What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

[WinnerCobra]

I have a 1987 Four Winns 215 Sundowner with the 800 Cobra 5.0l inboard/outboard. The prop it came with has seen better days and i have no idea what the pitch is. It performed "ok" last summer but i want to replace it with a new one. Im curious what pitch i should get, how many blades. and what do these affect as far as rpms and speed.

Thanks in advance

 

[Maclin]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

There should be a baseline established for the current performance. This means that the MPH achieved at wide open throttle is needed, and also the drive ratio needs to be known. Unfortunately this also requires a known pitch prop in good condition.

I would get that prop re-furbed and they can tell you what the pitch is, then run it and get the baseline performance numbers.

 

[triscadek209]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

I would guess a 17 or 19 for you to start with then go from there. Its always good to have two props, so start with a 17 for good hole shots, tubing, skiing etc. If youre dropping money to get one fixed you might as well just spend a few more dollars and get a new one. Theyre $125 on here for an aluminum Solas.

 

[steelespike]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Numbers should be on the prop.On the barrel or under the prop nut. size is written _ _ X _ _ Diameter X pitch.
Pitch is the key number with diameter a secondary consideration.If the prop is intended for your setup the diameter should be right.
Prop is probably aluminum if stainless it will attract a magnet.Very basically increasing pitch lowers rpm decreasing pitch increases
rpm. Your motor should operate within its wide open throttle(wot) recommended rpm range 4200-4600 rpm.
If you get us your present wot rpm and gps speed we should be able to tell if your setup works.Most cells have a gps app.

 

[triscadek209]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Yep, Im gonna guess it says "14-1/2 x 19" which is pretty standard for our motors..

 

[WinnerCobra]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Looks like its a 15x19, During the summer i couldnt get over 3500 rpms. And just a side question i had to move people to the front of the boat just to get it up on a plane. I have trim tabs but they were pretty much useless in this case. Anything i can do to get up on a plane quicker/easier?

 

[jestor68]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

You might try a Solas 15 X 15 for the most economical solution.

I believe your rpm range is about 4000-4400.

Getting your motor up into it's recommended rpm range will improve over all performance, including acceleration.

 

[MikDee]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

That 15"X19" prop is usually for a heavier boat, like 22-24ft. A Merc Black Max aluminum prop is 14"x !9". Aftermarket props run 13" to 13 3/4" Diameter, which is fine for your size boat. The bigger Diam. 15" prop will slow you down, but be good if you normally carry 6 people on the boat,,,lol

I'd say a 13"x17" prop should be perfect, and put you in just the right WOT rpm range.

Yrs. ago I had a 20ft SeaRay bowrider with a 228hp/305 Mercruiser running that same New Black Max 14"X19" prop. With no bottom paint (slick), plus synthetic motor oil, Thru - hull exhaust, Stainless Steel plug wires, AC MR43T plugs, and richened out idle mixture screws. That would do 50mph at 4600rpm fully trimmed out.

Your boat might be heavier? I know the Four Winns is also a deeper Vee, like a Wellcraft Nova.

 

[jestor68]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

That 15"X19" prop is usually for a heavier boat, like 22-24ft. A Merc Black Max aluminum prop is 14"x !9". Aftermarket props run 13" to 13 3/4" Diameter, which is fine for your size boat. The bigger Diam. 15" prop will slow you down, but be good if you normally carry 6 people on the boat,,,lol

I'd say a 13"x17" prop should be perfect, and put you in just the right WOT rpm range.

Yrs. ago I had a 20ft SeaRay bowrider with a 228hp/305 Mercruiser running that same New Black Max 14"X19" prop. With no bottom paint (slick), plus synthetic motor oil, Thru - hull exhaust, Stainless Steel plug wires, AC MR43T plugs, and richened out idle mixture screws. That would do 50mph at 4600rpm fully trimmed out.

Your boat might be heavier? I know the Four Winns is also a deeper Vee, like a Wellcraft Nova.

Do they make aluminum 13" dia props for the OMC 800 drive?

There are a couple of SS props in that dia range, if he's willing to spend the bucks.

 

[WinnerCobra]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Would putting a hydrofoil on the outdrive increase my speed to planing?

 

[Maclin]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

What speed are you getting at the 3500 rpm? That rpm is too low in my opinion, and not just due to the prop. I think it should be hitting the top rpm range with the 19. How long have you had the boat? Are you sure the drive ratio is correct and not been changed out for one from a big block? Are you sure the engine is in good condition and tuned well? Most 22 foot cuddys with a V8 can turn a 19 or even a 21, just my 2 cents.

 

[steelespike]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Older tachs are suspect we need your lightly loaded wot rpm and GPS speed to have any idea if your tach is accurate and if your setup is working. A suspect a motor or setup issue.

 

[WinnerCobra]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Guess we will have to wait for summer still cleaning and prepping the boat. Honestly we bought the boat from a dealer, havent had a tune up no idea of past maintenance. we only paid 1100 for it. Im a mechanic but not a boat mechanic. Looks similar to the motors i have already worked on other then the whole water cooling aspect.

 

[steelespike]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

As I understand it the I/Os have two pumps one in the leg and one in the motor similar to an automotive set up.
No great mystery. You just need to change the pumps if their age is unknown.And be sure to drain the cooling system for winter.
A compression check can help tell how the motor is.Drain the gear case note the condition of the lube any water present.
Need to determine the condition before spending money.
Check the condition of the floors If they seem spongy there may be hull problems.

 

[WinnerCobra]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

This is the prop im looking at is this a decent prop? Solas RUBEX 3 Aluminum Boat Propeller #9511-145-19 for OMC - Outboard Marine Sterndrive Model 800, Cobra & King Cobra 5.0L 1978 - 1990 Any HP

 

[MikDee]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Wait, A 19Pitch prop!? That maybe too much prop for a 5.0 motor in a 22ft boat! Besides, as I mentioned that Four Winns is a well built, but fairly heavy boat, with a Deep Vee bottom, 2 main factors to consider! One more factor to think about, is that a Ford, Or Chevy motor? Dizzy in the back a Chevy, Dizzy in the front a Ford 302, which has less torque, & power then the Chevy. I still suggest a 17" Prop!

 

[Maclin]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Still need baseline info. Drive ratio. Top speed. RPM at top speed. Actual condition of the prop.

 

[triscadek209]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Yeah I'm thinking a 17" to get your RPMS up. Im showing you to have 165hp and 2280lbs courtesy of NADA. You may consider a 4 blade, better accel but you'll lose a tad on top end. Either way 2300lbs isn't much. You shouldn't have a problem with a 19. It's the 6 people and full tank of fuel and coolers that's killing u I bet. That or a serious tune up. Try a solo run with a 17 and go from there. Try to find a prop shop near you. They'll usually let you experiment with pitches.

 

[WinnerCobra]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

The current prop is a 15x17, not a 15x19. but the blades are so chewed up from the previous owner im sure its affecting performance. So you suggest i stay with a 15x17 or a 14 1/2x 17? And yes generally we have 4-6 people and the tank is usually full 50gallons of fuel. We were topping out at 3500rpms last year waiting for a good weekend to go test it at WOT. Fish finder with GPS is in the mail so i will update this soon with results!

 

[Maclin]

Re: What pitch do i need for my 1987 fourwinns sundowner215

Are you going to re-furb the prop then go out and get baseline performance? The performance numbers when using a roughed-up prop can be close to meaningless, just sayin'