Prop suggestions

[fisherman73]

After being advised to replace or repair the small dings and chips in my old prop I have decided to have that one fixed and use it as a spare. I have been out boating regularly for about 6 years now and have not had the need for a spare yet, but now that I am thinking about it not having one only means that I will need one very soon. I read the sticky on required info so here goes..... The boat is a 97 seaswirl striper 2150, wieghs in at approx 5000 lbs dry, with passengers a full tank and some gear Im looking at approx 6500 lbs. The power plant is a 5.7L fuel injected, I would guess the HP at 250 to 300. The drive is a VP SX. The current prop is most likely the original it is a VP 14.5 X 19 part number 3850801.

Top speed is approx 40 mph at 4000 rpm. I would love to improve my bottom end as it takes forever to get on plane in this boat. I dont know if improving my bottom end will effect my idle speed but I use the main motor to troll with and would love to be as slow as possible at idle. My current idle speed is approx 4mph with out my trolling plate.

I would love some suggestions if there is any improvements that could be made and possibly some suggestions on where to purchase a new prop and have the old one repaired.
Thanks in advance

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Prop suggestions

Id say a 14.5x17 should do the trick.
with the troll plate I think you should see the same speed and without it you see a slight increase as it will bite the water a little better.
It should increase the hole shot and keep the same top speed, but at a couple hundred RPM's higher.


By the way, are you around the Crater Lake area?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop suggestions

The current prop is most likely the original it is a VP 14.5 X 19 part number 3850801.

Ayuh,.... IF it is,... A 17" will no doubt be an Improvement....

 

[MRS]

Re: Prop suggestions

I am doing about the same thing you are but going from a 21p to 19p because I do need the extra rpm's. Plus once I am sure the 19p will give the rpm's I need I will add the stainless steel smart tabs with the pro troller levers. I like to troll with my main motor also but hate trolling plates tried them all with the tabs they do not block the prop but are like a water brake more control for the boat and probably slower speed. As for getting on plane the tabs should definitly get you on plane way quicker and keep you there at a slower speed.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Prop suggestions

try a 4 blade too

 

[fisherman73]

Re: Prop suggestions

It is most definatly a 14.5X19 and is most definatly an older VP prop. I didnt buy the boat new but judging by the rest of the boat I would be very surprised if it had ever been changed. So does it matter if I go with stainless or aluminum ? What about 4 blades ? Whats the advantage ? I like the look of Stainless and of course Im sure it would be more chip and ding resistant but what about the possiblility of severe shaft or gear damage if you should hit something? It seems that the stainless would be alot less forgiving on the drive.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Prop suggestions

Fish, I ran some preliminary numbers, and if the numbers you gave are right then you need to buy a Soals Amita Aluminum 4 Blade 14.5 X 17 prop to replace the one you have, Iboats has it for $ 110. It will give you a superb hole shot, let you plane at lower speeds, lessen the slowing effets of running in rough seas, and many other great things. And if your numbers are right you ought to gain about 1 MPH at top speed.

Prop Slip

H

 

[fisherman73]

Re: Prop suggestions

Awesome! thanks for the info. Yes the top speed and rpm numbers are accurate, the horse power I dont really know for sure but Im sure im in the ball park. The dry wieght of the boat with no accessories was 4850, when you add all the gear, people and fuel Im sure Im also in the ball park. Sounds exciting I cant wait to try it with a new prop ! Thanks again

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop suggestions

It seems that the stainless would be alot less forgiving on the drive.

Ayuh,... It Is...