Loaner Prop?

[Bofus]

Folks,

I've aquired a boat and don't beleive it has the best prop pitch for the set up. It's got a 14.5/19 pitch and I'm pretty sure it's over proped (will only turn about 4700 RPMs at WOT). Would like try a 17 pitch without having to buy it.. Any of the local boat shops loan props for testing? Thanks for your assistance!

[JIm Smith]

you should get 3 to 400 more rpms with the 17. what type motor

[silverking]

Talk to the guys at Shields Marina in St. Marks. They have a lot of demo props and can help you dial it in. 925-6158.

Depending on the size if the engine is a two-stroke, it should be running up to 5,500 to 5,700 rpm. On a four-stroke, most will rev up to 5,800 to 6,000. So you definitely have an issue only hitting 4,700.

[Bofus]

2008 Evinrude E-tec 90. It's riding on a Mako 181 inshore.

[Bofus]

Top end is around 35-37 MPH at WOT. Just feels slow for that boat.

[Steve Stinson]

How many rpms are you turning when you are at W.O.T.? RPMS matter more than speed, so you need to prop the boat to be within the manufacturer's recommended range at W.O.T., then figure out how fast you are running.

Most prop shops / marinas will let you try several props to find the correct one.

[Bofus]

about 4700

[THOMAS CITY CURVE]

Borderline under powered ?

[Bofus]

Boat is rated for 90hp max.

[Steve Stinson]

Correct. I just looked at the specs on that boat on Mako's website - it looks like it only weighs 1300 lbs.

[Steve Stinson]

Is this motor an in-line 3 cylinder? If so, the max rpm range is 5000 - 5500, which doesn't leave a lot of room.

[silverking]

Shields is the local Evinrude dealer and they also sold Makos. Give them a call.

They're closed on Mondays but open at 7 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday for service.

[DEMON]

A 17 should get you in the RPM range you need to be in. Should get you the 300 rpm you need. Max HP is rated @ 5000 on your motor. Don't expect much more speed. A couple of MPH maybe. I think you're getting about all the speed you can expect with a 90 on that hull. Are you looking at aluminum or Stainless?

[Bofus]

Demon - planning to stick with aluminum. I appreciate everyone's input!

BTW, found this info while researching my issue. Maybe some of you will find it as helpful as I did.

http://www.veradoclub.com/smf/index.php?topic=137.0

[BeachRum1962]

Talk to the guys at Shields Marina in St. Marks. They have a lot of demo props and can help you dial it in. 925-6158.

I'm not sure what demo props are but Shields does not do loaners. I'm sure they'll offer sage advice to help you get propped right, but have no loaner program. You might also try the http://www.etecownersgroup.com/ website. A wealth of information and all etec specific.