185 Bowrider - Correct Propeller

BillK

BillK

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On my 1999 SeaRay with a 190hp 4.3 and Alpha I drive. I am having a tough time deciding which propeller is right. I've been boating all my life and should know this, but sometimes it's good to hear it from someone else. I've got two propellers that put me at both ends of the WOT RPM range, with very little difference in performance.

14 x 23 Aluminum - RPM 4500, top spead 49mph
14.25 x 21 Aluminum - RPM 4900. top speed 47mph
WOT range for this engine is 4400 - 4800.

With the 21, hole shot is slightly better, but at WOT, rev limited will cut in. The 23 performs pretty well all around, but you can tell the difference pulling up a skier. We usually run the boat lightly loaded, just me and my daughter skiing. Another interesting thing, we boat year around in NC, during the winter when it is colder, the 23 will turn more at WOT, closer to 4600-4700rpm.

Also, from what I can see there is nothing in between these propeller sizes -- these are both Quicksilver propellers that uses the Flow Torqe hub.

There probably is not a right or wrong answer here, I'm more curious as to what others think.
 
Anybody ? The question is would it be better to run at the lower are higher end of the WOT RPM range.
 
Funny, before I even opened the post I was going to suggest start with trying a 14x23P. I'd go with that.

Can you find a 14.25x23P?

My father-in-law's Chaparral 190SSi (18') with a 190HP Alpha has a 14x23 as well. We just changed it this weekend.
 
Thanks Steve, actually I have a 14x23 but that puts it at the low end of the rpm range - 4500 rb2@gr5t WOT, so I am thinking a 14.25x23 would reduce WOT RPM even lower.
 
Split the difference and get a cupped 23". I would not run it with the 21 as over revving would be a problem. The manufacturer reccommends a certain WOT rpm (4400-4800 I think in your case) for a reason.
 
You're right Bill, I made a mistake in what I suggested. I also wanted to bring the RPMs up a bit. Pitch is what will do it. I don't believe I've seen a 14x22P. So you may have to stay with the 23. I agree wit Bob that you don't want to over rev.
 
Cupping adds about 2" to pitch. So, a 23 plus a cup is roughly the same as a 25 pitch...no good. I'd stay with the 14.25X21 and pay attention to your WOT rpm's so you stay at about 4800 when maxed.
 
Wide Open Throttle

21 pitch steel cupped? Do you have access to a prop shop which will let you test run some alternatives?
 
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