What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

[1980Coronado]

I posted this several days ago in the propeller thread with no replies. I'm hoping someone here may have an answer.

I have a 1980 Century Coronado with a popeller that allows the engine to over rev significantly. I'm thinking I may need to jump the pitch up 3 or 4 inches. It's a 454 cid 330 Hp Inboard with a 1:1 velvet drive. Does anyone have a similar boat, or knowledge of what prop was specified for this boat? I have a 3 blade NIBRAL 14" RH 15" pitch that was reworked (I think) to a 14" pitch. The prop is cupped.

Any Coronado guys here? What are you running?

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Since I didn't receive any response I kept digging in other forums. From what I can tell most guys are running either a 14" dia x 15" pitch or a 14" x 16" pitch for this boat. I'm thinking about going with the 16" pitch. If it comes out of the hole to slowly I can always rework it down to a 15" pitch.

 

[smclear]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Have you tried the guys at A&A Marine? They may know. (Company is owned by a old Century employee's). They're in Manistee,MI where Century's were originally made.

http://www.classicboating.com/

I have an 18' Resorter with the same engine and drive. I have no idea what prop is on it.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Have you tried the guys at A&A Marine? They may know. (Company is owned by a old Century employee's). They're in Manistee,MI where Century's were originally made.

http://www.classicboating.com/

I have an 18' Resorter with the same engine and drive. I have no idea what prop is on it.

Thanks....I've seen their website and have contacted them via e-mail regarding a bow flag that is out of stock. I didn't receive any reply. When it gets closer to boating season I'll give them a call. The weather isn't cooperating around here right now...They're calling for a possible 9-10" of snow and ice tonight.....I'm sick of winter!

I see that your favorite spot is Wawasee....I grew up skiing on that lake and now my parents have a 26' Bayliner parked at Main Channel Marina that they camp on during the summer. I bought this boat from Main Channel last summer and suspect it spent it's entire life on Wawasee. My guess is that Wawasee Boat Company sold it new since they were a Century dealer for years. I can remember as a kid seeing all the beautiful Century boats on that lake thinking that someday I'd have one....someday came...25 years later .

 

[smclear]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

I wouldn't use email to contact the guys at A&A. They're real old school and I don't think they really check the website too often. Give them a call. They really know their stuff re: Century's and they'll talk to you for hours if 1. they have the time, and 2. if you let them.

We've been on Wawa for 4 generations now and are on our fourth Century. First one was before my time. Second was a '70 16' Resorter. Third was a 5 meter Riviera. Now were back to a Resorter, only 18' this time. After this one gets brought back to "better than new", I think my brother and I are going for a Coronado (love them).

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Ok...will do. I keep reading good things about them, but haven't made the contact yet. Would really like to get a new bow flag...they have the orginal one I need shown on the website but it's out of stock.

What color is your Resorter? I saw one for sale last summer (I think it was a Resorter) that was the same color scheme as my Coronado. It was parked just down the street from your place on Wawa (Wawasee Slip Inc. Not sure I have that name right) ....I didn't get out to look at it, but it looked really nice on the drive by. Was that yours?

If your looking for a project boat I saw a Coronado for sale on ebay that needs a total resto....but it's in Tx. The reserve wasn't met...he wants too much for this boat in the shape it's in...needs gutted and a new motor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1984-22-Century-Coronado-Boat-Trailer-MerCruiser-454-/260726843527?pt=Power_Motorboats&hash=item3cb487e887

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Just called A&A.....talked to Dave and he was able to look up the OEM prop specs....Michigan Wheel 14"x15" RH. Mine is more than likely the original prop but it's been reconditioned.

Putting all of the pieces together....Since I had to replace a bent prop shaft, I'm guessing that there was some prop damage that went along with it. When they reconditioned it I'm betting it got smaller in diameter. I never physically measured the diam to check it. When you couple that with the fact it was reworked to a 14" pitch from the original 15" at some point, you get a significant over rev.

I'm thinking the answer to my question is to put the OEM prop size back on it (14x15) and see how that performs. Ok....sounds like a plan!

 

[smclear]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Did you ever get you bow flag? We got ours last year. I also replaced the old worn "Walnut" trim and replaced it with real Mahogany. We (my brother and I) did get the boat through Wawasee Slip back in June 09. It was originally sold by Wawasee Boat Co. to William Marsh of the Marsh Supermarket chain (hence the odd green hull - matched the co. logo).

