bayliner 3.0 omc prop help

[MBAKER]

Need some suggestions. 1987 18' Bayliner with 3.0, OMC outdrive. Needless to say its a little slow out of the water, but it will get the job done. We usually have 4-5 adults in and somtimes pulling a tube. It has a 15P stock prop on it right now, but it will overrev by 2-300 rpm at WOT, even with 4-5 adults after struggling out of the water. I know a 17P prop would help with the overrev but I dont want to hurt the bottom end any, in fact it could be better. We rarely ever run at WOT so top speed isnt really an issue, as much as getting out of the water and staying our of the water at part throttle is.

My question is.....

Would a 15P 4 blade prop help get it up out of the water easier?
Would there be any downsides to a 4 blade prop.
Would a vented 17 be better yet?

Any suggestions on props? I am going to stay with aluminum, are the solas props any good?

thanks in advance..

 

[steelespike]

Re: bayliner 3.0 omc prop help

I'm sure you didn't mean the 15 was a stock prop if it over revs.Probably was on there when you bought the boat.Not an expert but the first thing I think off with an I/O is venting the prop and some sort of trim tabs.I would think a Vented 17 would get you in the proper rpm range and still retain some hole shot.Trim Tabs possibly smart tabs would be a big help as well.getting on plane, staying on plane,among other attributes they wiil combat no wake speed wander.
Another thought is a 15 stainless prop they are pricey but could improve your overall performance and may lower your rpm slightly.
Personally the venting and trim tabs would be most cost effective.
The experts may be along with more educated help.

 

[MBAKER]

Re: bayliner 3.0 omc prop help

Your right thats the prop that was on the boat....I thought I read somewhere where that is the prop that came on it as well from teh factory but that could be wrong.


I have to get a new prop, as we broke this one last weekend, I just want to make sure we dont hurt the performance any. If there was any way to help this heavy thing out of the water with a different prop Id love to hear it. A few weeks ago, with 4 adults and a 3 year old i counted and it took almost 7-8 seconds to get on plane.... does that sound long for a boat of this age HP etc?

 

[steelespike]

Re: bayliner 3.0 omc prop help

It does sound long but I/Os are known to sometimes struggle on hole shot.
I don't have the experience to recommend a particular style or brand.
Hopefully someone can help with a particular brand or style. But without that I would suggest a 15" pitch vented or have it vented or vent it yourself.
As I understand it it is simple but you need to understand how it works and where the vents go.As I understand it if you don't like the effect there are plugs for the holes.The holes allow the boat to rev easier on hole shot but don't affect top speed.You'll still have to watch the revs but a new prop might knock a little off the max revs.

 

[MBAKER]

Re: bayliner 3.0 omc prop help

The little bit Ive looked around and read, seems like the venting works better on 2 stroke stuff, maybe not so much on I/O, but maybe I misunderstood that.

At this point im maybe leaning towards a 15P 4 blade and giving it a shot, to compare to what the 3 blade was. If it hurts it I can always get another and have a spare. I know the 4 blade will drag more but Im hoping that is offset by having a stronger bottom end.

I can deal with the overrev condition, because we can keep it pulled back as needed to keep it below redline. Usually the water is rough enough you cant run at WOT cruising anyway. I just really need or want more out of the hole and staying on plane.