Glastron GT180/eTec 150 HO Prop size recommendation

[Roj115]

Hi,

I'm looking at a 2010 Glastron GT180 with an eTec 150 HO on it. It currently has an aluminum prop (not sure what pitch yet but I can find out). If I buy the boat, I will want to replace the prop with something better, likely an SST.

The engine specs for 6000 rpm top end so I want a prop that will give me that or as close to that as possible without going over.

My main use of the boat will be water skiing with some (but not much) cruising as well. I care most about a good hole shot but I don't want the rpms to exceed the top end of the engine's recommended rpm range at full throttle so I want a prop that will get me to 6000 but no more.

Is there anyone out there that has a similar rig that can tell me what prop will get me that result?

My old boat has a 115 hp crossflow Johnson on it. With a 17 pitch stock aluminum or a 15 pitch SST it made exactly 5500 rpm. Will it work kind of the same way with this eTec? If, for example, the aluminum is that's on it is a 21 pitch at WOT, would a 19 pitch SST likely give me the same rpms at WOT?

Thanks

 

[jestor68]

Cart before horse doesn't work well.

You gotta buy the boat and test with whatever prop is on it and go from there.

Find a dealer that will let you test a couple of props before buying.

 

[SkiDad]

like Jester said you need to take it for a drive. After looking at a few tests, I would bet it has a 19p aluminum on it unless it was changed. If 19 is the case Glasstron probably propped it for around 5500 to be safe - I'd be looking at a 17p 4 blade with good blade area. I don't think the engine will let you over rev like the old ones.

Let us know how the ski wake is - that is one boat that I like the look and idea of - that and the Dyna-Ski's 17.6 with the eTec 150's. I prop my boat for max rpm too and it pulls like a mule now. But top speed is down 4 mph compared to running the original prop. Was 40, now 36 mph. But my boat engine is nothing like what you are looking at - i bet with the ski prop on you will still be running in the mid 40's.

 

[Roj115]

Cart before horse doesn't work well.

You gotta buy the boat and test with whatever prop is on it and go from there.

Find a dealer that will let you test a couple of props before buying.

Well, if someone has the same boat and same engine I would assume whatever prop works for them and gives them 6000 rpm at WOT, would do the same for my boat.

There are no dealerships close to where my cabin is so I'd like to be able to shortcut the trial and error process of trying different props as much as possible. If the closest BRP dealer wasn't an hour away by either boat or car, I wouldn't bother to ask this question here and would just drive the boat straight down there to test props.

Also, if someone with the same boat and engine can tell me exactly what to get, I would have the ability to look around on-line for a good used prop and maybe save some money...

 

[SkiDad]

I seriously doubt you will have any trouble with the aluminum prop on your 1st couple outings. The motor is going to pull hard enough with 19 to get you up. My boat will get me up with a 17 no problem I just like to be able to get up really fast. If you stick with a standard brp props you can pick it easily enough from what you find out Rpm wise on the current prop. You don't want a prop with high rake because you don't really want the bow to ride high.

 

[Roj115]

The prop on the engine is a 14.75" x 19" Aluminum with interchangeable hub 765188. Does about 5,800 rpm with that wide open

What's the general rule of thumb when switch from an Aluminum to the stainless steel BRP Viper prop? Drop the pitch by 2" usually?

Is the Viper a good all around prop that would be decent for water skiing and still deliver pretty good top end?

 

[SkiDad]

changing models will not give you a predicable results - it's kinda trial and error. Unless BRP has the stainless equivalent of your current prop. For example I have 2 aluminum props - both 15 pitch - with a typical load the Michigan will turn 5600 the turning point will turn about 5100 and there is about 2 mph difference between them, turning point being faster top end. Unless you are an experience boater you should stay with what you have b/c 5800 is about perfect. I would say switching to 17 stainless could cost you about 2-3 mph. For skiing the low rake props are better, I'm not that familiar with BRP props but check out Dyna-Ski's site and Hydodyners as they are into skiing with that engine and could be better help.

edit: re-read your original post - i guess probably a 17 pitch 4 blade would get you really close to 6000 - probably will cost you 5 mph (totally guessing) I bet a call to BRP would be helpful - i'm looking at the viper and that seems like a speed prop and that maybe the Rebel or SST would be a better ski prop.

 

[Roj115]

changing models will not give you a predicable results - it's kinda trial and error. Unless BRP has the stainless equivalent of your current prop. For example I have 2 aluminum props - both 15 pitch - with a typical load the Michigan will turn 5600 the turning point will turn about 5100 and there is about 2 mph difference between them, turning point being faster top end. Unless you are an experience boater you should stay with what you have b/c 5800 is about perfect. I would say switching to 17 stainless could cost you about 2-3 mph. For skiing the low rake props are better, I'm not that familar with BRP props but check out Dyna-Ski's site and Hydodyners as they are into skiing with that engine and could be better help.

I have been boating for 40 years and we have always run a stainless steel prop. Aluminum is too fragile for my situation. I want to get a stainless steel on to deliver about the same rpm and keep the Aluminum as a spare. Just need to figure out what prop to buy. I can demo some different ones down the lake at my local Evinrude dealer but they may not have that many other brands to choose from. I know the Viper is higher rake than the Al prop I have now but BRP does not make a SSP prop (designed to be direct replacements to their Aluminum props) in that size so as far as BRP stainless props go, I think I have to look at the Vipers. If the dealer has other brands besides BRP props that will fit then I can look at some other types.

 

[SkiDad]

well the good thing about the newer engines is the rpm limiter so even if you are a little under propped it should be ok. One more suggestion I can give is to call Ken at Prop Gods - they sell major brands including Power Tech and you can swap prop style or pitch for only about 40 or 50 bucks. That way you are not stuck with a prop that is not quite right. Some of the powertechs are available in every inch.
941-735-5808 KR@propgods.com

http://www.bandofboaters.com/forum/technical-forums/performance-handling