1991 280 sundancer props?

[Skater2427]

I just purchased a 1991 28 with 5.0 mercruisers with alpha drives the boat currently has a set of four blade props on it (not sure of pitch, or make) I was just wondering what props everyone else have been running? These seem to be very sluggish out of the hole, and feel like they slip excessevly in the mid range, they do turn to about 4600 rpm. Thanks

 

[burtsi]

According to Sea Ray prop chart the original props were three blade 14x19.

 

[Skater2427]

Thanks for the response... Just looked the current props are aluminum 4 blades 15x16's.... Any other suggestions?

 

[Don_connerton]

Skater,
I have the same boat 91 280 DA but I have the the twin 5.7's I have the factory stainless 19P X 14D props and hate them they are great for all out speed I get about 50mph at 4600-4700 but can't get it out of the hole to save itself especially with a heavey load on the boat I am currently investigating the solas Amita 4 blade props with a 19P X 14.24D I ahve been told this will get me moving much quicker from a dead stop due to the 4 blade pushing a lot more water but will have to sacrafice about 2-3mph at my top end so I figure it's well worth it .
Also you don't have prop slip you just don't have enough pitch on your props you should have at least 17P if not more on a boat like this especially with twin V8's.
I would venture to say the mercury alpha four
with the 18P X 14.5D would be best setup for the 5.0L's
you have on your boat also remeber if you want to go fast you need to adjust your drive trim I see an average of 3-4mph at cruise just by adjusting my drive trim.

 

[Skater2427]

Thanks alot Don I was waiting for someone with the similar boat to respond. You answered alot of my questions, I'd like to stay qith the four blades I think I'll give the 14.5x18's a shot thanks again

 

[Don_connerton]

Hey no problem glad I could help out a fellow 91' sundancer owner.

 

[Italian Kiss]

Don, you did so well the other boat I was hoping you could help me as well.
I have a 1991 280 sundancer with twin 4.3's
The props are stock SS 14x19, as you said.

The boat is new to me and I find it terrible trying to get it to plane. I have no problem buyingnew props but I I dont want to do it more than once.
Any recommendations? By anyone?
BT

Hey no problem glad I could help out a fellow 91' sundancer owner.

 

[Don_connerton]

Italian KissIn my opinion he best props for a 280da with 4.3's would have to be at 16p preferable 3 blade due to the lack of power to weight ratio for your particular setup see you need the slip provided in the 3 blade to get your engines rpm's up and boat on plane. I think quick silver makes a 16d x 16p and I have been on single screw 268 sundancer with a single 350 with the 3blade 16d X 16p and the boat moved out nicely and ran 25-27 @ 3200

 

[jack kos]

I have the 1990 280 and use 15x16 four blades and am very satisfied. Pulls out of the hole well and tops out at 35.6 mph at 4400 at end of season. Probably will run just a little better in spring with clean bottom and fresh props.:smt038

 

[srdancer90]

I owned a 1990 280 with 5.7's, the props that I used were 15X17 3 blade,the boat hit correct RPM and jumped out right a way. To go to four blades use 15X16 ss props. They will work great.
2004 320 DA
T350 MAG MIE

 

[Alegria]

I have the 1990 280 and use 15x16 four blades and am very satisfied. Pulls out of the hole well and tops out at 35.6 mph at 4400 at end of season. Probably will run just a little better in spring with clean bottom and fresh props.:smt038

...

I would have to agree. Our old boat was a 90 280 with 4 blade SS props. Never had issues out of hole with her. 5.0L Alpha 1's..

Shoot you may have my old boat there. If she has red accents, no radar arch, and a mermaid AC unit.... It may just be the same one!!!