A little prop help....

[n2ostroker]

Here we go
1988 Bayliner 2455(24.5' hull length) cabin cruiser
Mercuiser 260 4400-4800rpm
Alpha One outdrive(brand new SEI replacement)
17p Michigan Wheel 3-blade stainless prop
WOT ~4300rpm
37mph GPS

Just did a full tune up, changed oil and put on a new SEI 106 outdrive. Boat runs great, comes up on plane decent with 1-2 people and a full tank of gas. When loaded with 5-6 people-cooler-usual going out stuff it takes quite a ways to get on plane and digs real bad. I'm afraid this is what killed the outdrive that we just replaced. If I was guessing from what I have found as a dry weight of the boat that loaded with gas-people-gear we're around 6000lbs. As well as the new drive we just pulled the boat, cleaned and repainted the bottom paint there is no growth on the bottom.

What would a suggestion be on the prop?

I was leaning toward a Solas Amitas 4 blade 15p.

This is my dads boat and I'm trying to get it set up right for him so they can go have fun, not tear things up, not spend all day trying to plane out, etc... Any suggestions would be great
Thanks

 

[usskydvr]

Re: A little prop help....

You have made a good choice in that Solas 4 blade 15.

 

[n2ostroker]

Re: A little prop help....

Well I've read nothing but good on here about them. I just want to make sure. The prop on it really needs to go. It doesn't fit the boat that well at all. Fairly slow to plane and doesn't stay on plane very well at all.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: A little prop help....

Along with the prop trim tabs would make a marked improvement if the boat does not already have them

http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsII.htm

Do a search here on smart tabs....Very good product

 

[n2ostroker]

Re: A little prop help....

It has Bennetts on it. I do think it needs bigger tabs but they do work.
Nothing against Smart Tabs but there isn't anyway I'd use them on this size boat. I have owned them and they do work but after breaking 2 sets on my old boat I wouldn't use them on a heavy boat again.