3 Props and a question

[wolfe47374]

I have run my '76 18' Holiday going on my second year now with no issues. (and trying to avoid any)!! I got it with a SS 15X17" prop. Never thought twice about it until lately, as I am going down to a bigger lake. From friends and family I have been warned of rocks, logs and SS props tearing off lower units, twice...) So I put on the matching Alum. prop on just in case(same 15X17" Pitch). Started looking at the manuals and saw how much the prop can possibly to top end. Never have figured out what all that talk was about. I cruise pretty well about 20mph. Can hit 27-30 in moderate chop and top out at 35 on clear, flat as possible water. I am lucky to have the original manual and see it's recommendations. Manual shows my boat topping out at 38-44 mph with a different prop.

I was told the reason the prop was not the same was for tubing and skiing. Or since I have the original prop, should I just try it and see what happens?

Thanks in advance

B

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 3 Props and a question

You should repost your question in the prop forum. Those guys are gurus.

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: 3 Props and a question

Do you have the Mercruiser 2.5 120 hp in this Holiday ?

I run a 14 1/4 x 19 Hustler aluminum and at 3000 with a load in the boat I'm at 25-26 mph on GPS. Depending on water 37-41 mph top.

I would not recommend this prop for tubing or skiing but all around boating its fine.

I would use a 17 pitch if you do a lot of tubing and skiing.

Feel free to ask more ?

 

[steelespike]

Re: 3 Props and a question

Yes a prop can make a big difference.If you read the helps on the iboats prop store page it will help you understand better prop talk.
The Hustler al. prop mentioned by A performs close to a ss. without the expense.You'll probably be dissapointed with your aluminum prop but your smart to go to it.If your running a 17 you should watch your rpm with a light load as you will probably over rev.A 17 won't run as fast as a 19 but will
handle skiing and such better.

 

[wolfe47374]

Re: 3 Props and a question

Thanks to both of you. We do some tubing and sking occasionally, but not alot. I may look at switching the props when I know we are going to pull someone, but put the 19 on for general use.

Thanks again

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: 3 Props and a question

At wot you should be at full rpms. Make sure you do not over rev. with a less pitch prop. You can run a prop with less pitch just keep the rpms below max.
I run a prop with alittle over pitch because I do not pull tubes and I only run 10-20 mph due to ocean conditions, so I do not run wot. I seem to get better fuel economy with a slightly over pitched prop, but some will not recommend this due to lugging the engine. I run a 140 I/O.