Which Prop schould I use on my Boat (185 Sport, 3L)

[rantanplan]

Morning to all Sea Ray Owners!

I have a question, I will replace the standard propeller (Black Max 14x19x3) on my boat with a stainless steel propeller. I have the Apollo XHS (14x19x3) envisaged. I will not burden the engine rpm (4400-4800) and throttle even more, the increase or decrease. Mostly we go in crusingspeed, sometimes even water skiing.

Would be great if one of you could tell me his experience with the Sea Ray 185 and the stainless steel propellers!

Thanks in advance! :thumbsup:

 

[Jasonandjess]

I went from the stock 3 blade aluminum prop to a Solas Rubex 4 blade stainless prop and I love it. I wanted mine for hole shot and it really delivered. The rubber hub on the Rubex is nice to because it acts like a shock absorber and if you have a bad prop strike its supposed to sheer before any damage is done to your out drive.

 

[beernutz]

Morning to all Sea Ray Owners!

I have a question, I will replace the standard propeller (Black Max 14x19x3) on my boat with a stainless steel propeller. I have the Apollo XHS (14x19x3) envisaged. I will not burden the engine rpm (4400-4800) and throttle even more, the increase or decrease. Mostly we go in crusingspeed, sometimes even water skiing.

Would be great if one of you could tell me his experience with the Sea Ray 185 and the stainless steel propellers!

Thanks in advance! :thumbsup:

You might want to check out the Mercury prop selector app for a recommendation: http://www.mercurymarine.com/propellers/prop-selector/#

Like Jasonandjess I went from a 3 blade BlackMax to a 4 blade SS prop (Stiletto Bay Pro II) and really like it much better than the BlackMax for water sports like skiing and kneeboarding. Along with the Smart Tab trim tabs I installed, the 4 blade SS prop really pops people up out of the water quickly and holds turns without losing speed much better than the BlackMax. I think I lost maybe 1 or 2 mph at WOT but who rides at WOT for very long anyway? Gas is expensive enough at cruising speed. Good luck in your search.

 

[sr330daguy]

Merc has a good site as stated ,also ask for a recommendation at Propgods.com.

 

[rantanplan]

Thanks guys, these are new insights for me, I will still test even a few propeller.

The images in the pictures thread have really blew me away, I'll come to visit you sometimes!:thumbsup:

 

[Mr Happy]

I'm going from a SS prop to an aluminum. I've blown a hub in 2 out of the last 3 outings. The last was on the Ohio. I plan on keeping a spare prop and nut on board at all times.

I believe the first blown hub was from old age. I had it rebuilt($75) and was out on the Ohio River for the weekend. The first day we went 45 miles. The second day we were cruising to Louisville cranked it up and blew the hub and added a new nick. The guy in the back said we hit something. I was lucky and the boat did idle back to the ramp. Not so lucky the first time, dead in the water.

Remember to keep a spare prop on board. We would have been screwed when the hub blew and we could not idle on the river with any number of boats or BARGES.

I do realize that I will drop a few MPH I could care less when we usually cruise at 32 MPH.