I want the best of both worlds...

[90stingray]

Hello, i have a 1990 Stingray 536zpx 17-6' open bow 4.3 Merc. w/ Alpha one. Here's some boat specs i know... 88" beam, 19* deadrise, 15* transom angle, 30" max draft. Came stock with a 3 blade 23p. Absolute dog! I have added a whale tail... i know :facepalm: Next boat will be trim tabs all the way.

Our boat sees watersports and cruising. Sometimes loaded down and watersports, and sometimes its just me alone, wanting to jam across the lake

I have swapped a lot of props with friends etc. I have narrowed my way down to a 17pitch being the best suited for my motor. I have tried a solas rubex 4 blade alum 17p, I am at my 4800 threshold and only about 42 mph. I tried a hustler turning point alum 4 blade 17p and was at 4800 and 42mph. At one time i had a signature 17p 5 blade stainless and she would run 4800 and 45mph.

What would be a good choice to get me back to the 45mph mark? I still want the 4 blade type of holeshot... but i don't think i am asking too much for 45mph too. Anything in the stainless catergory? Maybe the titan hr4 or the rubex in ss? I don't want to go back to a signature because it had a lot of vibration. I would be willing to go to a high 5. Just wanted to see what your thoughts were. Thanks.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: I want the best of both worlds...

I have been nothing but pleased with my Solas HR Titan on my Stingray...Just so you're aware, Rubex is exactly the same prop, the only difference being the interchangeable hub. My 20 ft Stingray with a 5.0L has absolutely no problem hitting 57 mph on GPS with that prop (mine started life as a 21 pitch, and has been repitched to 20). Holeshot and other sane-speed handling and maneuvering is fantastic.

I haven't compared with any of those other props you have been running, so I can't tell you how I think it would respond in comparison. But I'm a huge fan of stainless, and they usually add speed and efficiency over comparable aluminums.

I think it'd be worth trying....but it's your pocketbook I'm messin' with. Good luck!

If you want speed, I say lose the whale-tail. Creates substantial drag. The remaining holes can just be left open....they're harmless. At the very least do a with/without comparison test and decide for yourself whether it's a good idea to keep or not with hard data and personal experience.

 

[steelespike]

Re: I want the best of both worlds...

The whale tail will slow wot speed. Tabs both active and passive will slow wot speed unless retracted all the way They do help hole shot and ability to stay on plane at reduced throttle.
But agressive use will very slightly reduce mpg.
You need to be sure the motor is in excellent tune with a compression check.
Be sure the throttle opens all the way.A prop that delivers top speed isn't likely to produce hole shot like a 4 blade.If hole shot is a real struggle,like 20 seconds or more,check for water in the flotation foam under the floor.

 

[90stingray]

Re: I want the best of both worlds...

I understand what the whale tail and tabs do. But I was able to hit 45 with the tail... and I am not asking for all out speed. That's why the title says I want the best of both worlds . So prolly anything in stainless should get me there, because of the efficiency of the stainless?? I am leaning toward a stainless rubex. I can get the prop, hub, and shipped for under $300. Can't beat that! I would appreciate more thoughts and opinions...

 

[craze1cars]

Re: I want the best of both worlds...

I think it would be a good choice. Be prepared to probably lose a couple hundred RPM...but overall performance stats should remain the same or maybe slightly improve.

 

[90stingray]

Re: I want the best of both worlds...

Lose rpm? Because less slip and a better bite from the stainless? Sorry for the questions... the only stainless prop I have run was that signature 5 blade. Any other stainless 4 blades that people are pleased with? anyone run a vensura?