Prop suggestions, please.

[rch105]

I'm looking to improve my hole shot and plane time without losing top end. Actually, as most of would, I'd like to increase the top end, too. Here's what I have:
2001 Sea Ray 185BR
4.3L 190hp V6 2bbl. carb
Laser II 23 pitch SS with solid vents in place

Yesterday I took her to the lake and using my GPS for speed accuracy, and shop tach found the following:
WOT: 4300 - 4350 rpm's
At optimum trim: 46mph
Idle: 640 rpm's

Returned to the dock and checked the timing (yes, I shorted the circuit). I found the timing was off (retarded a little) so I reset it to factory specs (10 BTDC). Removed ground ign. circuit and did more runs and came up with:
WOT: 4400 - 4450 rpm's
At optimum trim: 49mph
Idle: 710 rpm's

So, that being said, can anyone suggest an aluminum prop? 3 blade/4 blade? Pitch?
Anyone play with the vent plugs on the Laser II? What did you find? Any change opening them up?
One marina suggested the Alpha 4 with a 20 pitch? Input on that, please?

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps me out!

 

[msojjo]

Re: Prop suggestions, please.

I'm looking to improve my hole shot and plane time without losing top end. Actually, as most of would, I'd like to increase the top end, too. Here's what I have:
2001 Sea Ray 185BR
4.3L 190hp V6 2bbl. carb
Laser II 23 pitch SS with solid vents in place

Yesterday I took her to the lake and using my GPS for speed accuracy, and shop tach found the following:
WOT: 4300 - 4350 rpm's
At optimum trim: 46mph
Idle: 640 rpm's

Returned to the dock and checked the timing (yes, I shorted the circuit). I found the timing was off (retarded a little) so I reset it to factory specs (10 BTDC). Removed ground ign. circuit and did more runs and came up with:
WOT: 4400 - 4450 rpm's
At optimum trim: 49mph
Idle: 710 rpm's

So, that being said, can anyone suggest an aluminum prop? 3 blade/4 blade? Pitch?
Anyone play with the vent plugs on the Laser II? What did you find? Any change opening them up?
One marina suggested the Alpha 4 with a 20 pitch? Input on that, please?

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps me out!

First of all, what is your recomended range for your motor to be operated at? Im just guessing but i think your right in there. I have been messing with the vents on the props lately. Depending on how bad your hole shot is, start removing plugs. They make different sizes depending on what your looking for, keeping them closed the way they are, small hole, medium hole, large hole, and completly removed. Read up on the vent system on your prop, its called pvs, or performance vent system. What it does is let the prop spin with out catching the water by letting the exhaust out the holes thus raising your rpms until it catches, works really nice i have it on my prop, and i gained over 500 rpms on my holeshot getting me out faster. Before you reprop take out your plugs and test it, careful on first try not to over rev, make sure it catches, because if it dosen't then your going to need the smaller holed plugs.

 

[macddmac]

Re: Prop suggestions, please.

I had the same engine on a smaller 4Winns and ran a 19p volvo prop took it right to 4800rpm (max if I remember correctly) hole shot was about 3 seconds.

 

[fossill]

Re: Prop suggestions, please.

Yup, that Alpha 4 would work very well. I have one on a boat similar to yours that I use occasionally when I dont need the Hi5 for pulling boarders. Runs very smooth, good holeshot and brings the speed up a few mph as it brings the rpms at around 4700 from 4400 with the oem 23 pitch 3 blade.

 

[rch105]

Re: Prop suggestions, please.

My WOT range per manufacturer is 4400 - 4800. I did some runs using my GPS and a shop tach and found my WOT was 4350 to 4400, trimmed, and about 46mph. I went back to the dock and found the timing was slightly retarded and idle was at 640. I set it to factory, 10BTDC, the idle went to 710 and my top end was now 49, with the WOT about 4480. I'm still on the lowside for WOT. Would the Alpha 4 20P be a good bet? I would think it would raise my WOT to about 4800, thus giving me a better hole shot, and not possibly giving me any loss of top end, maybe even a little higher? And I value the info on the PVS...I will try that using a large hole first. Suggestions?