 38 both these speeds are close to what he reports. I would think we might find a 1.65 in a 5200lb boat.??
It does seem to me that 2 minutes to reach wot rpm is a very long time It seems that something other than prop selection is at work.

 

[Jay Woods]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

As duckdown suggested it would be helpful to have actual rpm and gps speed.
While the boat is a bit of a load, 5200 lbs, I din't think a 15" pitch is excessively high.
Yes a 4 blade should help your hole shot but it would be nice to be sure of your actual numbers.Normally it is suggested to drop an inch when going to a 4 blade a 14 becomes very close to props you see for really heavy possibly underpowered boats. I don't think your underpowered at 260 when you figure they get 40+ out of a 3000lb boat with 130 hp.

I was suggested by a close friend to try a 14 pitch 4 blade aluminum or steel bladed prop. I've been told that 260 is underpowered for this size of boat. They put bigger engines in the later years and models for this boat.

 

[Jay Woods]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Uh...the V-8"s use a 1:47 ratio, the 2:0 ratio is used on a 4 cylinder engine. If what you have posted is correct about pitch and speed your RPM are wayyyy off as prop calulator is putting RPM at 5600!!! A 1:47 ratio at 4800rpm with 12% slip is 40.8 mph

let's assume it's a 1.47 ratio. I cruise at about 35-38mph (sometimes up to 40) with my 15 pitch 3 blade aluminum prop. RPM's are around 4500.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

I was suggested by a close friend to try a 14 pitch 4 blade aluminum or steel bladed prop. I've been told that 260 is underpowered for this size of boat. They put bigger engines in the later years and models for this boat.

and I also have trim tabs (if that helps), although I don't really use them often, just keep them at the default of being flush with the bottom of the boat.

Ayuh,... If you can find a 14" 4 blade, go ahead, 'n try it...

While yer tryin' it, learn how to drive the boat, using yer trim tabs...
With the tabs, full down, it'll come up onto plane easier....


Btw,... Up-grading to a Bravo, is lookin' at, oh, $5000. to $10,000....
Hardly worth it, is it,..??

 

[Jay Woods]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Hello Jay welcome to i-boats. What are your expectations for the boat. I will tell you now your combo is one of pleasure and cruisng....Not to much on the performance end. It was not designed for that...high performance that is....By the way i would love a nice big cruiser right now and i am very close to a purchase....Is it comfortable?

I'm not trying to have a top speed of 65mph, and it sound like a race car. I just want to get out of the hole quicker and plane out faster. It's very frustrating and dangerous because I can't even see over the nose of the boat to see where the hell I'm going. I have to make sure I have a solid 200-300 yards of open water (that I know well) before I can actually hope another boat doesn't speed in front of the boat. I like to stop/go a lot, because where I am, the water tends to push me regardless of how many anchors I have in the water, and also I like to explore new parts of the river that runs out to the ocean, and we're constantly moving around and stopping/going. I'm investing into a windlass soon so I don't pull my back out every time I lift up the anchor.

I love my big cruiser, it's nice, sleeps 4-6, and I have a generator that I use to power everything when the boat is shut down. I have AC, as well as a galley, flat screen TV, blu-ray player, all the kitchen stuff I need, fridge stays cool, and I can take weekend trips to the beach in it. Gas is pretty pricey, but that's just what you have to understand when buying a boat like this. I got a good deal on the boat, but since it's much bigger than my 20 foot ski boat, I'm having to learn all this stuff on my own. It's a huge transition, but a great one.

 

[Jay Woods]

Re: Can't get 27' Bayliner Ciera to plain out, takes very long, just me driving

Ayuh,... If you can find a 14" 4 blade, go ahead, 'n try it...

While yer tryin' it, learn how to drive the boat, using yer trim tabs...
With the tabs, full down, it'll come up onto plane easier....


Btw,... Up-grading to a Bravo, is lookin' at, oh, $5000. to $10,000....
Hardly worth it, is it,..??

You're right, I didn't anticipate to spend that much, but it's more than just swapping out the drive and turning it on. I think I will try the 4 blade, and see how that goes. Should I go aluminum or steel? I understand that the steel will mess up gears in shallow waters, but will be more affective.