Volvo penta prop/ rpm question

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LegacyT

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Hi all looking for a some referance concerning the output of my motor/prop combo.

I have a 22.5 ft Baretta with a Volvo penta 305 CI/5.0 L motor that puts out 230 HP. Volvo suggests a 14x21 or 14x23 ( in 14" diameter) prop. Recommended RPM range at WOT is between 4000-4400. I have a VP OEM 14x21 prop and it just barely gets to 4000 RPM. A while ago I ordered a 14x23 OEM VP prop and goes to 3600 RPM at WOT. The weight of the boat when I was testing this was 3400 Lbs (just over half fuel and a buddy). Should I expect this motor/prop combo to spin a bit higher or do the results sound reasonable?

Top speed with the 21 prop was 47 mph, and the 23 was 45 mph.
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Re: Volvo penta prop/ rpm question

increasing pitch will drop RPM. decreasing pitch will increase RPM. the 23p prop is too much for your boat. keep the 21 or drop it down to 19
 
L

LegacyT

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Re: Volvo penta prop/ rpm question

Ok my 21 is repaired but not great looking at getting a spare 21 prop. Solas makes a 14.3x 21 for a 100 bucks the only other one is OEM Volvo 14x21 and close to 300 bucks. Will the extra .3 inches affect things much n how are the Solas props?
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Re: Volvo penta prop/ rpm question

Solas makes great props. however you may want to see if your local marina has props to try.
 
C

captmello

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Re: Volvo penta prop/ rpm question

I run the Solas aluminum props on mine. We've got a lot of shallow lakes around here and I can't afford to buy expensive props. They seem to work fine. I was originally running the 3 blade 21p prop, and it worked fine. Since your at the low end of the max RPM range you may want to go with a 19p for a better hole shot and should get you to around 4400 RPM, or go 19p 4 blade...which is what I did, went 4 blade. I found the four blade got me out of the hole better and still had most of the top end.

Do you have power trim?
 
L

LegacyT

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Messages
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Re: Volvo penta prop/ rpm question

Yes have a 290 drive with SP-A Lower unit
 
L

LegacyT

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 7, 2011
Messages
250
Re: Volvo penta prop/ rpm question

Yeah I should chage that... Kinda a mix of things 270 upper 290 transom/intermediate n SP-A lower. Anyone need a brand new 14x23L OEM volvo prop? :cool:
 
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