prop suggestions?

[elwopo]

Hi,
Wow....I never knew the world of props could be so involved!

I'm getting a new motor. E-tec 115 for a 1996 17' Bayliner Capri bowrider. The guy sells a couple props and asked me which one I wanted...or did I want to get my own. Researching this could take weeks....LOL.
We don't ski, just fish and run the river. Trying to get as much speed as possible. My son just likes to go fast...and the 120 Force we used to have would top out at 47 mph.

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[steelespike]

Re: prop suggestions?

If you go to the Evinrude Etec BRP site there are many performance reports.
Not to many glass boats like yours but most are running something like 13 3/4 X 17 stainless.Is your 47 by GPS?It seems a little optimistic as most of the reports result in something in the 40 to 43 mph range.though most are aluminum which it seems runs a little slower than a similar glass boat.I would think your dealer would let you try a number of props.Don't forget the vertical height and trim of your setup is critical for ideal performance.

 

[elwopo]

Re: prop suggestions?

Thanks for the input!

I got my measurement with GPS using the factory Force 120 and prop. Pretty smooth water and I had to tilt the engine up slightly.

I'm guessing my dealer should know what the vertical height should be? I'll ask...but he didn't seem to offer a lot of information about props when I asked. It was a pretty basic selection and he wanted me to pick.

 

[elwopo]

Re: prop suggestions?

Been reading about jack plates. Since I don't know what prop to choose, should I have a jack plate put on when he installs the new motor?

Again...if I'm going to this kind of trouble and expense I want everything to be as perfect (and fast) as possible. Even still considering the 150 instead of the 115.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: prop suggestions?

If you elect to NOT install the jackplate, have the dealer set the engine height so the antiventilation plate (the plate right above the prop) is flush to an inch above the bottom of the boat. This will be a starting point and you may need to raise the engine higher when you get it in the water and to initial testing. Remember, this is engine mounting height, not trim position. It appears you are working with a small dealer. If he is offering you the prop as part of the purchase, take a 17 or 19P and if you pop for the 150 pick the 19P or a 21. Then make some wide open throttle runs with an average load and note the engine rpm. You want the engine to run at the top of its recommended WOT rpm band. If it overrevs you need more pitch. If it can't get to that rpm you need less pitch or raise the engine one hole and try again. Just don't go so high that you lose water pressure.

 

[elwopo]

Re: prop suggestions?

Took the plunge.....
115 e-tec coming out of the box and on the boat this afternoon.

Dealer suggested the viper prop but didn't get into size or pitch. Would the 19 be better than the 17?

As far as pitch goes...I may have to just let him put on what he's planning and do the rpm test....unless there are other suggestions.