Need help please!!!

[mmonkey]

Ok so i messed up my prop and had to get a new one. Who knew there would be so many choices of brands and pitches. I had a Solas 4 blade 14.25x19 and wanted another 4 blade i knew that, so i decided on a hustler 4 blade 14.5x17. I went with the 17" pitch because from what i read about them the 17" Hustler would be like a 19" standard prop as far as R.P.M's and MPH.Well it wasn't, the whole shot was much improved over the Solas even the wife noticed it. But the top speed went from 46-47 MPH to 38 MPH (ouch)at 4800 RPM's. Not what i was looking for at all so now i'm wondering if i went with a 19" if that would bring my MPH up or even jumping up to a 21" but not so much to over rev. Please all opions welcome thanks in advance.

2007 Stingray 180 RX,3.0 GL SX Drive 135 HP , MAX RPM 4600-4800 and 46-47 MPH on SOLAS 4 blade aluminum.
If i forgot something let me know i would like to get another one ordered ASAP.

 

[cptnmcluvin]

Re: Need help please!!!

Is there a reason you don't want another Solas 4 blade 14.25X19?

I'm shopping for a 4 blade prop myself and would like to know more.

If the other prop was good, why not stick with it?

 

[mmonkey]

Re: Need help please!!!

It was a dog on the holeshot and wanted to try something different and now since i have the hub kit the prop itself is pretty darn cheap.I'm just not sure if only going to a 19" would bring my top speed up enough. I was really shocked at the MPH loss.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Need help please!!!

First of all the typical speed for a 18' 3.0 setup is about 40. So your speedo is likely not accurate. speed by gps is better.
Some cells have a gps app.
Prop selection can be difficult to predict even when going same pitch to same pitch.
You changed brand, style and pitch (sometimes you have to to get different results)but it can complicate results.
Need details on your hole shot. Is it measured in seconds or minutes?
Its my opinion that a 19" 4 blade should provide decent hole shot unless you have a big load of people and gear.
In my limited experience here there are those who feel the Hustler isn't a good match for the 3.0 setup.
If you increase your pitch it will slow hole shot and lower rpm. Though I do believe you need to try to get the rpm closer to 4600.
Do you trim down for hole shot? Are you sure it is trimming down all the way.
Is the motor in excellent tune,throttle opening all they way?
The Solas 4 blade is a prop that has been predictable and provides good performance.
A 4 blade usually provides good hole shot,stays on plane better ay reduced throttle,resists venting
and handles better around the dock.
It will usually provide less top speed.
It may be cost effective to get your prop repaired and get us some base numbers with a gps.
For effective results we need speeds and rpm as accurate as you can tell.