omc prop questions

[wvwarlock]

good afternoon, let me start by saying i am new to boating and bought a boat a few weeks ago.

i have a 1983 starcraft css181 boat with a omc 3.0 L 400 series drive. i took it out for the first time this weekend and all is wonderful on the water, however, when taking off the boat seems to be under a huge load as it seems to be bogging down and very slow to reach planing speed. one it gets there no problems at all.i was hoping for advice on prop recomendations.

currently have a 13 1/4" x 17 prop. whatat could i do to plane faster and in turn run better.

thank you in advance for assistance

 

[steelespike]

Re: omc prop questions

First be sure you trim in for hole shot.
A think the best solution for your slow hole shot is trim tabs.These will make planing easier,will stay on plane with less power,won't bound around as much and will combat no wake zone wander.smart tabs work well and are reasonable.
Unless your boat is really heavy I would think with a 17 pitch your hole shot would be ok.What is your present max rpm and speed?your typical load?
Usually boats similar to yours(18ft 130hp) run a 19 or 21 with fair hole shot.
Your 17 would normally be to improve hole shot.

 

[wvwarlock]

Re: omc prop questions

a quick update.. the prop on the boat was a 14 1/2 x 19. i also ran the prop number on extra props i got with the boat and the are both the 13 1/4 x 17. what performance and planing difference can i expect between the two?

thanks once again for any assistance.

 

[steelespike]

Re: omc prop questions

a quick update.. the prop on the boat was a 14 1/2 x 19. i also ran the prop number on extra props i got with the boat and the are both the 13 1/4 x 17. what performance and planing difference can i expect between the two?

thanks once again for any assistance.

Speaking very basically the 17 would normally give you a better hole shot at the sacrifice of some top end.You need to know what max rpm you are running at with a light load.Also the max recommended rpm range sometimes on a label on the motor.When changing props be sure it operates within the rpm range.If it overrevs throttle back to keep in range.If it lugs (can't reach recommended range with a normal load) you'll need to decrease pitch.(lower number)