New Prop

[harrydnyc]

Hey guys.. quick question.. I nicked my prop up, and need to get a replacement. Without taking the prop off and bringing it to the store, is it possible that I could give them some information, and they would be able to figure out what prop I need for the boat. I have a 1986 Sea Ray Weekender 230..

 

[kwoolard]

Re: New Prop

What size and pitch prop do you have now?<br />What are your wide open throttle rpms with your current prop?<br />What is your recommended wide open throttle rpm range for that motor?<br />What is your speed at your wide open throttle position?<br />Are you not satisfied with performance of the current prop........hole shot....WOT RPM's.......WOT speed...etc.<br />What is the standard load you are going to have on that boat.....no. of people...fishing gear......watersport gear....w/ a full tank of fuel...etc.<br /><br />If you are running in your recommended WOT range with your normal load at WOT then I would recommend staying with the same size and pitch prop that you have.<br /><br />I am sure there are others on this forum that will add to this list.

 

[harrydnyc]

Re: New Prop

OK.. This is a lot more complicated than I thought... I will have to look into some of those questions.. I guess I just figured i would get the same prop I had on it originally..

 

[tommays]

Re: New Prop

if you happy with you current prop ther should be some numbers on it like 14*19 or 15*21 those are the diamater and pitch just get the same one<br /><br />tommays

 

[Bski]

Re: New Prop

One other thing to do besides buying another prop would be to have the damaged one fixed. If it's not a bad nick it won't be a problem and shouldn't cost much either. <br /><br />I've had props repaired and then bought a second prop with a different pitch to keep for a spare. This way I have a backup and can change the performance when I want.

 

[cuzner]

Re: New Prop

The numbers you need should be stamped on the outside of the hub, I'm guessing its either 17p or 19p.you can also check out searays website. They have some of this info there.<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[harrydnyc]

Re: New Prop

got the new prop, and changed it with no problem. I will try and get the old one repaired so that I have a spare. I bought the actual Mercruiser prop that is suggested for my engine and boat. Looked the same as the original.. However, I noticed some changes, and not sure if they are good or bad.. The boat def runs smoother, but I am not hitting over 3100 RPM's.. Before I was able to hit over 4000. Is this normal.. I am not sure if this is a bad thing...I like the boat is running now. It does seem to take a little longer to pick up speed, but the engine is quieter, and it seems to cruise at similiar speeds..And, it feels much smoother.. I thought that I was getting a prop with the same pitch as before, but maybe it was different... What do you guys think?

 

[cuzner]

Re: New Prop

Hey Harry,Something isn't right. At wot your rpm should be close to maximum rpm for the engine you have.You did'nt post your engine size,but I,m guessing your rpm at wot should be between 4200 and 4600 rpm. If everything on your boat is working properly( tach,clean bottom etc) you will have to get a lower pitch prop.Your putting too much stress on your engine right now.<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[harrydnyc]

Re: New Prop

I can get the RPM's a bit higher.. Closer to 4000, if raise the prop a bit... Should I be hitting 4000 with the prop completely down?

 

[tommays]

Re: New Prop

you should be getting about 4600 rpm depinding on what motor you have <br /><br />i dont no if the tack on your boat is giveing a correct rpm reading<br /><br />tommays

 

[harrydnyc]

Re: New Prop

I have a mercruiser 230 engine (1986). The tach seemed to give a correct reading before. I was getting around 4600 RPM's.. Trying to find out what my max RPM at WOT should be for my engine, but not having any luck yet...

 

[harrydnyc]

Re: New Prop

You guys were right, thanks.. I had a 15 pitch prop on my boat originally, and the guy sold me a 19.. Went back and exchanged it..

 

[1996Starcraft]

Re: New Prop

I bought the boat used and have been running at 6500 - 7000 RPMs until I read this. I thought is was normal. The prop looked like it had been filed and had a 19 pitch. I have a 17' w/3.0 LX Mercruiser and max out at about 40 MPH.<br /><br />I bought a 21 pitch aluminum Black MAX and the RPMs arre down to about 6000 at WOT and 46 MPH. <br /><br />After reading several of these threads, 6000 is still way too high. At one point this weekend the tach said 4100 at WOT. I think I need to test the tach now.