Prop help please!!

[SeaEsta-12]

I recently bought a used boat, and have not been happy with the results at WOT.
I know that I have a prop problem and need help determining what to go back to. The previous owner put on aftermarket props.
Here are the specs on my boat. I really hope someone on here is a prop expert more than me! haha

Boat: 2001 Chris Craft Constellation 26'
Weight: 6200 dry
Engine: 5.7L GXi-A with a DPS-M 1.95 (rated at 5200 RPM)
Current props: Quicksilver 20P
Boating elevation: Sea Level

I would like to go back to the original F series prop, but I cant find any info as to what was spec'd for that set up.

Any help???
Thanks!

 

[Maclin]

You may need to contact Quicksilver to see how their 20p related to the Volvo F-series numbers. Didn't know about Quicksilver offerings for the Volvo DuoProp drives.

What are you current WOT RPM and Speed with what you have?

If you are seeking advice with no performance numbers, then just a guess, with that big of a boat and single engine, that an F4 or F5 set is close to what you want. An F4 is somewhere around 18-19 and a F5 set is somewhere around 19-21. The Volvo props behave somewhat as variable pitch as a set, and as far as I know Volvo did not use the Pitch inches as a measuring method in their Prop Guide, see link below.

Solas offers those props also, and I think when you look them up on their site they have some Pitch in inches type of specification.



Link to post with the Volvo Prop guide...:
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gener...33#post5531833

 

[Senior B]

My Boat is a FourWinns 248 and weighs very close to yours when loaded out. I have the same engine/ drive setup and the same 1.95 gear ratio. My prop set is a Volvo F3 which is very close to a 19P. I can reach full RPM of 5200 when properly trimmed on good water and average load and 5000 RPM with a boat Full. I'm happy with the all around performance such as hole shot, time to get on plain and cruise speed per rpm as well. For your boat being a little heavier and a couple feet longer than mine, I wouldn't recommend an F4 and definitely not an F5. Your cruise performance would be ok with the F4 but your hole shot would suffer and your boat would struggle to get on plain with a boat load of folks and beer. In summary, Senior B recommends the F3 for your application. Just my .02 cents.

 

[SeaEsta-12]

Thank you all for your input! I agree with all of it.
I finally heard back from someone in the engineering dept at Christ Craft, and they sent the spec sheet for my model boat and year.
Based on the information, the boat was designed and shipped with the F4 stainless steel prop as an upgrade. I looked all over the internet, and couldn't find a new, or fairly new set for less than $900.
Last night, I decided to take one last look at Craigslist, and found a "hardly used" SS set for $600, and offered $500 to pick them up this morning, and he accepted.
I will put them on and try them out in a couple weeks. If the engineers at CC are good at what they do, then I should be reaching my RPMs easily! haha
Stay tuned........

 

[Maclin]

Sounds good