PennYan prop suggestion

[erieprowler]

1997, PennYan, 22.5ft, dry weight 3700lbs, Merc 4.3L, 190hp, mfg wot 4400-4600
At 4400rpm I did 38mph with 2 ppl and 40 gal gas.
Cruises best at 2200rpm at 20 - 22mph w/ 2 ppl and 40 gal gas.
Current Prop: 3 blade aluminum, diameter 14.5", Pitch 17, Right hand

Overall performance is ok, but in heavy seas with 3 or 4ppl it feels like the engine has too much load and rpm's won't increase til I throttle wayy up. I'll lose my plane easily between 1900-2200rpm and then have to really throttle up to get back on plane and then have to back it down.

All my prior boats have been smaller aluminum and this is my first heavier, glass cruiser.

Appreciate your feedback.

GR

 

[Bondo]

Re: PennYan prop suggestion

Ayuh,... It sounds like ya need to try a 15" pitch prop...

 

[steelespike]

Re: PennYan prop suggestion

Is this an I/O?Do you trim down as you slow?
I would only add that a 15" 4 blade may also improve your ability to stay on plane and get on plane easier.If this is a tunnel hull thats another story and you may want to find a PennYan forum with tunnel hulls.

 

[sasto]

Re: PennYan prop suggestion

I'm pretty sure this is an I/O without a tunnel. I'm also pretty sure this is the "Outrage" model.

If the above is true, I'm not sure anything can be done with a different prop. It's the nature of the beast.

I went out on one a couple years ago and took the throttles. She likes to run "bow proud" (bow up). I found she rides best with the entry spray at or near the helm. Anything foreward...she will plow and slow down.

That's alot of boat for the power. I ran her at 3200....all day long.

Good Luck!

 

[erieprowler]

Re: PennYan prop suggestion

As Sasta said, boat is an Outrage, not a tunnel, is an I/O and runs best with spray at helm.
I haven't had a real issue with bow rise by adjusting the tabs, but will lose plane quickly at about 15mph.

The Mercury web-site prop selector also suggested a 15 or 16 pitch, 4 blade prop. If I drop the pitch, is there a big difference between a 15 pitch aluminum vs stainless ?

I'll admit I'm a dumb ole fisherman and starting to get information overload reading up on prop cupping, pitch, slippage %, diameter, etc etc etc.

thanks guys

GR

 

[Bondo]

Re: PennYan prop suggestion

is there a big difference between a 15 pitch aluminum vs stainless ?

Ayuh,... There's a Big difference in Price....

Probably little to No advantage in goin' SSteel...

 

[steelespike]

Re: PennYan prop suggestion

As Bond-o suggested a 15 should make it easier to maintain speed and stay on plane.
Your rpm could increase as much as 400 so you may want to watch you don't overrev.
A 4 blade should temper the rpm increase and further help staying on plane.
The increase in pitch and the addition of a 4 blade may lower top end slightly.

 

[sasto]

Re: PennYan prop suggestion

I haven't had a real issue with bow rise by adjusting the tabs, but will lose plane quickly at about 15mph.


GR

I don't feel that a different prop will change your plane speed.

I own an ol' 74 Penn Yan 23footer. Much different than yours. I took interest in these boats, old and new. They are not the most effecient hulls, especially mine. On your boat, as well with others, adding more weight will make her run like a pig.

It takes some power to get her out of the hole, that's a trait she has.

I have a friend in NJ that has the same boat, equiped the same as yours. Good luck on your choice and let us know how it turns out.