Correct props?

[FuzzDaddy]

Happy Labor Day!!!
Things with my boat have been a mess. Previous owner had no clue. I think everything is almost straightened out. I have a quick question. Can someone please let me know if these are the correct pitch props and if they are on the outdrive in the correct order? My boat is a 230 5.7. I just want to check since so many things were wrong.
Thank you very much!

 

[Lazy Daze]

There's a prop matrix on Sea Ray's website in the Owner's section - take a look there to verify pitch.

There's no way to flip-flop the props - the two shafts are a different diameter.

 

[FuzzDaddy]

I was looking earlier on the site but I didn’t see anything. I will take another look. Thank you!

 

[FuzzDaddy]

I found the chart on the sea ray website. I played around with their part number and what I have. I cannot find any info on how to cross reference the two props.
Sea Ray site says:
R-14 1/4 x 24 SS Part 708206
L-15 1/2 x 24 SS Part 708198

Mine are Mercury Marine
48-823663 22 pitch
48-823664 22 pitch

Can someone confirm if what I’m running is the same or ok to run?
Thank you

 

[scoflaw]

Clearly not the same 24's vs. 22's. Your props look like the same diameter which if so is wrong. Your leading prop looks to be in rough condition as well. Maybe take it for a ride first, that will give you more input.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sometimes there are mid-model year changes so it's not reflected in the prop chart. Sometimes a previous owner changed the props for whatever reason. The important part is how the engine runs at WOT with a minimal load in the boat. You should be able to get into at least the high 4,000 RPM range. Run it like you stole it and see what you get. But, as Scof mentioned, get that dinged up prop fixed.

 

[Steve S]

Nearest I could find is they are 14.5 diameter and as mentioned by scofflaw not the same pitch. The Searay chart shows two different diameters so if they are the same diameter I would think you will see a loss in performance.

 

[FuzzDaddy]

The previous owner had no clue. He probably damaged the original props and put on whatever he could get cheap or for free. I have been running it with them since I bought the boat 2 months ago. Seems ok but I certainly don’t what difference I should expect. Is it a huge difference in pitch? I’m not cheap by any means but the props are expensive so if it’s only minimal performance I’ll leave them. If it’s important I’ll get new props. I know it was mentioned that I should get the props serviced. I’ll look into that. How would I find the correct part number to the Mercury bravo props if I need to buy them? Sorry for so many questions

 

[FuzzDaddy]

I’m trying to price new correct props but can’t find a model number for them. Does anyone know? Also are old props worth selling to use that money for new ones?

 

[Lazy Daze]

According to the part numbers, they are a correctly matched set and the forward prop is 15.75 and the aft prop is 14.25. In looking closer at the pics, I believe you can see the diameter difference - but pictures are sometimes to tough to tell.

Run the boat. A 24" set may have been correct for general use, but maybe the PO put the 22" set on there for better performance with a heavier load. Can't fault him for that - it's a logical thing to do... and that "clueless" previous owner may have just saved you a bunch of money.

Run the boat and report back.

 

[FuzzDaddy]

It’s nice to know they are a correct matched set. I think it’s ok. Seems a little slow to take off if I had to guess but once running it moves.... should I just leave them alone and save money? I just don’t want to ruin anything

 

[Lazy Daze]

It’s nice to know they are a correct matched set. I think it’s ok. Seems a little slow to take off if I had to guess but once running it moves.... should I just leave them alone and save money? I just don’t want to ruin anything

The 24" would be even slower to get on plane.

What's your experience with boat and power trim? Are you trimming down ALL the way and giving smooth, full throttle? I'm very familiar with your boat and engine/drive and I wouldn't say it is slow - in fact, I can remember having 6 people onboard and having no problems pulling a skier.

The prop dings could be affecting a little bit, but not huge.

WOT RPM is a key piece of info.

 

[FuzzDaddy]

I would have to get back to you on the RPM and speed readings. But when I trim all the way down I do get smooth full throttle. I usually have 4 people on the boat and tube with no problem.
I will have to research how to achieve WOT RPM so I can post the results. Sorry for the lack of experience.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I would have to get back to you on the RPM and speed readings. But when I trim all the way down I do get smooth full throttle. I usually have 4 people on the boat and tube with no problem.
I will have to research how to achieve WOT RPM so I can post the results. Sorry for the lack of experience.

Would rather you ask for clarification than to read/type umpteen posts only to find out the answer could be something simple, but the guy was to proud to ask.

-- ALWAYS trim all the way down on take-off (hole shot) to get on plane quickly
-- If you have trim tabs, you can also use those
-- Give it smooth, full throttle
-- As the bow comes back down, gently back off on the throttle while at the same time trimming up a bit. It will take some practice to get good at that... which just means you have to go boating more!
-- Hull bottom needs to be very clean - ANY growth makes a huge difference

The data we're looking for is WOT throttle RPM and speed with just you in the boat. Go WOT and then keep trimming up a little bit at a time until the props start to ventilate or the speed no longer increases. Report back with RPM and speed. Speed needs to be GPS based - download an app if you need to.

Which "5.7" engine do you have... What does the engine cover say? 5.7EFI or 350MAG?

 

[FuzzDaddy]

I have a GM Vortec 5.7 EFI. It’s brand new about 9 hours on it. Unfortunately it won’t be until the weekend I can get you those results.

 

[FuzzDaddy]

Hello Everyone,
I was finally at the boat today. I performed the test. Only mistake I think I made was I just now realized the Bimini top was up. I’m sure that added some resistance.
I did a two runs and my results below. On smooth water, with full speed throttle, with trim down fastest speed I could achieve was 36mph @ 4200 RPM.
First run
35mph
4200rpm

Second Run
36mph
4300rpm

 

[Lazy Daze]

Re-read my post #14 regarding WOT and trim.

But, with the trim down (wrong way to do it), those numbers sound about right. Re-do by trimming properly as that is the info we need.

 

[FuzzDaddy]

My first and second runs are with the trim up according to your post. The 36mph at 4200 RPM I was talking about was just extra information I thought was useful with the trim down.

 

[Lazy Daze]

My first and second runs are with the trim up according to your post. The 36mph at 4200 RPM I was talking about was just extra information I thought was useful with the trim down.

First run
35mph
4200rpm

Second Run
36mph
4300rpm

Something isn't jiving. Trimming up allows for higher speed. It makes no sense that your first two runs (trimmed up) showed pretty much the same as trimmed down. The easiest answer is user error, of course!

Are you sure you trimmed up properly? Is the drive actually/physically trimming up? When trimmed up, you should easily notice a difference in the way the boat feels and where the "splash" exits the side of the boat.

Is this speed GPS?

 

[FuzzDaddy]

I will take it out again this week with the Bimini top down and report the difference. Quick question. Is around 35-40 mph or so normal for a top speed in these boats with a 5.7L? The speedometer goes up to 65 mph, but then again my truck goes to 120 mph but will never go that fast...