Need advice pickiing a prop

TimayZ

Cadet
Joined
Jul 14, 2006
Messages
9
I have read and read... LOL Sill undecided. Please excuse me as I try to add as much detail as possible.

Alright I have a 06 185 SeaRay 4.3l wit a 1.8x ratio outdrive. The boat came with a 14x23 pitch prop. It does exactly what I want in the mid range! Lacks on hole shot a little and has plenty top end speed. RPM's run a little low IMO on top. I think it's a little to much prop for my uses and the fact that I usually have 3-4 adults and 2 kids with me at all times..
I want a prop that will have better whole shot, as good of mid range, and could care less if I lose 5mph or so on top end. I RARELY ever see that much speed unless i'm just out to see what she will do.
Mainly the boat is used for water sports and joy riding the family. Always have a "load" (4 person family if we don't take friends) I could care less how fast my boat can go when i'm alone....
What I dont like about the prop that came on her.
#1 hole shot with a load of people
#2 it's hard to run a steady speed at say 20mph for sports. It will hold speed fine at 30mph.

Under "normal" load I can barely get to 45-4600RPM's with my current prop. So I think I have room for less pitch. I was thinking less pitch would get me where I want to be with the hole shot.

i was looking at the 4 blade piranah 22 pitch.(mainly hoping it will help hold a good speed when towing) I'm figuring it will gain hole shot, help with the steady speeds, and perform around the same in the mid range.
If I gain or loose up top a little I really dont care. And this prop should allow me to cruise at around the same speeds say 35mph when out joy riding.
Thoughts? Or should I just go three blade? 21 or 22 pitch then?
 

Grodyman

Recruit
Joined
Sep 15, 2006
Messages
5
Re: Need advice pickiing a prop

I had a 1998 Chaparral 180 with 4.3l, I ran a Merc High5 SS prop. This prop was great for holding plane at slow speeds, great hole shot for sports, and top speed was just fine (faster than bro in law's seaswirl 190 OB, with Johnson 130HP). Without knowing the specific RPM's, I would think this prop in a 20 or 21 would be the ticket, if top speed is not your highest priority.
 

Crownie2

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2006
Messages
378
Re: Need advice pickiing a prop

Sticking with the Merc props I would add the Vensura, Laser II or the Enertia to the list, in a 21" pitch.

I would suggest proping it so it doesn't go over 4,800 RPM's at WOT with a normal load.

Bob
 
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