Last Prop Question, I Promise (at least for now)

[barthel]

I posted this previously but I got wrapped around the axle with some of the responses I got, so I thought I'd make the questions more direct and simpler. Here are my stats as of now;

1) Performance issue you are trying to correct.
Boat is slow climbing out of the hole (4 to 5 seconds) and seems to lose plane easily (below 2200rpm's)
I know I run heavy (4 adults, a kid or 2, 50qt cooler)

2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless as a minimum.
Volvo Penta QL Aluminum 3 blade

3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required).
14.25X21

4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful)
4000-4200 with an "average" load
Factory tach is off, I'm getting close to factory top speed (I get 47 mph on GPS, factory was 52mph) with a downed prop (factory was a 23p, it has a 21p)

5) Engine/drive make, model, year, and HP
VP 4.3GLPEFS, VP SX Outdrive, 2000 model year/190HP, 1.66:1 gear ratio

6) Boat make model, year, length and weight
Four Winns Horizon 180LE, 2001, 18ft, 2500#

I have pretty much decided to run a stainless steel prop. Would a 14.25 X 21p 3 blade SS prop be my best option or do I have to reconsider pitch when going from Aluminum to SS?

My second choice would be a SS 4 blade, 14.25 X 19p.

I have no handling issues, the boat performs excellent, I would just like to get it on plane a bit faster and hold plane at a bit slower of a speed.

Thoughts, opinions?

BTW, thanks to everyone who answered my previous thread, it gave me a lot to think about.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Last Prop Question, I Promise (at least for now)

Here's what I did:

18' bowrider (Crownline) with 4.3L MPI @220 hp. Mercruiser.
Don't recall my WOT rpm's, etc.
Had a 3 blade AL 21P. Went to a 4 blade SS 19P.
I get on plane much easier, and can hold on plane at lower speeds. Probably dinged my top speed but I never run that way.
No problem pulling tubers or skiing.
YMMV

My prop guy advised dropping pitch and he was right.

 

[boatnik1]

went to stainless 4 blade

went to stainless 4 blade

I am new to this forum. I had a 14.25x21 pitch stainless 3 blade prop. not very good hole shot. went to a 14x20 pitch 4 blade prop and hole shot was MUCH better. I liked the prop so much I am getting one in stainless. I did drop off a couple miles per hour but the boat will plane at lower speeds with no problems.WOT I still hit 50 and am in the proper rpm range.QUOTE=barthel;3902876]I posted this previously but I got wrapped around the axle with some of the responses I got, so I thought I'd make the questions more direct and simpler. Here are my stats as of now;

1) Performance issue you are trying to correct.
Boat is slow climbing out of the hole (4 to 5 seconds) and seems to lose plane easily (below 2200rpm's)
I know I run heavy (4 adults, a kid or 2, 50qt cooler)

2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless as a minimum.
Volvo Penta QL Aluminum 3 blade

3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required).
14.25X21

4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful)
4000-4200 with an "average" load
Factory tach is off, I'm getting close to factory top speed (I get 47 mph on GPS, factory was 52mph) with a downed prop (factory was a 23p, it has a 21p)

5) Engine/drive make, model, year, and HP
VP 4.3GLPEFS, VP SX Outdrive, 2000 model year/190HP, 1.66:1 gear ratio

6) Boat make model, year, length and weight
Four Winns Horizon 180LE, 2001, 18ft, 2500#

I have pretty much decided to run a stainless steel prop. Would a 14.25 X 21p 3 blade SS prop be my best option or do I have to reconsider pitch when going from Aluminum to SS?

My second choice would be a SS 4 blade, 14.25 X 19p.

I have no handling issues, the boat performs excellent, I would just like to get it on plane a bit faster and hold plane at a bit slower of a speed.

Thoughts, opinions?

BTW, thanks to everyone who answered my previous thread, it gave me a lot to think about.[/QUOTE]