Not sure if I need a new prop or something else.

[rjherrman_1]

Hey all,<br /><br />I have a 96 Mariah Talari 215 with a Merc 350 210HP Alpha One. Currently, it is running the same prop that came with the boat from the original owner, not sure if it was the OEM version or not, I am pretty sure it is not. I believe it's a 14.25" - 19P aluminum 3 blade. and the boat runs around 4800-5000 RPM's at WOT.<br /><br />The issue is when I have (4) grown adults in the boat, I can not get up on plane without having some of the weight up in the cuddy. It also has a real struggle getting up when pulling any tubers/skier, etc. So my question is as follows, do I need a different prop? 3 Blade, 4 Blade, 5 Blade? Stainless vs Aluminum? A specific brand or style? Trim Tabs? Anything? I do not want to use a Dole-Fin as the last owner used one and it ripped off a section of the cavitation plate. It has since been repaired minus the Dole-Fin. I guess I am looking for any and all info that can help me in this quest to get my boat on plane, without having it gunned for several minutes eating $3.50/gal gas like it's going out of style.<br /><br />Thanks guys, I hope I posted this in the correct section and I await any and all responses.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Not sure if I need a new prop or something else.

You have the right prop now. WOT is right on. The only way to get it up on a plane faster with a prop is to go smaller. The problem with that is your WOT will be to high. Trim Tabs would solve that problem and you can still run the prop you have now so when you don't have all your buddy's with you the boat will perform the way it should. I would stay away from the fin. I would be afraid of breaking the drive again and IMHO even when they are right they still put to much stress on the outdrive.

 

[searay3]

Re: Not sure if I need a new prop or something else.

I have an older Searay about the same size and weight as your Mariah. 4.3 merc lx. It ran ok with a 3 blade 19 pitch but was slow to get up on plane as well. After A LOT of research and prop tries of different configurations, I decided on a stainless 4 blade of 19 pitch. Very happy with it. Lost very little at top end but the holeshot issue is resolved. I was told performance would suffer a little and to go to a 20 inch 4 blade whan replacing a 3. I really saw no ill effect by staying with the 19. Don't know how important 3 or 4 mph at the top end is for you. Just a suggestion.

 

[rjherrman_1]

Re: Not sure if I need a new prop or something else.

I am going to try the trim tab solution too as I think it will help with the porpusing (sp?) at speed. I really an interested in improving the hole shot as it is the most important thing for me. Any luck using a 4 or 5 blade prop? Any specific brands worth considering over another? Material?

 

[rjherrman_1]

Re: Not sure if I need a new prop or something else.

Originally posted by searay3:<br /> I have an older Searay about the same size and weight as your Mariah. 4.3 merc lx. It ran ok with a 3 blade 19 pitch but was slow to get up on plane as well. After A LOT of research and prop tries of different configurations, I decided on a stainless 4 blade of 19 pitch. Very happy with it. Lost very little at top end but the holeshot issue is resolved. I was told performance would suffer a little and to go to a 20 inch 4 blade whan replacing a 3. I really saw no ill effect by staying with the 19. Don't know how important 3 or 4 mph at the top end is for you. Just a suggestion.

Ahh, we must have been typing at the same time! Do you mind me asking which brand you purchased and a ball park of costs associated? <br /><br />Thank you VERY much!

 

[searay3]

Re: Not sure if I need a new prop or something else.

Solas on the I-Boats site. approx $360.

 

[piersbc]

Re: Not sure if I need a new prop or something else.

I bought a Michigan Prop from Iboats.com. It is a 4 blade 18 pitch aluminum prop. $128. Worth every penny. Gets me up on plane twice as quick as my buddy's 3 blade...and still tops out at 42mph.