Prop on 200 Johnson, seems odd.

[kendunn]

I bought a 21 Stratos F&S 290 with a 200 Johnson, all 1990. It has a 4 blade, 13x25 cupped stainless shooter and from what I can tell its about an inch smaller in diameter than what is called for. I have a 14.5x19 from an older boat that is what is called for according to a sheet I saw and may try it. What is the advantage, if any, of going with a smaller diameter prop? I am new to the boat, it comes up quick, has a stabilizer fin, runs out to around 5.5k, spedo is broken, but I think the owner told me mid 40's was top, it seems a little slow for that large of motor to me. We do a little skiing, tubing, and just ride around in the sunshine. Whats the difference in these props?

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Prop on 200 Johnson, seems odd.

Don't worry so much about diameter, pitch is what's important. Dropping from a 25 to a 19 pitch is huge and will make it run significantly higher RPM's, probably too many. Sounds to me like you probably have it set up pretty well already.

 

[usskydvr]

Re: Prop on 200 Johnson, seems odd.

I agree. In general higher pitch props have smaller diameters and lower pitch props have larger diameters, but pitch is what to focus on. The prop mfg will determine the correct dia for different design characteristics. the 25 is a speed prop and the 19 is a power prop. The 19 will be great when pulling a skier (compared to the 25), but you will have to watch your tach with it so you don't over rev the engine.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Prop on 200 Johnson, seems odd.

Can't help too much with the prop, but I will say I'm surprised at the top speed. I have a 21' Procraft F&S, with 200 Merc and it will do 62 GPS on good water. I'm not sure of the dia, but it is a 23 pitch prop. Sorry I can't help with your original question - just another data point for you.

 

[kendunn]

Re: Prop on 200 Johnson, seems odd.

Can't help too much with the prop, but I will say I'm surprised at the top speed. I have a 21' Procraft F&S, with 200 Merc and it will do 62 GPS on good water. I'm not sure of the dia, but it is a 23 pitch prop. Sorry I can't help with your original question - just another data point for you.

Thanks for the replies. I thought that mid 40's was off, but I am getting all the RPM's I can, so the only thing that can get me more speed is prop. I will take my GPS out and get a correct speed reading before I do anything. That smaller prop with such a huge pitch on a big motor like that had me scratching my head.