Novice Help

[B69CA]

Hello Folks,

Please excuse the post from a novice here - first time posting and I am probably not aware of all of the lingo. I'm hoping that someone can offer some advice...

I have a 2006 Regal Bowrider 1900 with a 4.3L Volvo Penta GXi engine. I relocated from FL to UT this year and just had the boat shipped up. In FL on the ocean and intracoastal waters I would typically see around 30mph+ with RPM's around 4000 - 4500. If I am not mistaken, my WOT rpm is 4400???

I took the boat out onto lake Utah over the weekend and granted, I was heavy with 4 adults and 4 kids but I couldn't get above 10mph and around 3200 rpm. The elevation of lake Utah is around 4500 ft.

I've seen various posts about changing propellers, pitch ratios etc and in fairness i'm a little lost. I am handy enough that I can find my way around an engine, for example I change the starter motor, serviced the boat, changed all filters and the impeller etc when the boat was in Florida without issue.

I'm looking for some thoughts, input, suggests, experience, advice.

Thanks in advance,
Jon

 

[ThomW]

What is the pitch of the prop on it now?

 

[B69CA]

I knew as soon as a posted that someone would ask something I didn't know the answer to

I will check this as soon as I get home and come back and respond. I didn't bring this information with me so when I get home from work later I will update this thread with my pitch.

Thanks for your response.

 

[B69CA]

The numbers on the propeller read 14.3 x 21 so I assume I have 21" of pitch?

 

[Sea Rider]

To prop it right at elevation will need to know how loaded will you like go boating with. it's not same with say 2 up than with 8 up, the more loaded combo has the less wot rpm expect to achieve. A engine can lose as much as 15% every 1K meters at that altitude. For best engine performance usuall must go for a carb rejet for that particular altitude along a much less pitch prop to pull wot revs to at least middle wot rpm range.

Personally don't like boating with a combo full of passengers as will need a less pitch prop to be around middle wot rpm, now imagine when lightly loaded, changing a prop for light or heavy loads doesn't worl for me.

Meantime, don't go boating heavy loaded as engine is running at the worse possible lugging side of its wot rpm range..

Happy Boating