www.iFourWinns.com

Like the title states I have a 98 Horizon RS with the carb'd 5.0 in it. When it was new we would see 50+ easily on the speedo. I can't recall but i assume it had the 14 1/4 x 21 prop that the manual calls for on it. A couple of years ago, before I got the boat from my parents, my dad had some work done to it and a new prop installed due to some dings on the old one. The current prop on it is a 14.5 x 19 and the boat tops out around 45 now. I am looking for more top speed and want to get it to the 50 + it used to do. What prop would you all recommend for me to achieve my goal? Go back to the stock size or go with something different?

Thanks

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1998 Four Winns Horizon RS - 5.0GL
2002 Avalanche - Tow vehicle

Red,
The 21 will be the ticket, IMO. Which one??? The opinions will vary.... My 93 efi 5.0 tops @ 46 GPS with a 14.5x19 aluminium. I love the pure stump-pulling power of it out of the hole but I'd like a little more on the top also. I'm on the hunt..................

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Jimbo
Na. Ga.

2000 170 Horizon LS
4.3GL

Alright guys bumping this back up as I am wanting to try a different prop. I ended up getting an aluminum 14.25 x 21 last summer. It seemed to cruise more efficient as the RPM's were lower when cruising around 30 MPH. The lake we normally go to is usually extremely busy so I haven't been able to open it up much. Anyway, last weekend we got to a different lake and found some glass like water. I opened it up, trimmed it, and was hoping to see close to 50 MPH. For one, the tach was only showing 42-4300 or so WOT. Secondly, I was only seeing 45-46 MPH on the stock speedo (didn't have the GPS ready). I know I am missing some MPH somewhere.

I was thinking of trying out a SS prop in the same configuration I have now. Would that be a good choice or would it be better to drop back down to a 19p SS? Could I possibly see any more RPM's with a SS in the 14.25 x 21 prop? The only prop shop I know of around me does not let you test out the props unfortunately.

The other thing I notice is in a tight corner it seems the current prop is slipping or losing friction with the water. You can definitely hear it in the motor and tell in the speed. Would a SS prop help this as well?

Lastly, is there really that big of a difference in a SS vs. aluminum? Seems like everything I read on here says that there is, but other information I have found says the difference is marginal at best.

Thanks!

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1998 Four Winns Horizon RS - 5.0GL
2002 Avalanche - Tow vehicle

Anyone want to offer a suggestion or help? Another thing I noticed is that similarly sized boats with the same motor, or even the 4.3L achieve a higher top speed than my boat. Is this because of the hull design or some other factor I am missing? I have seen other manufacturer boat tests that can do mid 50's in a 19' boat with the 4.3L. Realistically what should my GPS if it is running like it should, with the prop it should?

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1998 Four Winns Horizon RS - 5.0GL
2002 Avalanche - Tow vehicle

Had you made any developments on prop choice?

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

With out knowing the scope of the work that was done at the same time the dinged prop was replaced, I would pull the flame arrester and make sure the throttle is actually opening the carb all the way. The throttle plates should be vertical when the lever is all the way down. What is the WOT RPM supposed to be? If you're not hitting that range, it could be the throttle not opening 100% or it could be that you need to drop down to a 14.0 dia. Next, knowing exactly what prop was there originally will help in choosing a replacement for whats there now. My 98 with 4.3L had a 23 pitch and I went down to a 17 because hold shot and speed holding for water sports was my goal. What I cant remember is if it was a 14.0 and I went up to 14.25 or was is 14.25 and I went up to 14.5. Dont hesitate to call the prop manufacturer and get their advise.

What rpm's do you turn at full throttle? Go to a nice stainless 21" would be a good start to getting some speed back.