Props being run on members 208's?

[97208ct]

Need to get another prop onboard as a spare for our new to us this year Adventure. Rather then go with the same would like to try other MFG / sizes and see what it might do. Especially interested in trying a 4 blade to see if it lifts the stern some and gives more at the dock 'bite' before making any decision on trim tabs.

See a few post out there, but would a thread with what members are running be helpful to all?

97 208
Vista bimini
97 Yamaha SWSII 175
Yamaha SS 'M' series 13 3/4 X 17 M2
5300 RPM
39.X GPS speed

 

[Walkers Edge]

Motor: 200 SWSII Yamaha, hardtop & curtains
Prop: Yamaha sws 14 1/4 x 16
43mph @ 5500rpms
29mph @ 4000rpms (~3mpg light)

 

[ibgary]

1989 Overnighter w/hardtop-30 gal bait tank full-2 men- 60qt full of beer and ice

2001 Evinrude 225 FICHT

Power Tech 4 blade S/S 14.5 x 17
45 MPH WOT
5700 RPM WOT

 

[enfish]

1995 208 with radar arch, bimini, bottom paint and trim tabs. 1995 Yamaha SWS 175. Prop is Yamaha SS 15.5 x 17.

WOT 5300 RPM, 37 MPH
Cruise 4200 RPM, 29 MPH, 2.8 MPG.

All specs in ideal ocean conditions.

 

[97208ct]

Update: 14 1/2 X 17 aftermarket 'loaner' (probably Merc)
42 MPH @ 5400 RPM.

 

[seasick]

Need to get another prop onboard as a spare for our new to us this year Adventure. Rather then go with the same would like to try other MFG / sizes and see what it might do. Especially interested in trying a 4 blade to see if it lifts the stern some and gives more at the dock 'bite' before making any decision on trim tabs.

See a few post out there, but would a thread with what members are running be helpful to all?

97 208
Vista bimini
97 Yamaha SWSII 175
Yamaha SS 'M' series 13 3/4 X 17 M2
5300 RPM
39.X GPS speed

I don't think that the prop selection will change the lift of the stern. Trimming the motor up or down will to a point but not at very low speeds. Trim tabs aren't going to make much of a difference at docking speeds either, so if you major concern is handling at the dock, there isn't much you can change. The 208 with a single outboard experiences as expected prop walk. You just have to fine tune your technique. In my experience, if there are strong head winds when docking that is the worst scenario for my 208 and the only way I can get tight to the dock successfully is to increase the approach angle and ride the dock bumper strip. If you tie up with a spring line the boat can be coaxed up to the dock. In my case I dock with the dock on the starboard side. Of course technique is a bit different for docking to port.

 

[antaris]

Motor: 225 Yamaha 4-stroke, hardtop & curtains
Prop: Yamaha sws 15 1/4 x 17
28mph @ 4000rpms
38mph @ 5200rpms
44mph @ 6000rpms WOT