Prop for Johnson DF 140 4 -stroke

EEVW

Cadet
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
7
I have a 2003 19 ft Sea Pro weighing ~ 1700 lbs.<br /><br />It has the DF140 with a 3 blade 14 X 21 alum. prop.<br /><br />I finally put the WOT down and I only got 53-5400 rpm. My speed ( dash speedo) was around 44 mph. Plenty fast for my taste, however I'm wondering since the DF140 is aretd to 6200 rpm, and I leaving something on the table.<br /><br />My family 5 headcount, cruises, fishes and tubes/water ski.<br /><br />Any better size prop for me?<br /><br />TKS in advance<br />Steve VW<br />Bluffton,SC
 

Tracy Coleman

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 23, 2002
Messages
215
Re: Prop for Johnson DF 140 4 -stroke

Was WOT with a light load or full load? I'd try a 17" light load and see if it will get near 5800-6200, then you can load it full and still perform.<br />You never know 'til you try it.<br />Backfire ;)
 

Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: Prop for Johnson DF 140 4 -stroke

Hi Steve,<br /><br />Your problem, or principially same problem, has been up here several times. It is true, that any prop is a compromise as it litterally works like a 'one-gear gearbox'. Rule of thumb is, that you are running the right prop if your rpm at wot is within the stated rnage for your motor. Rather near the upper limit. This should be decided when load and running conditions (trim) are as you most often use it. You don't want to setup your boat for conditins other than those, obviously.<br /><br />Staying within the stated rpm range ensures your motor's running conditions are best possible.<br /><br />Another concern when choosing a prop may be performance in general. Some experience some kind of problems with ventilation, lack of grip, bad trim properties etc.<br /><br />If your prop works OK but does not allow you to reach the rpm at wot range, you should change pitch DOWN by one inch per 200 rpm you want to achieve. This will even improve accelleration and may (probably) reduce top speed slightly (if the theoretical drop in top speed due to lower pitch is compensated by higher rpm, top speed will keep and become more stable).<br /><br />If you like, you can get a free Quicksilver booklet on props & more from my homepage.
 
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