Sluggish low end.

[Guy Lolmaugh]

I have a 2007 280 Sea Ray with twin 4.3l. When I get a few people on board I struggle to get on Plane. I have heard other Sea Ray Owners talk about a Prop Change to 4 Blade. has anyone out there had similar problems?

 

[Brite Idea]

I'd ask are you able to reach WOT? I think you're over propped. How long have you owned the boat? Is this a new problem? A four blade will give you better low and mid range performance but as with your current prop you MUST be able to hit WOT. The correct pitch is critical to WOT.

 

[joeyleggz]

I had a similar set up with the 4.3‘s but alpha drives and switched to the four blade props made a world of difference planning with eight people very easy I was still able to hit my wide-open @ 4800 RPM

 

[Guy Lolmaugh]

Yes, I was able to reach WOT after I got up on plane no Problem. I hit ground twice! Pulling into the Marina at low tide. It’s been a while but I have owned several Sea Rays. I am still having no problem at WOT. My Mechanic says the props look OK. Me! I’m not so sure. Past Experience tells me I probably need to have the Props redone however I’m not sure I don’t need a change before investing in a repair. Appreciate any remarks

 

[Guy Lolmaugh]

Yes I have Alpha Drives and I have had the boat only a short time

 

[Chip S]

According to the 2006 Sea Ray prop chart the propellers should be 14.50 x 17 ( https://owners-resources.searayweb..../2006 Sport Boat Sport Cruiser Prop Chart.pdf ). Sea Ray doesn't have a 2007 prop chart listed. Are your current props 14.50 x 17? If so, you probably need to have them reconditioned. Just because you can't see any noticeable bend doesn't mean they didn't get bent when you ran aground.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Another question that needs to be answered before going further... are you trimming the drives ALL the way down and also extending the trim tabs ALL the way?

 

[Guy Lolmaugh]

Yes Sir!

 

[atrick]

I got a 1995 290 DA with twin 4.3 and went to 4 blade props and dropped the pitch and best thing I ever did. With the 3 blade props I could hit red line which is 4800 rpm but with 5 or 6 people It would take a little longer to get on plane even with full tabs. With 4 blade props jumps right up on plane and with a clean hull it will over rev but with the hull dirty after being in the water for couple of months i will run up and stay at 4800 rpm. I can also stay on plane at a lower rpm and fuel usage hasn't changed that much, so I would do it again but make sure you get the right pitch for yours. If you stock props get to the right rpm then drop the pitch and go 4 blade but it you can't get to red line now you need to research it some more before you spend the money.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yes Sir!

OK, good. That's one less variable to cross off. When you say you can reach WOT... what RPM, specifically, is that? The range for your engines is 4400-4800 and I usually like to see a boat propped to get near the top end with a "normal" load so as to leave room to spare for a heavy load.

Have you had a cruiser style boat before?

 

[Espos4]

I have a 2007 280 Sea Ray with twin 4.3l. When I get a few people on board I struggle to get on Plane. I have heard other Sea Ray Owners talk about a Prop Change to 4 Blade. has anyone out there had similar problems?

Can you clarify which motors? 4.3’s or 350’s??

Your post says 4.3 but your profile says 350’s

 

[Guy Lolmaugh]

OK, good. That's one less variable to cross off. When you say you can reach WOT... what RPM, specifically, is that? The range for your engines is 4400-4800 and I usually like to see a boat propped to get near the top end with a "normal" load so as to leave room to spare for a heavy load.

Have you had a cruiser style boat before?[/QUOTE
4 of them

 

[Guy Lolmaugh]

4 of them ok

 

[Guy Lolmaugh]

Can you clarify which motors? 4.3’s or 350’s??

Your post says 4.3 but your profile says 350’s

They are 4.3 Alpha A Drives

 

[Lazy Daze]

4 of them ok

There was more to my question...

Have you physically looked (closely) at the props or is it just guessing at this point? Damage to a stainless prop would be pretty evident.

 

[Guy Lolmaugh]

Yes I have the boat is kept out of the Water. Both the Mechanic and I have looked at them they don't look that bad actually but being an owner from before I know that that can be deceiving