Sport 185 Prop selection

[CharlestonSC]

I am looking for a new prop. I have a BlackMax 23. I am getting 4100rpm at WOT and making 46 mph with 2 riders, but the boat moans while trying to plan, and I have to hit 20 mph to get it up on plane. Once its up it stays up, but I really have to put the power to it to get it there.

I would like to go to a 3 blade stainless, probably less pitch, and maybe progressive pitch?

What works for your 185 sport?

 

[blaster]

I remember someone telling me their 185 sport 4.3 carb came stock with a 21" aluminum prop. I would go to a 19" if you go stainless. What you have now is lugging and your not getting the power out of your engine. If you can get your rpm's up to 4800 you will have a whole new experience driving your boat. A lower pitch will be better at lower speeds and will give you better performance in choppy water. Good luck.

 

[midway]

My 04 185Sport came with 14X23 from the factory, with just me in it would hit 5200 rpm, if the tack is right, and 49 to 50 mph at wot. What gear ratio do you have, mine is 1.81, that could be the difference. I have a Truning point 14 1/4X21 pitch on it now and going to change to a Solas Amita 14 1/5X23, hope to try it out this weekend.

It sounds like you need to go to either 21 or 19 pitch prop for your boat.

 

[quailrunner]

My 04 185Sport came with 14X23 from the factory, with just me in it would hit 5200 rpm, if the tack is right, and 49 to 50 mph at wot. What gear ratio do you have, mine is 1.81.

Same as mine - mechanic says that increasing to 4-blade will need to *decrease* pitch - I think a 4-blade w. 23 pitch might not be optimal

 

[beernutz]

The Mercruiser prop selector might be helpful: http://www.mercurymarine.com/propellers/prop-selector/#

I went with a 4-blade SS prop (Stiletto Bay Pro II) because we do a lot of watersports and it has been a great addition and money well spent.