Rib/115hp/best prop selection

smitty477

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 25, 2009
Messages
44
I have a large RIB that I purchased with an existing prop and set up a couple of years ago. I am now in need of selecting another prop and would like to ask which choices may make sense for my application. I have read a bunch of these posts so I likely know just enough information to get myself in trouble here but I will give it a shot anyway. My goal is to get a relatively 'cheap' prop that will allow us to use the boat for recreational cruising and also for some water skiing and toys.

Boat is a 2002 Nautica RIB , flushdeck, 19' long, 8" 2" beam , total weight rigged to use is 1,575#'s, it is a deep V with a stepped flat center hull at the rear. Boat is rated to 150 hp max. , 3,200 #'s , and 16 pass max.

Current prop is aluminum , 3 blade, marked 12 3/4 - 21" on the inner center hub, no manufacturer marks, white, good condition.

Motor - 2002 Yamaha F115 4 stroke, 2.15 lower , good condition, tach checked w/ strobe. WOT range is 5,000 - 6,000.

Mounting - currently mounted with antivent plate even with flat center keel. Was mounted 3/4" higher (2nd hole) then keel when originally purchased but prop would blow out at all trim settings other then almost all the way 'in'. There are no doel fins, trim tabs, or other 'stuff' back there.

Current performance - with 3 pob , 3/4 fuel (more then normal) - we can always reach WOT of 6,000. With trim all the way 'in' we plow pretty badly and get 5,800 and 45 mph (gage only, not verified) , at about 1/2 trim 'out' we get 6,000 rpm + and a gage reading of 52 mph, at full trim out we still get blowout but at a second or 2 trim in from full out we get 6,200 rev limited. It will plane and cruise with 6 -8 adults on board with no real issues. We have no problems pulling a skiier at about 3,500 rpms on slalom. What are my options and what else can I do to help determine this?
Thanks
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Rib/115hp/best prop selection

If it works that well with a small diameter 21 I'd consider something like a 13 1/4 x 23 4 blade. If you're interested and have trouble locationg one shoot me an IM or email.
 

smitty477

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 25, 2009
Messages
44
Re: Rib/115hp/best prop selection

Thank you Dhadley,
Although I have not tried any other props on this boat yet I would be a bit concerned that the extra diameter, blade, and pitch would adversely affect the ability to pull up a skiier. Of course with my knowledge so far I could be absolutely wrong about all of this and that is the reason for the post. My 'kids' tell us that they do have some difficulty in pulling up heavy wakeboarders right at the beginning untill they transition up on plane.
Is there such a thing as a replacement prop from what we have that will give us a bit more low end pull but still maintain or increase the top end performance? Is there anoither way I can help identify the existing prop for the folks on this board.
Thanks again
 
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