What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

ss9940

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2004
Messages
98
Hi everyone!<br /><br />I'we got a 17' Caravelle with a 3.0 Volvo. I currently have a 15 X 17 alu prop, but i would like to change it to a SS prop to increase performance. According to IBOATS internet site, the following props can be used:<br /><br />14 3/4 X 17<br />14 7/8 X 15<br />14 1/2 X 19<br />14 1/4 X 21<br />14 1/4 X 23<br /><br />I would like to know if someone has experienced a combination of the above props with a 3.0 and with what results. I know that pitch decreases WOT RPM, but i think those props can be used (as i said, according to IBOATS prop selector). SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ME! :D <br /><br />Thanx,<br /><br />Alex
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

if your getting the correct WOT now with the now with the 15 x 17 then your going to have to stick with that size<br /><br />the props may fit but the motor does not make enough HP to turn the bigger ones at the correct RPM<br /><br />i would thing you could use a bigger prop BUT every boat is different and props are very trial and error<br /><br /> and SS props are very costly to pick the worng one <br /><br />in the states we try to borrow one from are nice friend or prop man before we buy it <br /><br />tommays
 

Swishguy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 27, 2004
Messages
43
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

For running a stainless drop down 2 degrees. Get a 15 X 15 stainless. I have been running different boats for over 20 years & on every boat I have owned dropping 2 degrees on a stainless gets you bang on rpm,s.
 

ss9940

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2004
Messages
98
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

I agree, but the props suggested on iboats decrease in size and increase in pitch, so that should about cover the RPM (just a thought) - or am i wrong?
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

you have to no your current RPM or you cant change props unless you want to throw money away :rolleyes: <br /><br />it would also help to no the boat brand and size as a member may have the same boat and already tryed different props and no the results<br /><br />tommays
 

ss9940

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2004
Messages
98
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

As i said in the 1st post, it's a 17' CARAVELLE bow rider - as a reference
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

and your current RPM and speed is ?<br /><br />tommays
 

ss9940

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2004
Messages
98
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

Hmmm... that one i don't know, cause i installed a brand new 3.0 GM engine and didn't want to max it out yet... I got over 4000 though - i would estimate the max at around 4500 RPM (the recommended RPM are 4200-4600 if i'm not mistaken) and a little over 35 MPH.<br /><br />How much does size affect the max RPM? If i, for instance increase pitch by 2, how much must the size be decreased to achieve the same WOT RPM?
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

f38a025d.jpg
<br /><br />alex<br /><br />this is my boat its 19 ft with a 3.0 GM motor with a merc outdrive with a 1.98 to 1 final drive ratio <br /><br />the merc verison is rated a 4800 RPM <br /><br />i have tryed a lot of props over the years and i use a 15 x 17 if i am going to pull a tube or have a lot of people on the boat<br /><br />for normal use with 3 people and a full tank of fuel (136 liters)i use a 14 x 19 prop this gives me 42 mph by GPS at about 4800 RPM<br /><br /><br />the bigger prop makes it much harder to get the boat going so i use a homemade PVS (Performance Vent System)this allows the prop to slip at lower speed makeing it easery to get the boat on plane at does not affect the top speed<br /><br />
f38a0259.jpg
<br /><br />in my case the next size prop is a 14 x 21 i have tryed it and it results in slower speed and to much load on the motor <br /><br /><br />until your motor is fully broken in and you no the final RPM you cant chose the correct prop<br /><br /> http://www.mercurymarine.com/everything_you_need_to_know_about_propellers5 <br /><br />props are very complex you should enjoy reading this<br /><br />tommays
 

ss9940

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 23, 2004
Messages
98
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

Thanx, tommays! Do u use aluminium or SS props?
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: What pitch SS prop for a 3.0 Volvo

i run in a lot of shallow water so i stick with aluminium props its much easyer on my wallet :eek: <br /><br />i dont feel there is a lot to gain in speed in my boat at this point unless i put a V-8 motor in ;) which is not going to happen<br /><br />tommays
 
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