Prop selection for 285 Stratos

[pa32mays]

I posted this in stratos section but have gotten no response so I thought maybe this is the best place. I just bought a 90' 285 Stratos and its turning only 4900 RPM. I was wondering what prop most people are running on this hull. I have a 1995 175 Evinrude Intruder on it. Want to make sure the prop is the problem before I start digging into the engine. Its got a 25P Renegade on it now.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop selection for 285 Stratos

Although a Renrgade is certianly not my first choice for that hull a 25 seems a bit strong. It depends on which Renegade it is too. Now, let's look at some basics. Make sure the motor is running as it should, health-wise. The cam follwer roller is well known for losing the outer part of the roller. That results in the carbs not opening all the way. How's the compression?

Now lets look at the set up. Jackplate? If so, which one? What other props have you tried? We have had great sucess with Turbo Lightning props on that hull.

Nice motor by btw.

 

[pa32mays]

Re: Prop selection for 285 Stratos

OK, here is what I have:
Renegade prop 13.5 x 25P 175738
4" HiJacker jackplate

Tell me if I did this right. I think its the way I did it years ago.
I leveled the bottom of the hull and measured from bottom of pad to floor.
Then I leveled the motor cavitation plate and measured from center of prop shaft to floor. My propshaft centerline is 4.75 inches below pad which I think is too low if I rem right. Seems my 201 I had years ago was around 3". The engine has around 105 psi on all 6 cyl and the carbs are opening all the way. Already checked that. Haven't pulled the jets yet to make sure they are clear but it seems to accelerate fine. Haven't yet checked the WOT timing running it but I did do it static but not sure how accurate that is.

There you go. Let me know what you think. I just purchased it so feel free to give me the whole scoop.

 

[pa32mays]

Re: Prop selection for 285 Stratos

Also, running it for the first time yesterday, I thought right off the bat that the bow didnt want to lift very well. But I haven't been in an older stratos hull in years so I wasn't sure. Thanks!

 

['96 Charger]

Re: Prop selection for 285 Stratos

For that hull and motor a 24p Raker would be my choice. Not a fan at all of the Renegade prop.

 

[pa32mays]

Re: Prop selection for 285 Stratos

OK, went out today and ran with engine raised 1/2" from previous position which was nearly 5" below pad and it had even less bow lift. Only turned around 4900 rpm and 40mph. Terrible. Seems to run fine but no speed. I know the renegade isn't the best but my goodness. I had a renegade on a 93 201 pro stratos and it had tons more lift than this thing did. Could it really be the prop is this bad? It isn't beaten up or anything but I'm getting poor performance for sure. Give me some ideas please!

 

[FHB]

Re: Prop selection for 285 Stratos

I have a Stratos Fish-Ski (1998 16 ft, Johnson 115). It came with a SS 20:1 prop. It took forever to go to plane. I put a 15:1 prop on it and the change in performance at low speeds is amazing. Top end speed is only 42 mph, but it is not really meant to be a super fast boat.

Frank