another prop application question

[dutch135]

Sorry to do this , it's been asked a million times here, but I just can't seem to really get the answer for my setup. Here's what we have:<br />1993 Crownline 182 bowrider, with 4.3LX (4bbl) mercruiser, with aluminum 21 pitch prop. <br />Now, with carb cleaned and working better, after a day of wakeboarding/boating, I am still a little high at WOT, can almost push it to 5000 if I trim enough. I can get to about about 48mph. (no, I don't have GPS) and I try to keep it at 4800 max . THis was with 3 adults, an average load. HOle shot was good, pulled 2 wakeboarders out with no problem, although I haven't tried a slalom skier yet. (I don't anticipate a problem this year with accelerator pump working). Smart Tabs are also being considered, to help with visibility on take-off.<br />I am considering a prop change, to improve performance, and top end. If I change to SS, would it be recommended to stay with 21p, or go to 23? I would think from what I read here I could comfortably go with a 23 aluminum, but don't want to give up too much hole shot for when they pull my big butt up on a ski!

 

[Mahoney]

Re: another prop application question

Switching to a stainless prop of the ame pitch and quality from what I hear will actually hurt your whole shot, as you get better durability, the aluminum prop actually distorts a little and loses pitch when getting out of the whole, esentially acting like a prop of a inch or so shorter pitch. If your Max RPMs for your rig are supposed to be 4800 and you can "almost get 5000" thats pretty close. going up 2 inches in pitch should theoretically decrease your max rpms by about ~400 RPM. So you would only be "almost getting 4600", which is too low.<br /><br />What you have sounds about right for your setup.

 

[stevens]

Re: another prop application question

This is one for Walleyehed!

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: another prop application question

You could easily run a 23 aluminum 3 blade, or see if you can 'test' a 22 4 blade aluminum, 4 blades can give you a fast holeshot and may settle the bow down a bit, since they can give lots of transom lift, If you go Stainless try a 3 blade 21p first and possibly a 23 ss also...as you can see by my reply... you won't know until you try a few prop's . Most prop shops will allow you to test first...just if you ding it you own it.