Prop size recommendations?

[jmf1125]

I have a 2003 Bayliner 187 with a ski tower I use to mainly pull my son on a Slalom Ski and Wakeboard. Jr grew up to be 6' 5" 240 lb defensive end, and until now I had no trouble pulling him up on a single ski or wakeboard. But, here is the boat:

Bayliner 187 Alpha I Outdrive on a 3.0 Ltr Mercruiser.
Prop size 14.5 X 18 4 Blade

I need to get Jr. out of the hole on that Slalom ski. What do you recommend?

I also have a 14.25 X 21, that I have never had on the boat, but I think that pitch is too high.

Recommendations please.

John

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Prop size recommendations?

Some times the 130 is just not enough to do what you want while staying in the recomended RPM range. Sound like both props are too big but would need all the numbers to recomend a size.
If your not turning to the recomended maxium RPM now you simply find a shop that will work with you and decrease the pitch and maybe drop to a 3 blade. Just remember a 10% decrease in pitch is a 10% increase in RPM. If you change to a 3 blade you will pick up a bit of RPM but lose a little hole shot. Really need to know top RPM and what merc asks for. Just because you can turn 5500 does not mean you ever do.

 

[jmf1125]

Re: Prop size recommendations?

Lyle,

Thanks for your reply. This little boat will turn just over 5000 RPM, but from about 4800 on, there is little impacr on the boat. The previous owner had told me that he went to the four blade to get more out of the hole. On prior boats, I would recall refucing the pitch, ioe if I had several guys on nboard and we were skiing, I would switch to my 15 in wheel. If I was looking just for top end, I would switch to my 19 " pitch. And I eben had a 17 for just going to the beach with 2 or 3 people on board. Therefore I wish the 3 blade I had was a lower pitch than a 21 but it is what it is. I guess I'll give it a try. I think I need to go down in pitch, say a 3 blade, 14.5 X 17 or 19. The result should be more RPM out of the whole.