Recommended prop for OMC 3.0L Model 400 sterndrive?

[rawzville]

I'm replacing a spun Michigan Wheel model #011002 aluminum 13 3/4" dia. x 15" pitch prop. I really need advice on what diameter and pitch as well as brand of prop you all recommend. I always have at least 3 adults on the boat and max at 6 adults and 2 kids.

Problem: I want to maximize top speed and get on plane faster, the bow rise with just 3 people is too high. We do a little water sports but top speed is desired more than hole shots.

Specs.: wide open throttle RPM is 4,600 and speed with an average load is about 27 mph. yr./1985 OMC sterndrive model 400, 140 hp

Boat make: Sea Sprite, Continental III, 1985, 19 1/2' length and roughly 2,000lb weight

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Recommended prop for OMC 3.0L Model 400 sterndrive?

Id take the upgrades in the following order....Tabs will give you the best results, you wont be dissapointed


http://www.iboats.com/SX-Smart-Tabs...0097013--**********.117552011--view_id.352487


http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/OM...itch_RUBEX_3_9411-135-15_Propeller/478/20313/?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Recommended prop for OMC 3.0L Model 400 sterndrive?

I think you may have a motor issue.I think the 15 should jump on plane and overev at wot.
I feel your speed should approach at least 40 with a 19" pitch
and still a decent hole shot.While you might need a 15 for water sports with 6 aboard Hole shot should be pretty good.Weight placement is important 2 or 3 in the stern will further slow hole shot. Check that the throttle opens all the way that the motor is tuned right and the timing advances as it should.Check the compression and note the location and condition of the plugs.

 

[rawzville]

Re: Recommended prop for OMC 3.0L Model 400 sterndrive?

Thanks for the quick advice guys. No doubt the engine could use some tuning, I've replaced the plugs, but compression and timing are next.

Also, West Marine salesman showed me the Pro-Pulse composite prop on my visit. Seems riskier than aluminum, but I like the opportunity to play with the pitch to optimize top end speed.

Thoughts or experience with composites?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Recommended prop for OMC 3.0L Model 400 sterndrive?

I like the concept but::
My limited experience is that they do have occasional spontaneous failure.
Most likely if you contact something you will have total failure of at least one blade requiring replacement before normal operation.With aluminum,depending on the contact you may have minor dings or chips to a severe chips or dings.Most times an aluminum prop can be repaired by a shop.
Many times the prop will operate normally to return to shore until you can have it repaired.Many folks carry a spare especially in areas of likely contact.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Recommended prop for OMC 3.0L Model 400 sterndrive?

If you boat in a high risk impact prone waters yes they (composites) have some benefit. Other than that tune the engine and proceed from there.

 

[rawzville]

Re: Recommended prop for OMC 3.0L Model 400 sterndrive?

Update: I've used the 4 black ProPulse prop at 16 pitch and it jumped on plane with 4 adults and 2 kids at nearly half the time as the 15 pitch 3 blade Michigan Wheel with half that load.... and NO ONE had to move from stern to bow to assist getting on plane. However, the pitch is too low, as the boat was over-revving so I'll take it up to 18 pitch next time out. I really like the ability to change the pitch from 15 to 21 without changing props.

 

[rich1295]

Re: Recommended prop for OMC 3.0L Model 400 sterndrive?

Can't recommend the ProPulse.. I'm in for major repairs on my boat because my ProPulse spontaneously failed (lost all its fins) and the motor over revved. This happened before, but there was no damage and I returned the prop - West Marine gave me a new one. I stupidly put it on the boat and wasn't so lucky the second time it happened since the over rev caused major damage. I did like the ability to change the pitch, but on a larger boat there's just too much stress on the prop.