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Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX
https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12648
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Author:  LVChris [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 2:32 am ]
Post subject:  Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

So I am not quite understanding props yet. My boat came with a 15x17 stainless steel prop.
I have been told that in the area that I boat and the priorities I have (saving money versus going fast)that I should be running an aluminum prop, that way if I strike an underwater structure I will damage the prop and not the outdrive.

So I think I found one but how do I know it's the right one? I asked for a reasonably priced aluminum prop 15x17 OMC not SS.

And the response was..

have one that is 15x17 no.391200, this could be the one you are referring to.

What does the number 391200 mean? Can't find a number like that on my prop pic below.

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Author:  LVChris [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

Now I am really confused...according to the manufacturer specs, the prop should be 14 1/2 x 19? Is that right?

I have a 5.8FSi

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Author:  Surface Interval [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 1:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

Chris,

The 391200 number is a stock number and you would need a cross reference chart to determine pitch. Aluminum props work very well, are cheaper, and are less likely to cause damage to internal parts in the outdrive during a prop strike (or during "dredging operations" ;-) ).
Yes, the Fast Facts chart does show the 14 1/2 x 19, and I would tend to follow that recommendation, for what it is worth. The 15 x 17 is listed on the 258. The larger diameter shouldn't change rpm that much, but larger diameters are typically used on larger heavier boats. You may gain speed and fuel economy with the 14 1/2 x19. Your 17 inch pitch may cause as much as 300 to 400 rpm more than the 19 inch prop listed in the table. I guess I would start with what your actual max rpm reading is with the outdrive trimmed up for best speed and with the boat topped out. My '95 190 Horizon with the 5.0EFI Ford had a max rpm range of 4200 to 4600 rpm, with a redline of 4600. I believe the 5.8 is the same rpm range. With the factory 14 1/4 x 21 prop my boat hit the 4600 rpm mark. Keep in mind that prop pitch and outdrive gear ratios can affect rpm, and may make comparing one boat and prop to another boat with the same prop very difficult. Most people will recommend choosing a prop that puts rpm in the top half of that rpm range. You may have specific reasons for changing to a lower pitch prop for towing skiers or tubes, or maybe changing to a higher pitch prop for cruising while lightly loaded. With these changes, it is hard to predict exact results.

Ideally we would all have a prop dealer next door that had demo props for trial use. In reality some dealers may still do this. I'm guessing that the 15x17 could be replaced with a 14 1/2 x 19 and you should see some improvement in cruise speed, top end, and fuel economy, with little change in initial acceleration. The factory usually has a reason for the prop they select.

In general,
1. A 2 inch increase in pitch (17" to 19") is likely to cause 300 to 400 rpm less at top end.
2. An increase in diameter will usually cause a minor reduction in rpm, but larger props are usually for larger heavier boats.
3. Different brands and models of props of the same diameter an pitch may perform differently.
4. A prop with a cupped trailing edge on each blade will have the same effect as an un-cupped prop with maybe 1 to inches more pitch.
5. Tachometers can be inaccurate!!! So, it is good to find some way of comparing your tach to another gage or tester.
6. OMC SX and Volvo SX props are 19 spline hubs. Mercs are 15 spline hubs. I found this out the hard way
:wink:
Hope this helps.

Author:  crossram [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 8:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

my old boat was a 21' with a 305 engine I had 2 props a 14 1/2 x 17 and 19 pitch . like S I said lower
pitch will give a better out of the hole and more rpm higher pitch more speed less rpm
I got them with removable hub made easy to change also the hub was to shear if you hit anything before any damage to out drive.they were quicsilver brand my 245 has a 15 1/2 x 15 on the out drive not sure if thats what it came with or what previous owner put on

Author:  702Steve [ Sun Feb 23, 2014 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

Hey Chris I'm not sure if this will help or not but I had 14 1/4 x 19 3 blade SS. I t took me a while to plane(also just installed an extended swim deck which added some more weight to the back of the boat) so we switched to a 14 1/2 x 17 4 blade alum. I now plane a lot quicker and have to trim down a lot sooner and able to maintain a good cruising speed.

Author:  kd4pbs [ Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

Trim down a lot sooner? Am I doing it wrong? I am trimmed down on the engine fully when I start from a stop until planed, then trim up as I come on plane to lift the bow slightly for better economy and speed.

Author:  702Steve [ Mon Feb 24, 2014 6:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

You are correct kd4pbs!!! That's what I meant....just seeing if your paying attention?!

Author:  kd4pbs [ Tue Feb 25, 2014 3:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

There's a first for everything...

Author:  LVChris [ Tue Feb 25, 2014 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

Thanks for the response especially the very in depth explanation by SI, still trying to wrap my head around that. :roll:

The reason I am looking for another prop has nothing to do with performance and everything to do with keeping costs down. Lake mead has dropped probably 3 feet this year, lot's of unseen dangers just under the surface.

(they believe that's what happened to the fisherman who didn't return last week http://www.8newsnow.com/story/24791331/breaking-news-rangers-looking-for-missing-boaters-at-lake-mead)

If I have to hit something underwater I want the prop to go not the drive...so I have to start somewhere. I was going to just get the same size prop but aluminum instead of steel, but when I looked up the correct prop it is a different size...so why not see how that one (14.5x19) performs...if it's awful - get a matching aluminum (15x17) :?:

Is my logic right?

Author:  Surface Interval [ Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Prop Question 1996 Vista 238DLX

Chris, I think you have a pretty good plan. You might see if you know anyone else with a similar drive and a prop of a size that could be a possibility. You might see if you can trade for a test drive. I'm guessing Lake Mead has some rather abrupt changes in depth, but I highly recommend having a good sonar to give you a depth, and a chart plotter with a depth contour map is a great help also. Hope this helps.

Gary

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