Sea Ray 185 3.0L

[Jiminthekeys]

I have a 2007 Sea Ray 185 Sport with a 3.0 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 2 2.0.0ratio drive. My current prop is a 3 blade black max 14.5X19 stock prop. I currently hit my RPM WOT range of 44-4800. My WOT with normal gear and load is about 4800 trimmed out for best ride and get a top speed of about 38MPH. I am looking at replacing the prop (it's a little dinged) with a 4 blade to improve handling in some rougher ocean water and obtain lower speed planing speed. I don't really want to decrease my max speed any and I don't do water sports anymore. Should I go with a 4 blade with same pitch and diameter or drop down a pitch? Not sure what size to go to...

 

[SkiDad]

if you don't want to loose speed you need to go up in pitch - maybe a 20p would put your close. There is talk that the mercury spitfire would keep your speed up - in that case try a 19p. Just my suggestions, not based on personal experience.

 

[Starcraft5834]

I think merc offers a 4 blade where they claim you wont lose top end... if you dont want to lose any top end look there..

 

[steelespike]

I've seen a couple of independent tests of the Spitfire 4 blade. They were impressive.