Which prop do i go with??

[joeyholzer74]

I have a Volvo Penta 3.0 on a 18 ft starcraft I/O. Currently i have a 14.5 x 19 prop and and it gets out of the hole pretty good but I think I am not maximizing what i could have. I know the max RPM is around 4400. My issue is at about 3/4 throttle i am at 4400, so i am wondering if i go with a 17 that will get me out of the hole faster and allow me to use my full throttle?? If I am wrong here please correct me!

Thanks

 

[steelespike]

Re: Which prop do i go with??

For some reason the year of folks boats and motors seems to be a secret, lol.
You need to briefly run it to full rpm and you should buy or borrow a gps for the accurate speed.
If you are over reving you would go to a higher number pitch.
If you read the stickys at the top of the page and get us as much info as possible we can probably help.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Re: Which prop do i go with??

See my post 1987 3.0l can go WOT and beond 130hp Mercruiser 17p prop ? Would like to try 19p but It will Idle/troll faster ,Go faster than I want to go , and pulls like tractor as is and it easy on GAS with stock prop for this hull . Have posted prop # as original for this boat hull .Don't know what it will do fully loaded 6 persons and gear ?196 Thompson 18.5" CC .

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Which prop do i go with??

The boat is a 2002 Stracraft 1810 with a Volvo Penta 3.0 Engine. The reason for my question is if i am over revving at full RPM i am not maximizing my performance. I should be able to get out of the hole faster maybe loose some top end but i have the extra rpms with the current prop to possible get that back? I might be way off here but thats what you amazing people are for!!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Which prop do i go with??

In order to make any decision on a prop selection we need to know your present max rpm and speed. Rpm and gps speed is used used to determine if setup is good and tach accurate.
As far as over reving indicating a prop change and your results.Keeping it very simple; Over reving generally requires more pitch. which usually would lead to more speed less power.(slower hole shot)
under rev (lugging) would indicate need less pitch which usually results in more power with speed depending on final pitch and rpm.
Anytime you have a reasonable setup and a tach that seems decidely low or high suspect the tach until proven accurate.