Prop question

[toddbrown]

I own a 1998 Bayliner with the 4.L merc. The boa it just over 18ft and I primarily do water sports. Currently, I am using a 4 bladed composite prop called Propulse. It is a really nice prop and it is adjustable. What is the best pitch to use for water sports with this engine and about 4 average sized people in the boat?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop question

Welcome!!<br /><br />Since that prop is adjustable I would try different settings and see which one works out the best. We assume its an I/O engine (4.3 maybe?) so you do have to be careful about too much rpm.

 

[toddbrown]

Re: Prop question

Really!? My tach jumps all over the place so it is not accurate at all. At WOT I hit about 40mph. I have the pitch set at about 21. Almost all the way up.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop question

Depending on what gear ratio is in the drive that would seem about right. If you wanted to pull tubes or big loads and such you could do it easier with a 19. And then the 21 would work for cruising. Naturally the tach needs to be accurate.

 

[toddbrown]

Re: Prop question

How can one fix this tach issue? I heard that the tach runs off the alt. is that true? Can this be fixed fairly easily? Thanks!!