Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

Medic77

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I've purchased a 1998 Bayliner Capri 2050SS with an Alpha 1 5.7L Mercruiser. It came with a 21" aluminum prop with a 14.25 diamter hub. I've had it out 4-5 times and found it terrible to achieve a quick plane when pulling. I'm looking at purchasing a 4-blade prop and would like some input as to what pitch and type to buy. My WOT is 4400-4800 and I've had it going between 50-52mph at top speed with this prop. If my main goal is tubing and skiing, should I be looking at a 17"-19" prop?

Any input would be appreciated!
 

junior1113

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

i'd look for a good agressive ss 4x19p with stern lifting characteristics. 4 blades are great for hole shots, fuel eccon.,slower on plane speeds, might even gain some top end they hold the water way better. u say your wot rpms are is 4400-4800. 4200-4600 is recomended. where exactly are you? trim tabs?
 

Dhadley

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

Basically you are correct in thinking in the 17-19 range. That is, assuming the 21 is in the right rpm range for non-water toy cruising. If so, the 19 will be much easier on the engine (and person on skis), a 17 will be even easier. Naturally you'll have to watch the rpm and not get carried away.
 

Medic77

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

I'm located in Ontario, Canada...thanks for the info! Should I try an aluminum one first before I get a SS one to make sure I have the right pitch?
 

Dhadley

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

Remember - we're not looking for the correct prop, we're looking for a prop with a lot of pull. Again, we're assuming the prop you have is correct for top rpm without pulling a water toy. If that's so, we're going to less pitch just to get the pulling ability when you do tow something. The towing prop will not be correct for cruising. And the towing prop will not have to have a lot of technology built in like bow or stern lift etc.

I'd almost assume that the towing prop will be something like a 17 4 blade. Once again, assuming that your existing 21 is correct for normal running.
 

junior1113

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

what is your current wot rpm with average load with current prop????????
 

IVAZ

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

I was looking for a prop to pull a tube myself about 3 weeks ago. I ended up going with an Amita Solas 4 blade. It was $110 from the iboats store. Considering I?m only going to use it for pulling tubes for a few months I didn?t see the need to spend too much. The Solas has a great finish on it. I ran it thru some mud in accident and the paint still looks new. The Michigan that was on there before lost a lot of paint in the same situation. For the money it?s a great prop.
 

Medic77

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

I'm looking at the same prop on Iboats from Solas. Right now with 5 people on the boat, I can run 50mph at a WOT of 4800 with the 3 blade. Can I assume by going to a 19" pitch 4-blade that I will lose some top end but get quicker out of the hole?
 

IVAZ

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

I can?t tell you for sure what results you will get but going down in pitch usually does result in better hole shot and a loss of top speed.
The best thing about the 4 blade Solas I?m running is its cruising speed. I can go faster at 3600rpm than with the 3 blade. Jumping out of the hole is very aggresive compared to how it used to be. It also doesn?t seem to care if it?s just me on the boat or 4 people, performance is about the same.
Keep in mind that I?m not an expert. I?m just sharing my experience with the Solas.
 

junior1113

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Re: Looking for Input Re: Prop for tubing

i would look into a 20-21pitch 4 blade. with a 19 x 4 you will increase wot rpm another 150 which is allready higher than it should be dont want to over rev. there is a recomended wot rpm range for a reason to ensure motor life. a 21x4 will decrease wot rpms by like 150. better hole shots, fuel ecconomy, acceleration, prob. pick up top end. the best thing about 4's is they can be on a plane at lower speeds than a 3. and at same rpm a 4 will go faster than at mid range throttle which results in better gas milage. good luck
 
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