Prop advice needed

[cadrien]

I need a new prop for my 1995 Sea Ray 195, 4.3L with Alpha 1. Stock prop is a 14x19 and seemed to treat me finr for my first season. the hub spun last week while I was out on the original prop. I didn't hit anything, guess it was just time after 15 years of use. I will get the original re-hubbed(is that a word?) and will use it as a back-up.

I could just buy another 14x19 but am thinking I take this opportunity to buy something that will help me get skiers out of the hole easier. Am I correct in thinking if I move to a 14x17 that I will lose some top end but get better bottom? I would like to keep it relatively inexpensive so do not wish to move to a SS prop.

Any recommendations? Are my assumptions above correct?

TIA

 

[Ohioriver]

Re: Prop advice needed

Yes a 17 pitch will give you more pull out of the hole, just watch your rpms on top end so you don't over rev the motor. You will loose some top end speed.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Prop advice needed

Before throwing money on a prop do a complete tuneup - the whole nine yards. If nothing else you've got a purring motor. Sometimes that does make the difference in the power curve.

Now, since boats don't have transmissions like vehicles do they are completely dependant on the correct pitch of the prop to maintain their rated RPM's. Too much prop and she's lugging - not enough and you'll be picking motor parts out of the bilge. When you take your old one to get re-hubbed (yea, that's the word ) ask the guys there for their opinion. They are the pro's. They might even have some props that they will let you borrow with different pitches to try.
Then again, if you're trying to pull a couple of 200 lb. guys out of the water you're gonna' have issues with that 4.3.

 

[cadrien]

Re: Prop advice needed

Thanks for the replies. The 4.3 was tuned up mid season and is a strong runner. With the stock 14x19 it ran well in the spec rpm range and was plenty fast. I would be happy with another 14x19 but figured I could add another prop to the arsenal and have options.

is there anything special I need to know about swapping a prop? never done it before and am relatively new to boat ownership.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Prop advice needed

I have 3 props for my 16 footer.
A 17p for pulling and a 19p for getting there in a hurry. The 3rd is ??? just for getting home in a pinch.
I use both the 17 and 19 often and really like having the choice.
As long as the tune is good a 17 will be fine, as stated before jsut watch the RPMS when making the run in at the end of the day.
Also as stated, ask the prop shop what they think. They usually have a good idea or two.

 

[Ohioriver]

Re: Prop advice needed

I always use a 2x4 between a prop blade and the bottom plate to loosen the prop nut, make sure you do this when putting the new prop on so you get the prop nut tight enough, If the prop nut is not good and tight it can cause you to spin your hub again.

 

[kenneth80]

Re: Prop advice needed

Sorry i stole your title