25 Campion handling issues

[Homebrew72]

Hello fellow boaters, I recently got a 1989 25ft Campion sun bridge this is the biggest boat I've had and I'm still trying to figure it out. The other day we were out cruising, the first half of the day was nice. On the way home the wind and seas picked up. The boat really struggled to maintain power I'm guessing this was because it was bouncing off plane. I tried adjusting the trim tabs to bring the bow up and down and couldn't find a sweet spot. The engine sounded weird I'm assuming this was caused by the boat coming on and off plane. We finally made it to the ramp. While loading on the trailer I tried powering on to the trailer and fubared the prop. I have a few 3 blade spares I'm just wondering if adding a 4 or 5 blade prop would help me get through the choppy water easier. Also can I/should I raise or lower the out drive to help with the trim ?

 

[Starcraft5834]

Welcome and nice barge!!, first thing I looked and noticed was,,, that's a big boat, then looked at the prop.. yup.. I agree with your assumption put a 4 blade on it in proper pitch... that will help solve your symptoms... 4 blade = improved hole shot.. better handling at slower speeds.. 4 blades best for larger heavier boats.... enjoy

 

[harleyman1975]

I agree. the 4 blade will help. I tend to run slower with a bow up attitude in rough water.

 

[Homebrew72]

I know a lot goes into finding the right prop but hoping someone can help me find a starting point. My boat has the 5.7 with thunderbolt ignition. At WOT it tops out at 32 mph. Seems decent for a boat this size but it's very thirsty. What pitch would be a good starting point for maximizing power and economy??

 

[Starcraft5834]

I know a lot goes into finding the right prop but hoping someone can help me find a starting point. My boat has the 5.7 with thunderbolt ignition. At WOT it tops out at 32 mph. Seems decent for a boat this size but it's very thirsty. What pitch would be a good starting point for maximizing power and economy??

what pitch prop is your current 3 blade? if you dont know look on the collar, usually stamped there bunch of numbers.. ie- #####-## last two digits.. - ie 19, 20?. generally if you go to a 4 blade,, drop down in pitch 1, after switch, you should be close to same top end speed, might drop 1-2 mph, but your hole shot will improve greatly, your ability to stay on plane at slower speeds and general slow speed handling is superior

 

[Sea Rider]

Before venturing wild guessing a prop that betters your combo performance, should tach current OB as usually loaded. When you know the wot rpm achieved, will know how much under propped you are. Current props is your starting point..

Happy Boating

 

[Starcraft5834]

Before venturing wild guessing a prop that betters your combo performance, should tach current OB as usually loaded. When you know the wot rpm achieved, will know how much under propped you are. Current props is your starting point..

Happy Boating

true............ knowing WOT- RPM is a must.........only then can you make an educated move

 

[Homebrew72]

Currently running a 15P. I talked to a shop about the bennifits of switching to a four blade prop they didn't give me a warm fuzzy. Said something about the pitch being different between a 4 blade and 3 blade and the 3 blade being better because there is more surface area.