Skeeter (Aluminium) / 1997 Yamaha 115 with K-23 prop

[DamianJP]

I bought a Aluminium Skeeter ZX 18 with a 1997 Yamaha 115 on it.

My first aluminum boat so mabey its my operation error.

The only markings on the prop is K-23 and I don't know if its a stock prop that came with the boat/motor package or if its a aluminum aftermarket prop. I think the 23 means the pitch is 23.

Boat and engine is a package, so I know the engine is mounted right and I can see the cavitation plate is lined up were it should be.

Boat is 893 Lbs.
Engine is 330 Lbs.

When I'm running around 3000-3500 RPMS (Not WOT, just crusing) and have the engine trimmed all the way down, I have water cresting on the sides of the boat because Im pushing the water rather than glide on it. So I goto trim the motor up little by little.

The water "crests" on the sides of the boat starts to go away and I start to glide on the water,but not fully. The water crests are still there and the boat doesnt get light on the water and glide I can still feel the boat pushing the water still abit.

So I go to trim up (alittle by little) to get it to fully glide on the water. Then the RPMS go up atleast 500-1000 RPMS more and the motor starts to rev higher and seems like the prop is slipping.

Can this prop infact be a after market prop, the K-23. And is intended for speed only? I could care less for gaining top end speed, I want to be able to cruse nice around 3000-3500 and be fully planed off gliding on the water rather than push it.

Compression is perfect , so is spark.

What prop should I be running with these weights I have given.


Thanks,
DamianJP

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Skeeter (Aluminium) / 1997 Yamaha 115 with K-23 prop

We will need to know a bit more information. Review this link and fill in the answers http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=287818. Need to get that baby to wot and give the performance information.

Hope to help soon!

 

[DamianJP]

Re: Skeeter (Aluminium) / 1997 Yamaha 115 with K-23 prop

1) Cant get my Skeeter bass boat to ride on the "pad" , pushes water instead of gliding. And when I keep trimming it doesn't ride on the pad but starts to slip/cavitate and I gain RPM and still doesn't ride on the pad.

2)Unknown manufacturer all it says on it is K-23 . I think its a K series yamaha prop due to the "K"-23, but unsure.


3) 13 " , 13 1/2" or 13 1/4" Only choices the K series gives. I think its a 23 pitch (Due to the K-23)

4)4800 RPM 40-45 MPH (2 people , 2 batteries , 10 gallons gas) I think it should be 5400-5600 RPM , something isn't right.


5)1997 Yamaha C115 115HP 330 LBS.

6)1998 Skeeter (Aluminium bass boat) , 18FT , 893 LBS.


DamianJP

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Skeeter (Aluminium) / 1997 Yamaha 115 with K-23 prop

Yup you are over propped. 21" pitch should be about max and 19 will probably give you better results

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Skeeter (Aluminium) / 1997 Yamaha 115 with K-23 prop

Agree with Bob. Your rpm's should be up around 5500. Your engine probably has a 2:1 gearbox. I run a 90 hp on a similar boat and it performs as yours when you describe trimming out and lifting the bow, reducing the spray/wake and increasing speed and rpms with nothing more than using the trim button. That's the way it's supposed to work. I have a 2.3:1 gearbox and run a 24P Ballistic XL for gps50+ when it is a cool day and everything is right. At those speeds, my rpm's are 5800.

With that combo, I'd get a high performance SS prop, 3 blade....they sell some nice ones on here at reasonable prices....check their sales props. No reason you shouldn't see more than 50 on yours....course you just want to cruise......well mine cruises just fine from plane out to the top.

Good Luck,

Mark

 

[DamianJP]

Re: Skeeter (Aluminium) / 1997 Yamaha 115 with K-23 prop

Thanks guys !

I guess P/O or whoever sold him the prop screwed up. I knew something wasn't right. I do like speed *sometimes* but right now I just want to take it easy on the engine for the most part. Im gonna look for a 19 I guess. Mabey a prop shop by me will let me take home a 19 and a 21 to see which one will rock-n-roll for me.

Thank you again guys,
DamianJP