Question

[nrechtman]

I originally posted this question and now have some additional info


I have a 1999 Searay 180BR, it has a 3.0 liter 125 HP Mercruiser engine with an Alpha One Sterndrive, the stock prop is a 14.25x21 Aluminum Black Max 3 blade prop, top rpm is 4800, what prop would you recommend I change to to help getting skiers up and out of the water, the current prop isn't cutting it.


Here is the info off the Searay engine/drive/prop matrix

1999 180BR
3.0L Merc (135 PHP)
Alpha
2.00:1
14.25 x 21 AL Black Max
944868
4800


I have run the boat and the WOT is between 4100-4200 rpm, and the prop is a 23 pitch, not sure of the diameter, the different prop finders are recommending a 14x21 4 blade Solas Amita E series AL, or a Hustler 14x21 AL some have even recommended 19 pitch

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Question

Get a 14 x 20p Michigan Wheel 4-blade Vortex aluminum prop. Part # 992204. You will gain the holeshot and tube pulling power you need, only lose a couple hundred RPM at WOT and a couple mph. But you will have better overall midrange torque and ability to pull watertoys.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Question

Obviously I have a different motor/drive. But, I went from a 3 blade 21" to a 4 blade 19" Solas and my hole shot and general usability greatly improved. My RPM is still 44-4600. I did however lose 2-3 MPH. I would drop 2" to get those skiers up.

 

[QC]

Re: Question

I'd go 4 blade 18 if you are looking to get skiers up. No way that boat pulls even a 21 with a load. Despite the listing at SeaRay, there is no such thing as a stock prop. They have that for sales info, but you can tell by your 23 inch info that even a 21 is too tall. 200 RPM per inch is typical rule of thumb, so the 21 would barely get you within spec, and since you are looking for hole shot, a 19 three blade, or 18 4 blade might get you to 4800, and a decent pull out of the hole. Challenge is that you need data to prove it, and the only way to get that data with your boat is to try it

Edit: 4 blade 19 might be perfect, but most 4 blades are even inch pitch.

 

[nrechtman]

More recommendations

More recommendations

I just got this email back from Turning point with a custom recommendation taking in all the parameters of my boat, engine, stern drive and WOT and if I go aluminum, going to a 17 pitch


SUPPORT REVIEW and RECOMMENDATION:

We feel that there is a better propeller for your application that was not displayed within Prop Wizard Recommendation #154039. Please see below for your new recommendation.

Top Speed / Performance Diameter X Pitch - Rotation
3 BLADE ALUMINUM 14.25 X 19 - RH
4 BLADE ALUMINUM 14 X 19 - RH
3 BLADE STAINLESS STEEL 14.25 X 19 - RH
4 BLADE STAINLESS STEEL 14 X 19 - RH
Water Sports / Heavy Load Diameter X Pitch - Rotation
3 BLADE ALUMINUM 14.25 X 17 - RH
4 BLADE ALUMINUM 14 X 17 - RH
3 BLADE STAINLESS STEEL 14.25 X 17 - RH
4 BLADE STAINLESS STEEL 14.25 X 19 - RH


Best regards,

Support Team
Turning Point Propellers, Inc.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Question

:facepalm: Good luck with that..... hope it works.

 

[nrechtman]

Re: Now I'm definitely confused

Re: Now I'm definitely confused

:facepalm: Good luck with that..... hope it works.

That's the problem, I don't know which way to go, I was hoping for one clear definitive answer. I guess I should just go buy a reconditioned 4 blade 21 pitch prop and see how that works. Or I can call Mercury and speak to them.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Now I'm definitely confused

Re: Now I'm definitely confused

That's the problem, I don't know which way to go, I was hoping for one clear definitive answer. I guess I should just go buy a reconditioned 4 blade 21 pitch prop and see how that works. Or I can call Mercury and speak to them.

Did you read the recommendations given?? Your 3.0 will not turn a 4 blade 21" prop. You have to DROP pitch when going with a 4blade. Notice how Turning Point and the users here have pretty much recommended the same props.

Good luck.

 

[QC]

Re: Question

If your tach is right, you need to go down to 19 at least. And there will be a huge hole shot improvement over your 23.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Question

I'm surprised you suggest a 21" 4 blade when the Turning point posting doesn't mention 21 at all.
Go with a 19" 4 blade very likely will be a 14" prop don't sweat it.You will think you added a supercharger.
Solas props are proven performers.

 

[nrechtman]

Re: Question

One of the first recommendations I received was for a 14x21 4 blade, from a local prop shop near me that carries reconditioned props and he has selling it for around $70 ,

 

[steelespike]

Re: Question

I think that suggestion was premature.Also as time goes by I wonder about some reconditioned props as a primary prop.