need a prop change for dixie runabout

[mwe-maxxowner]

I own a 19 foot Dixie hustler 188 with a 4.3 v6. The boat has a wake tower and is primarily for wake boarding and knee boarding.

My prop is a quicksilver 1918p21. I only get about 3600-3800 rpms with this prop and hit about 42 MPH with 2 180 pound guys on board.

My larger concern is when I had the same two guys plus 2 girlfriends on board. When wake boarding it jerked us up out of the water just fine, but then took the boat forever to plane out and pick up speed. It is tough getting her over 40 MPH even with just us two guys on board.

I think I want to go with a stainless 19p prop, but I don't know anything about the other properties of the prop that I should choose.

1) diameter?

2) rake?

3) 4 blades?

I know other factors can affect planing and speed as well. I think my Carb could use a cleaning. At wot the rpms fluctuate a little. It sorta 'surges' like maybe the Carb is trying to give me more. I don't believe the thing is waterlogged. Floor is in good shape.

 

[jestor68]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

I own a 19 foot Dixie hustler 188 with a 4.3 v6. The boat has a wake tower and is primarily for wake boarding and knee boarding.

My prop is a quicksilver 1918p21. I only get about 3600-3800 rpms.

I sounds like you need a water sports prop(4 blade) of appropriate pitch.

Since you are well below your recommended WOT rpm of 4400-4600 rpm, you'll need to drop 2 pitch sizes to a 17 pitch.

Solas makes a good Rubex 4 aluminum prop for your stern drive. It's a 14.5 X 17 pitch 4 blade.

Whether you want to spend nearly triple the $ for the SS version is up to you. The difference in performance isn't worth it in my view.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

Thanks! Then I will forget stainless. Should I be able to get at least 40 mph with that prop?

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

That prop is only 130$! I was expecting to spend more like 400. Thanks very much.

I'm about to sound ignorant, but better to ask than tear something up, how do I remove the prop?

 

[CHARGER2]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

1) Remove prop nut.
2) Remove prop....

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

Haha ok. Is it standard thread rotation and there are no cotter pins or anything? Ther is nothing wrong with just putting the motor in gear to hold the shaft still?

 

[CHARGER2]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

There will be some bendable retaining device... never seen a cotter pin tho. Tune the boat before re-propping. Rebuild the carb. Get the engine running right and then check your WOT RPM. Last thing you want is to buy a prop that puts you in the right range, then tune it only to have the new prop spin to 6k RPM. What year and make is the engine. Most 4.3 will be 4400-4800...

 

[Bondo]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

Haha ok. Is it standard thread rotation and there are no cotter pins or anything? Ther is nothing wrong with just putting the motor in gear to hold the shaft still?

Ayuh,.... Sure,... Go ahead, then bend the tabs back on the locking washer, 'n use yer 1, 1/16" wrench to remove the nut...

Righty tighty, lefty loosie...

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

Year and make is a 1987 mercruiser 4.3.

 

[jestor68]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

Just google "changing boat propeller" and see some u-tube how to videos.

A couple dealing with Mercruiser props.

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: need a prop change for dixie runabout

Thanks fellas. 'Preciate it immensely!