need prop recomendation

[othelloears]

Looking for prop recomendation for 1984 wellcraft elite 200 bowrider w rebuilt mercruiser 260 (280 hp) alpha 1.5 drive. Right now running mirage plus stainless 15 x 17 and getting 28 mph @3000 and 4800 wot at 42. Boat is listed at 2900 lbs. I

I am going 21 pitch but my main question is brand and model whit h is good for heavy sterndrives. My second question is whether to go oversized or even 4 prop. My primary goal is cruising efficiency@ 3000 rpms

 

[SkiDad]

Re: need prop recomendation

seems to me the prop you have now is about right for cruising - why do you want to go to 21 - i bet that will cost you a lot more in gas b/c of lugging.

 

[othelloears]

Re: need prop recomendation

I have the older 5.7 which is wot range of 4200~4600 plus its an oversized prop so I am over to begin with but my biggest issue is my slip % sucks. I need to lower my slip!

 

[steelespike]

Re: need prop recomendation

Based on your present numbers your slip is about 18% outside of ideal but not awful.
If you increase to 21" you will lose 600 to 800 rpm further aggravating your slip and lugging your motor.
Is your speed by gps?If your speed is gps then you need to verify the tach.