Prop recommendation/advice

[martyh]

Working on an 88 Reinell bowrider with the OMC 4.3 V6 175hp 2 Bbl carb (raw water cooled) and cobra outdrive. It is a 17’ “V” hull and I am guessing it weighs in around 2k pounds. The prop reads 14 ½ x 19 and according to the previous owner it is all stock, just how they got it from the dealer years ago. I don’t know the gear ratio and I know saying that it is stock doesn’t help much either.

Here is the scenario, Starting off the bow comes up and stays there for some time until I get enough speed to bring it back down, and at WOT it max’s out at 3500 rpm and the MPH is 36. From what I have read it should be in the 4200 to 4600 RPM range. I’m not 100% sure the tach and the speedo are accurate but I feel reasonably comfortable that they are pretty darn close.

The purpose of the boat (fresh water only) is mostly just for goofing off, some fishing, cruising, towing tubes, and the bonsai full throttle urges. So, I would say that mid range and top end are more important than the hole shot or bottom end, if there is such an option with propeller selection.

With this information I was hoping that somebody could suggest which prop to use, whether it is brand name, material type or diameter and pitch to bring the RPM up into the working range.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop recommendation/advice

First we need to verify the tach. The drive should be a 2:1 unit but the numbers don't work unless the tach is off. Or the drive has a final ratio of something else.

Lets verify the tach and make sure the linkage is indeed getting the carb all the way open. Also verify the motor is indeed running as it should.