www.iFourWinns.com

Hello all,


I need to buy new prop. I managed to take a chunk out of a blade yesterday thus the need for replacement.

I have a 2000 248 Vista with the 5.7 SX (Single Prop) outdrive.

I would also like to try to improve my "planning" time if possible. I feel like I plow the water most of the time even with a light load. The prop I currently have (now damaged) is a Michigan Wheel. Being completely new, I'm not even sure what the dimensions are.

Here is what the current prop says:

Michigan Wheel
15 1/2 x 15
161001
438501

I'm most concerned with hole shot. A slight loss in top end speed is ok, but I have to figure out how to get on plane quicker. I know, I know, DPS would help but it's just not in the cards.

What are you running on your 248? Any pointers? Please be specific for this prop newbie.


Thanks!

For hole shot, have you considered a 4 or 5 blade prop. these will help hole shot, but may loose a little on top end.

15 1/2 x 15 (15 1/2) first numbers are the diameter x (15) 2nd number, pitch

I am no prop expert, but you can change either diameter or pitch smaller to get engine to rev faster, which may help getting on plane faster, but you need to make sure what you choose will not let the motor over rev at WOT. There are reasons as to which (diameter or pitch) you change first.
Will your local dealer let you test out a couple props to see which one you like best??? They may have you purchase all of them up front, but let you return the undamaged, disliked prop. My dealer had done this for me with our last boat. I ended up running a 14 1/4 X 19 turbo. Each prop manufacture cups them a little differently, so even though they maybe the same diameter and pitch, performance can differ slightly.

_________________
2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

What are your current rpm's at WOT ?

Your hole shot will increase with a four blade prop, but finding one with less than 15 pitch limits your choices.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I am currently at 4200RPM

I called Four Winns this morning and they verified that 15 1/2 x 15 is the size that comes from the factory.

What is everyone else running? Brand and specs please.

ohiolakerat,

you can not compair what everyone else is running. We all have different motors, (carb, FI), different gear ratios in the out drive, load our boats differently, boat at different elevations. All of which will greatly affect performance.

Only way I would compare props on a different boat, is to have two Identical boats, equiped the same, loaded and fueled the same, testing on the same lake at the same time.

There are so many factors to consider. If you are only getting 4200 RPM at WOT, and can not find a lower pitch or diameter prop, you may have to look into having the out drive regeared. You need to do something to get your RPM up around 4800 RPM, but check your manual to make sure, also have your tachometer gage calibrated to make sure you are reading the right RPM.

I am running volvo props F3 behind a dual prop out drive with 1.95 gear ratio, attached to 5.7L GSI 280 horse power, we boat at 6500 ft elevation around home and lake powell is 3700'

_________________
2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Thanks everyone for the input. After doing some test riding on another similar 248v, I think I am going to stick with a 15 1/2 x 15. I will however be moving to a 4 blade vs. a 3 blade. I will lose 1-2MPH but should gain some lift out of the hole.

I've checked the normal internet places, but can't seem to find a 4 blade in this size. Does anyone know of a good place to check?

Like I said above, good luck finding a 4 blade with less pitch. Which is what you need.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy