Prop recommendation

[Stingray Steve]

Hey guys. I have a 08 stingray 185 with a 3.0 volvo penta. I have the boat loaded up with people and gear just about every time I go out. I currently have a 3 blade 21 pitch prop that only gives me 3000 rpm wot holeshot rpm and get about 4000 rpm at 38 mph top speed. Also having trouble getting to a plane. Plan on putting smart tabs on it to help that out, but have heard you lose a couple mph with them cause they constantly drag. Do you thing I should go with a 19 pitch 3 blade aluminum or maybe a 17 pitch 4 blade aluminum to help with hole shot and get my rpm up to the 4200 to 4800 rpm range. Hole shot is more important to me than max speed since I like to pull tubers and possibly a wake boarder in the future. Thanks guys

 

[bnicov]

Re: Prop recommendation

Check with a marina nearby if you can borrow a prop or two to see what works best. You have an 18ft'r with a 135hp engine, don't expect too much from it if you load the boat with people and gear. More than 3 adults on it and you will have problems with your holeshot. You can try a different prop but don't expect a miracle.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Prop recommendation

Yes you need lower pitch. To bring your rpms up all the way from 4,000 to 4,800, I suggest you drop all the way to a 17.

Unlike previous poster, I believe you'll find that the improvement in holeshot you experience by losing 4" of pitch will be dramatic...with any load...,my previous 3.0L 18 footer could easily pull a 200 pounder out of a deep water slalom start, QUICKLY...boat planed out in less than 4 seconds.... with 5+ people on board. It couldn't DREAM of doing that when I bought it, but after I propped it correctly, it had no problems with heavy loads whatsoever. 3.0's are more capable than many people give them credit for. But they are very sensitive to incorrect propping, and MANY are propped flat wrong...like yours.

I do agree with the recommendation of "try before you buy" if at all possible. Find someone willing to loan you a used 17 pitch prop or somethign first....or one that will at least permit an exchange if you find that a 17 over-revs...

3 blade or 4? I'm a big fan of 4. But anything in a 17 will be a dramatic improvement over your current 21 pitch.

You are misinformed about Smart Tabs. If you buy the proper size and install them correctly, they do NOT constantly drag. They fold up out of the way at top speed and therefore they do not impact top speed. Anyone who says they drag at speed has too-high-force rated shock absorbers installed, and should contact Smart Tabs for a parts exchange....

I suggest you reprop first and get your RPMS up to as close to 4,800 as you can. Then assess your need for Smart Tabs after you are propped correctly. You are obviously way overpropped right now for your intended usage....

 

[Stingray Steve]

Re: Prop recommendation

Thanks for the input guys. I was thinking a 17 pitch to craze cars, was just afraid of going to low and over reving. I will check around to see if I can find some people to borrow some props from if possible. That was a great idea. And thanks for clearing up the smart tab worry I had. Thanks again guys, I will post back with my results when I have them.