Neophyte prop question

[Nellyfella]

I recently purchased a 1991 SportCraft 1900 Cuddy cabin with a Volvo Penta 230A (max RPM 5000, recommended WOT 4200 RPM) that has a Michigan Wheel 14" 3 blade 19 degree prop. The manual stated that the SP outdrive can handle up top 16" but I think 15" is really the max given the clearences I see. I have run the boats for a couple of weeks and find that the max speed at WOT is about 34mph and the cruising is about 25 mph. The hole shot is a whimper and my interest is more in tubing and skiing with the kids than top speed. So now the question: Is this the right prop for me or should I be looking at upgrading to a 4 blade? and/or changing pitch? Thanks.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Neophyte prop question

Are you saying your max rpm at 34 is 5000?If so I would suspect your tach is not accurate though I don't know your gear ratio.Prop pitch is given in inches.
19", the distance forward in one revelotion, disregarding slip.
Is 230A hp or model?Do you know the hp? I'm guessing it is about 130 hp 4 cylinder.

 

[Nellyfella]

Re: Neophyte prop question

The 230A is a model that should produce 120hp. The manual states a top of 5000 rpm but recommends no more than 4200 and that is the RPM range I see when hitting the 34 mph.