prop help

[waltherbey]

I'm looking for some suggestions...<br />I just got back from a test run with my current prop and I recorded a speed of 50MPH on the GPS. One person 1/2 tank of gas.<br /><br />Sounds good enough right? <br />But that was with no trim adjustments because I was already bouncing off of the rev-limiter at about 5000RPM. I never hit WOT.<br />My current set-up:<br />19' Bayliner<br />4.3 MPI 220HP<br />Alpha 1 1.81 drive ratio<br />Dry Weight = 2750<br />14 X 23 Aluminum prop<br /><br />Average weight during family outings = 3400<br /><br />I use the boat for tubbing, and skiing mostly so I would like to keep a good hole shot. I was thinking about going to a HighFive 24 or 25 pitch. Will this help me get my WOT back in a reasonable range while not losing too much low end grunt?<br /><br />I need a spare prop regardless so I am open to any suggestions...

 

[ufm82]

Re: prop help

I think that is an excellent idea- the 5 is a great skiing/tubing prop and works well on I/O's. It will sacrifice a bit of top speed due to extra drag but it will give you excellent bite and very low vibration. It feels very different from a 3 blade. I'd go with a 25 on that ride and see what happens. If you're hitting the limiter now with the Al 23, I'd go up a step and see what happens- thus the 25. You'll not experience any holeshot disappointments- the 5's bite like crazy. I ran a 25 Hi5 on my 20' Cuddy for a short time and the holeshot was crazy-strong. I even had almost the same top end as my 23 3 blade Laser. Look on Ebay for a good Hi5- they seem to sell cheap there. <br /><br /> Good luck- you'll love the prop. <br /><br />UFM82

 

[waltherbey]

Re: prop help

Great. I'll give it a try. A<br />I did notice that the five blade props seem to have a significantly smaller diameter. Does this matter and should I look for a larger one?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: prop help

I would consider the fact that most boats that are set up right, tend to be over the top of the RPM range by a bit when a light load is present.<br />My question would be: what is the WOT RPM with the normal load???

 

[waltherbey]

Re: prop help

I'll be checking it this weekend with a full boat. I will post again with results.

 

[waltherbey]

Re: prop help

With 5 people plus gear it ran 45 at 4200 rpm. It was really rough so I did not get a chance to run wide open. but with that load it felt about right. Maybe I should stick with a 23 pitch and 5 blades for a regular prop and then use this one as the spare..... comments?