Stratos w/XP150 Prop Question

[KatDaddyJames]

I have a 88 Stratos 17' 10" Fish and ski (split Window) Currently have a shooter 4 blade ss 13.5x23 prop, which was on it when i purchased it. It is outfitted with a 88 XP150, that runs like a champ. Rpm as i remember are in the 5600-5800 range. Motor is "rednecked jacked" it is raised about 1-2" above where it would normally rest on the transom, no jacking plate. It has a dorsel fin on the motor. This is my first fish and ski boat, as I have owned waverunnes, and bowriders. I love this boat, wish it had a little more room in the interior compartment, but we make do with it. We are a little spoiled my parents have a 26ft regal that they use once or twice a year; so we have access to it when ever we want. If i could only get her talked into that inboard bayliner fish and ski we saw at the boat show! Any one want to help???

My questions are as follows:

~What are the advantages/disadvantages of a 4 blade over a 3 blade?
~What are the advantages/disadvantages of a 3 blade over a 4 blade?
~This boat likes to hop in the front really bad (porpoise), i mean violently, when taking off/turning/slowing down if the motor is not trimed all the way down, which is a pain in the @$$ to preplan to trim the motor all the way down in order to turn, slow down, etc. It gets really scary when turning, any way to correct this?
~If I did decide to go to a 3 blade, what pitch should i go with? Boat is primarily used for fishing, but will pull a tube a weekend or two a month. Speed is not an issue, if i want speed i can put 4 blade back on. Currently running 60-65 on gps depending on if my 250lb fishing budddy is on board. Looking mainly for fuel economy and power to pull a tube, and handle 4 adults on board with gear/food, etc. Mainly a all around 3 blade prop.
~Should this boat beep when the key is turned on? has a buzzer, but not sure if it works, any way to test?
Sorry for such a long post, like i said this is my first low in the water, fishing style boat! I appreciate as much info as possible, and thanks in advance!

James

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Stratos w/XP150 Prop Question

I imagine the reason someone has put a small diameter 4 blade on the motor is there is no jackplate. Most of the other things you describe are directly related to prop and set up (imagine that!).

As for which is better between the 3 blade & 4, it really depends on which 3 & 4 blade prop you're talking about. Not all 3 blade or 4 blade props are created equal just like not all 23" props are created equal.

As a general rule of thumb, to take full advantage of a high technology prop you'll most likely need a jackplate. On the other hand, if you're not going to buy a high technology prop there may not be a need for a jackplate.

That being said, we've had great success with the Turbo Lightnings on the Stratos boats. On a short boat it wouldn't surprise me if something like an Ultima 4 worked real well overall for everything you want to do.

We suspect the numbers you mention are a little happy. If they're accurate you're at less than 5% slip. I wouldn't change anything. I really suspect a larger diameter prop and dialing in the set up will cure all the handling issues.

 

[KatDaddyJames]

Re: Stratos w/XP150 Prop Question

I imagine the reason someone has put a small diameter 4 blade on the motor is there is no jackplate. Most of the other things you describe are directly related to prop and set up (imagine that!).

As for which is better between the 3 blade & 4, it really depends on which 3 & 4 blade prop you're talking about. Not all 3 blade or 4 blade props are created equal just like not all 23" props are created equal.

As a general rule of thumb, to take full advantage of a high technology prop you'll most likely need a jackplate. On the other hand, if you're not going to buy a high technology prop there may not be a need for a jackplate.

That being said, we've had great success with the Turbo Lightnings on the Stratos boats. On a short boat it wouldn't surprise me if something like an Ultima 4 worked real well overall for everything you want to do.

We suspect the numbers you mention are a little happy. If they're accurate you're at less than 5% slip. I wouldn't change anything. I really suspect a larger diameter prop and dialing in the set up will cure all the handling issues.

OK, my problems are related to prop and setup, what actions do i need to do to correct? go back to a 3 blade, because i am not going to buy a jack plate. what pitch 3 blade should i get?

James

 

[kadesdad07]

Re: Stratos w/XP150 Prop Question

I will chime in about 3 blade verses 4 blade question. Has this happened to you? While pulling the kids or buddy after a couple of beers on the tube and you make a quick turn to the left then right, all of a sudden your prop sounds like it came out of the water and the RPM races up. Oh s!@& what was that! You made an air pocket and your 3 blade prop had 2 blades in the air pocket and one in water trying to produce thrust. With a 4 blade you will have 2 in the air pocket and 2 in water. So in my experience the only thing I have found that the 4 blade did is stop the wash out when you make aggressive turns. A friend of mine changed his prop for that reason and hasn?t had the problem since. And as the buddy after a couple of beers I some times wish it did. As far as choosing a prop for your boat use an online guides to help you choose your prop.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Stratos w/XP150 Prop Question

If you're not going to buy a jackplate then yes, go with a standard 3 blade prop. Something like a 14 1/4" diameter Stiletto that they sell here at iboats will work as good as anything and save you some $$ compared to a higher technology prop.

 

[KatDaddyJames]

Re: Stratos w/XP150 Prop Question

ok so i need a 14 1/4, but any reccomendations on pitch?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Stratos w/XP150 Prop Question

That depends on how accurate your numbers are. If you're at 5600 with the current 23 then I'd go with a 22. If the top rpm is indeed 5800 with the 23 then I'd probably look at another 23. You'll still, most likely, have to raise the motor to gain the most efficiency (and not tear up the motor).

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Stratos w/XP150 Prop Question

If you go with a 4 blade in the OT design (13 3/4" diameter) I'd still go with a 22 or 23 depending on how accurate the rpm numbers are.