99 330 Dancer Prop Selection

[dpmulvey]

I am in the process of dialing in the props on my new to me 99 330 Dancer w/ 2007 6.2 Horizons.

Can anybody steer me in the right direction for the proper props for this setup?

I am looking for a smooth (less vibration) ride so I know I have to go to 4 or 5 blades.

What I do not know is the max diameter I can run in the prop pockets w/o decrementing performance, nor do I know the correct pitch. The current props IIRC are bronze 3 blades 16X16. I need to get a direct read tach for the current max RPM. The dash shows 4800. I have seen many 20" diameter both here in the classifieds and on line that may do the job. No sense in even researching them if 20" is too large.

Max engine RPM (per Mercruiser) is 5200, BUT, the transmission max's out at 5000. I would like to get a 5000-5100 max RPM from the props. Yes I know it is pushing the envelope, however in 30+ year of boat ownership, I can count on both hands the number of times I have ever spent any time more than 60 seconds at WOT.

Any and all input welcome

TIA

DPM

 

[fwebster]

This is one you will likely have to handle with a professional at a good prop shop since your boat has non-standard engines and has an engine package most folks won't spend the money to do.

However, you should be able to get in the ball park.........your boat came with 3-blade 16 X 16 wheels. The same boat with 7.4L engines shipped with 3 bladed 17 X17's. These boats handle a lot better at low speeds, are smoother, plane quicker but are not appreciably faster with 4 bladed props, so that is a change you should make. I'd would think you will end up with a maximum diameter of 17" and then whatever pitch and cup you need to run up to maximum rated rpms. 5 bladed props are usually custom made and are pretty expensive and while I'm not a prop guy, I'd question if they would improve performance over 4 blade props on a gas pleasure boat. They do pay off behind big torque diesels on something like sportfishermen where low slippage to maximize speeds is important. 4 bladed props will improve your prop efficiency a lot and should make a lot of difference around the dock.

Hope those thoughts help...........

 

[mrsrobinson]

We put the 3 bladed ones back on ours while we are waiting for the 4 bladed ones to come in. I noticed an immediate difference docking with the 3 bladed ones. She did not move as quick and felt sluggish around the dock.

 

[dpmulvey]

We put the 3 bladed ones back on ours while we are waiting for the 4 bladed ones to come in. I noticed an immediate difference docking with the 3 bladed ones. She did not move as quick and felt sluggish around the dock.

Greg,

What size are your 4 blades coming in? Material? Any cup?

 

[mrsrobinson]

Nibral 17 X 16 cupped

 

[daim64]

Nibral 17 X 16 cupped

What do you have for top speed and cruising speed?
/Daim64

 

[mrsrobinson]

We only got to use the re-conditioned 4 bladed 17 X 16 cupped props for a little bit before a log hit our boat...damn rebel log. She hit 4200+ with ease. I did not have the GPS on so I do not know the speed.

We hope to have the new 4 bladed ones on in a week or so. They are in, just having a challenge getting the shop to haul the boat and get them on. I will report back then with some better #'s.

 

[daim64]

I`m looking forward to your report.
Dymex props can i get it today? Or have they closed their business?