Newbie with new used boat.

[Retski]

Hi. I'm sorry I know you've probably heard a million questions just like mine, but please help. I need a new prop for a boat I just purchased, it's in bad shape, about 6 in of skeg is gone. I have a 1986 Sea Sprite Continental 19ft runabout. With a mercruiser 170 alpha one. I cannot find any information on it of course for proper replacements. I do have the #off the prop on there,#48 78120 a40 19p but i'm not sure that it is the right size. I took the boat out for a test run yesterday but only hit 35mph at best. That cant be right for this boat, is it? Also can somebody explain to me the function of the skeg other than to protect the prop? Thank you.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Newbie with new used boat.

Ayuh,... What were the RPMs at 35mph,..??

While the Skeg does function somewhat as a Rudder,...
It's main purpose is prop protection....

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Newbie with new used boat.

Retski, I can't find your boat, I find a 1986 195 Bow Rider with a 120 HP stern drive but none with a 170. The base weight on this boat is 2,100 pounds and with 2 adults and 2 kids, 30 gallons of fuel and ice and extras about 3,000 pounds. I can not find the gear ratio for the alpha one so I can't give you any numbers for the prop and speed. Check the boat plate for weights and horsepower ratings and see if you can get me the gear ratio for the outdrive and get back with me. And make sure that motor is a 170 horsepower and not a 120 HP. I also need to know what the factory Wide Open Throttle RPM should be. If I have that information I can help you.

H

 

[boat1010]

Re: Newbie with new used boat.

When I busted off quite a bit of my skeg on my boat it really slowed it down. It seemed to cavitate a lot on hard throttle. I bought the stainless steel skeg from Overtons and screwed it on and the problem went away.So not sure what all the skeg does, I know it is the rudder. But it sure made a difference with my boat. I have a 24ft Arriva 454 with 300HP, and have a 23p SS prop in it. The skeg I bought not only fixed my problem it looks pretty good to. Have a great on.