 

[smclear]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Last winter we rebuilt the engine. This year we're re-doing the interior. I am rebuilding the engine case now. It's the extended type with the bar in the back. I'm replacing all the plywood with mahogany. It should look pretty good. Also rebuilding the dash with a solid piece of mahogany. See the "empty" picture, all the green will be replaced with real wood. With luck, I'll be able to get the Century logo etched into the glove box door with one of those CNC routers. Then stained a shade darker.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

No...didn't get a new bow flag...out of stock, but should be in late this week. Mine is a different flag than the one you have. The one on my boat is the one with the horse head logo on it. He ran out and had to have more made.

The new wood looks great on your boat. Looks like that Resorter is still in good shape. Are you getting the new interior from A&A?

I just finished replacing the bar on mine this weekend:http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=461943

 

[smclear]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Yes, interior coming from A&A. Ordered last week. It'll take 6 weeks to come in. Your case looks good. Mine's a little different. Interior bar part looks the same but I don't have the cup holders on the outside.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

Well after a lot of talking and reading I have it narrowed down. I talked with Eric Johnson at OJ Propeller and he recommends either a 3 blade legend 14" x 16" cupped, or a Legend 4orce (4-blade) 14 x 16 as a place to start. the 4 blade isn't really a 14", it's 13.7 diameter so the rpm should be the same as the 3-blade 14" x 16", but it will run more smoothly in the low end and give a better hole shot. So now I have to decide.....I'm skeptical of putting a 4-blade on this old boat...not really a high performance ski machine. I'm leaning towards the standard ol' 3-blade.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

16" of pitch is a lot for a stock 330hp engine.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

16" of pitch is a lot for a stock 330hp engine.

It's 1" more than what they shipped it with....and I have no baseline to judge it against because the stock prop on my boat was reworked. It over revs badly with a reduced diameter and 14" pitch.......I just don't know what it does with the 14x15 it was meant to have. Wish I had one to try!

If 1" pitch is worth 150-200 rpm, I should still be able to get 4000 rpm out of it. If it's too much prop I can send it back and get a 15"...just try to find a 14" x 15" RH 1" bore prop...haven't been to successful. Discount inboard marine has a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. They'll work with me on it. If I don't like the 16" I can send it back.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on an O.J. 4Force 14x16x1 RH 4-Blade today. I can't say enough good things about Discount Inboard Marine....they're good people. If the prop doesn't perform well on my boat, they'll take it back. My gut tells me it's too much prop, but it's what O.J. recommended...so we'll see. I'll report back when I get the boat in the water in a couple weeks to try it. If it ever stops raining around here.....we could put the dock and lifts in.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

A 4blade 14 x 16 is too big....only getting 3500 rpm at 40 mph wot with just me and a full tank of gas

 

[Tahorover]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

A 4blade 14 x 16 is too big....only getting 3500 rpm at 40 mph wot with just me and a full tank of gas

What is your plan now? 14x16 three blade? All our Centurys run Chrysler power, what is max RPM on a 454?

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

What is your plan now? 14x16 three blade? All our Centurys run Chrysler power, what is max RPM on a 454?

Max WOT for the Mercruiser MIE 330 is 3800-4200. My next step is to go through the ignition, replace cap, rotor, points, condenser, plugs, wires....check dwell, timing, and advance just to make sure there isn't an issue with the motor. I don't believe there is, it's running to well to have any major timing or ignition issues...but, since I just got it last July, and don't know when it last had these things replaced, I'm going to do it so I know. If that all checks good, then I'm not sure which prop I'm going to go with. I'd really like to find a 3 blade 14 x 15...that's what it's supposed to have, but try to find one!...Michigan Wheel wants an arm and a leg for their stuff!

 

[Tahorover]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

I have found some very good deals on E-bay. I bought a brand new nibral 14x18 4 blade for a $100 last year. With seven boats in the family that get used at sea level and 6400 ft, I seem to always be needing props.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: What Propeller was specified for the 1980 Coronado

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/14x1...5416067QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

BTW a Prop shop can add or subtract up to 2" of pitch.