help me pick a prop, please

[gatorgitter]

Howdy, All...
I need some advise on a new prop, pls...

boat: '03 Regal 21' Bowrider , stepped hull, ~3800lbs ( w/fuel and people)

motor : Volvo-Penta 5.0 GXi ; mpi fuel injection, 270hp , runs really Good , 5K redline

outdrive : VP SX 1.60

current prop : VP aluminum 14.5 x 21 , 3 blade, not in great shape (rough edges) , but it's not bent or anything.

current performance : ~54 mph WOT ( GPS) , running at ~4900+ rpm ; falls off plane @ ~2400/2500 rpms

use : family watersports ; tubing, skiing, wakeboarding .

I'm intrested in an increased (faster) hole shot and/or the ability to stay on plane at a lower rpm/mph. Top end isn't really a concern. A I would like to go w/Stainless Steel prop , 3 or 4 blade, but I'm not sure about the size and pitch.

Suggestions / Comments?

thanks,
gator

 

[silverbullet]

Re: help me pick a prop, please

Gator- I have almost the situation boat and motor(07 Regal 2000 5.0 gxi/sx), until I got a Michigan wheel Apollo SS prop. Went from 3X21 alum to 4X20 SS- better holeshot, a little less top.

 

[tmh]

Re: help me pick a prop, please

Look at the Stiletto bay Pro II SS 4-blade, 20" pitch. After Walleyehead recommended it to me here I put it on my heavy 19' deep v sterndrive boat and it lowered the min. plane speed, comes out of the hole better and top speed about the same. It's $320 or so online.

The BPII gives excellent boat lift so you ride higher with less drag, that's why going from 3-blade to 4 didn't hurt my top end.

Let us know what you get and how it works for you.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: help me pick a prop, please

Until you put the prop on the boat no one really know's. Reading your post i would be inclined to go a 18P baypro 11... With one or two people maybe a 20 for top speed...but the 18 will pull hard out of the hole and give you great midrange and lower plaining speed's.

 

[gatorgitter]

Re: help me pick a prop, please

Hey, Guys...
Thanks for all the advise... after mulling it over, and getting the money together, I just ordered a Stiletto Bay Pro II SS 4-blade, 18" pitch . I debated 18 v 20 pitch, but in the end, I think I'll need the better holeshot and lower planing speed ; my boys are getting bigger every day ! I hope I picked right !

I'll report back w/results...

thanks again!
gator.

 

[tmh]

Re: help me pick a prop, please

I have the BPII 20" for similar application but maybe slightly lighter boat. I'll be interested to see how you like it. I'm still not sure if 20" or 18" is right for me, actually 19" is likely "perfect" but doesn't exist.

report back with results.