Prop Size - 248 Voyager

[Pete1313]

Ok - I know I've posted alot of different questions here...but I've got a new boat coming and am trying to budget what I need to do to it. I think it is underpropped.

Power is a 1997 250 OX66 EFI.

Prop is an "Apollo XHS" 4 blade stainless. Size is 14 5/8 x 16. From what I've read....that seems small for the boat and motor.

The survey/sea trial had it WOT at 5700 RPM and 33 MPH by GPS. That was in a moderate 4' swell, 2 guys and about 100 gallons of fuel.

I think max RPM on this motor is 5500...which again, makes me think its underpropped.

I"m trying to figure out what I should re-prop with. I was thinking the least expensive route is a Yammie Saltwater Series II 15 1/4 x 17....but I also saw a post on here about a Powertech OSF4.....

Should I spend the extra $300 or so on the Powertech or should I go with a Yammie 3 blade....

So you know, I will rarely be running WOT....puget sound usually has a 2-3 chop and there is enough debris, its hard to go that fast....so I'm more concerned about adequate hole shot and mid range power under full load (guys, gear and fuel)....and second, fuel economy....last concern is top end speed....

Thanks!

 

[Pete1313]

Also - if my budget can allow for a new proper size/pitch stainless, is it better to go with the correct size/pitch alumnium or keep the current stainless on?

My thought is, I'd rather have the right prop in aluminum than a poorly performing stainless one.....

 

[5-Salt]

Same year, model, and motor....I get about 44mph @ 5500 rpm on light chop flat water 80gal of fuel.

3anglers, 200lbs of ice and 105 gallons of fuel @ 4400-4500 well net about 31-32mph in swells 3-4ft swell at 8-9sec a part with 1-2ft wind wave. Normal cruise running into same swell and wind wave is 22-23mph @ 3900-4000rpm at about 13.5-14gph fuel burn

Prop is a 3-Blade Yamaha Saltwater Stainless Series: 17-M

 

[Pete1313]

Thanks for the reply - that is the info I was looking for.

How is your hole shot? I'm mostly concerned with low end and mid-range power...less concerned about going 40 MPH......

 

[Pete1313]

Thats not to say I wouldn't mind going 44 mph sometimes....just not many chances to out here.

.....

I'm looking for a nice used Saltwater Series II 17M...