Prop pitch problem?

LetsRock

LetsRock

New Member
Dec 16, 2009
405
Long Island
Boat Info
1990 Sea Ray 220DA
Engines
Mercruiser 5.7 liter, 265HP, Garmin 541s
Let me start by saying I have a 1990 220 DA with a Mercruiser 265 HP, 5.7 liter and Alpha One drive.
I have noticed that with the additional of some minimal weight (3 guys, a small cooler and some fishing tackle) the boat really struggles to get up on plane. I was talking to a fellow boat owner about this and he mentioned the pitch of my prop could be the culprit.

Thoughts?
 
Is this a new problem or has it always been slow to plane? Is the bottom clean? When you take off is the trim all the way down? If you post your current numbers,diameter, pitch, speed from gps, rpms max, gear ratio, that will give everybody something to work with. The pitch is stamped on the prop and it may be part of the model number. The gear ratio will be stamped on the outdrive.
 
blaster said:
Is this a new problem or has it always been slow to plane? Is the bottom clean? When you take off is the trim all the way down? If you post your current numbers,diameter, pitch, speed from gps, rpms max, gear ratio, that will give everybody something to work with. The pitch is stamped on the prop and it may be part of the model number. The gear ratio will be stamped on the outdrive.
Click to expand...

It has been like this since I got the boat 4 years ago. The bottom is clean. I take off with the tabs all the way down and adjust from there. It does help a little but not that much. When I am WOT I am at about 3800 RPM's. I will look for the other information and report back.
 
If your WOT is only 3800 rpm's you are over propped. :wow:.
 
LetsRock said:
Meaning the prop is too big or the pitch is off and needs to be adjusted?
Click to expand...

Wayne's on the right track. Your 5.7 260 HP should be turning 4200-4600 at wide open throttle (WOT). I would make sure (as mentioned) the bottom is clean, new fuel filters, tune up (plugs, timing carb adjust) and make sure the throttle is opening all the way. If all that is good and you are still only getting to 3800 go find a prop shop that will work with you.
 
I would call a prop guy. I dealt with prop MD (google them). Their recommendation and prices were great.
 
Ok the prop is off and is with prop guy. At first glance he said that it appears that the "cup" of the blades have flattened out over time and that would explain the lack of power. He will be reconfiguring the prop based on my boat and should be done tomorrow. I will report back the results after the weekend.
 
Ok, my adjusted prop is on and there is a noticable difference in "jumping" right up on plane. Much more low end power so that is good. I still dont think the top end speed is what it should be though. Having a hard time even getting to 20 knots. I am due for a tune up but I was wondering if that is something that would help with top end speed?
 
Are your WOT RPM's still at 3800 ??. 23mph :wow: you have something that is terribly WRONG !!.

You should be hitting close to 40mph with your boat.


My old turd does 42mph by GPS. :smt001
 
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Summer Fun II said:
Are your WOT RPM's still at 3800 ??. 23mph :wow: you have something that is terribly WRONG !!.

You should be hitting close to 40mph with your boat.


My old turd does 42mph by GPS. :smt001
Click to expand...

Slight improvement in RPM's. WOT was about 4200 but the speed certainly not there. What does "terribly" wrong mean?
 
It means that a boat that should go close to 40 but only does 23. :wow:

I'd say that something is terribly Wrong with it.

Wouldn't you ??. :smt017
 
Summer Fun II said:
It means that a boat that should go close to 40 but only does 23. :wow:

I'd say that something is terribly Wrong with it.

Wouldn't you ??. :smt017
Click to expand...

I thought maybe you had some ideas as to the problem.
 
Sorry, I do.... Your mechanic & prop guy are retarded. :smt021

What size prop are you running now ??
 
LR, Don't get upset with me I'm trying to help you. :smt001

If it were me I'd call Sea Ray and ask what prop came with the boat when it was new.

If your mechanic & prop guy can't figure it out then there's something else going on with your boat. :smt017
 
Also LR, several people including me, suggested you do the tune up, fuel filters, etc. before you started messing with the prop. You chose to go another direction. Why would you come on this forum and ask for help, not follow the advise and then get pissy because you have not listened. We are trying to help you....that's what we do on this forum.

At the risk of making you angrier do you know for certain the hub on the prop is not spinning?
 
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