Propeller Test

[ibgary]

These are the results from a recent comparison of propellers.
The boat is a 1989 Grady White 208 Overnighter with hardtop, 2 persons, 30 gallon bait tank full of water and 60 QT cooler full of water,ice and beer and appx 60 gallons of fuel.
The motor is a 2001 Evinrude FICHT 225 HP.
The prop when purchased is the Viper S/S 3 blade



3 Blade Viper S/S 14.75 x 19 4 Blade power Tech S/S 14.5 x 17

5400 Max RPM WOT 5700

45 MPH Speed WOT 45 MPH

1.6 MPG Miles per Gallon WOT 1.9

3200 RPM to Plane 2100

2400 RPM 8.5 MPH for Trolling 2100

1.6 MPG “ “ 1.9 MPG

2.5 MPG MPG At Plane RPM 2.85


Most efficient RPM was with 4 blade 3400 RPM at 26 MPH burning 3.1 MPG

Other observations were less prop wash, better bite, boat felt lighter and more responsive

Thanks to Ed at Props of San Diego, 619-469-5300, great knowledge and excellent service.

 

[ibgary]

Corrected for read:

These are the results from a recent comparison of propellers.
The boat is a 1989 Grady White 208 Overnighter with hardtop, 2 persons, 30 gallon bait tank full of water and 60 QT cooler full of water,ice and beer and appx 60 gallons of fuel.
The motor is a 2001 Evinrude FICHT 225 HP.
The prop when purchased is the Viper S/S 3 blade



3 Blade Viper S/S 14.75 x 19

Max RPM WOT
5400

Speed WOT
45 MPH

Miles per Gallon WOT
1.6

RPM to Plane
3200

RPM at 8.5 MPH for Trolling
2400 RPM


MPG At 3200 RPM at Plane
2.5 MPG



4 Blade Power Tech 14.5 x 17

Max RPM WOT
5700

Speed WOT
45 MPH

Miles per Gal WOT
1.9

RPM to Plane
2100

RPM at 8.5 MPH for Trolling
2100

MPG at 2100 RPM at Plane
2.85

Most efficient RPM was with 4 blade 3400 RPM at 26 MPH burning 3.1 MPG

Other observations were less prop wash, better bite, boat felt lighter and more responsive

Thanks to Ed at Props of San Diego, 619-469-5300, great knowledge and excellent service.

 

[ocnslr]

We purchased our Islander 270 new with a single 250HP OX66. Performance was marginal, with a lot of prop slip with the standard Yamaha SWS 15.25x17" 3-blade.

I worked with a local prop shop to evaluate about five or six different props, looking for something that gave us the improvement we wanted.

Found the best overall improvement with a Powertech OFS4 15.25x17". Didn't have to drop diameter or pitch to spin that 4-blade to the proper WOT RPM, and we had great improvement in bite, holding plane, cruise efficiency, reduced prop slip, etc.

Basically, the same improvements you found.

I think that a lot of heavy boats (i.e. GWs) would see improved overall performance by moving from the 3-blade Yamaha props to 4-blade PT props. I say this knowing that the Yamaha SWS series props really do provide good overall performance for most applications.

JMHO,
Brian

 

[grady23]

I have twin 150's -- What would I be looking at price-wise for the 4-Blade for them -- Any idea??
I currently get up on plane Very easily and top-end is 48MPH w/4 guys and loaded for fishing!
The boat has the factory SWS props I believe 14.5X17

 

[ibgary]

I paid $385 for prop and sline adapter and of course our fine state sales tax. Glad to read same results from others!