www.iFourWinns.com

So this came as a bit of a surprise to me. 2013 FW V275. Second owner, probably a bit under powered with a Volvo 300 HP and duo prop. Current with FH4 prop set, she struggles to get up on plane with 4 people and a few coolers. Surprisingly, FW support says switching down to the FH3 prop set will help. FH3 has less pitch then FH4. The venting or cavitation is caused by the prop digging too much water to move such a heavy boat. This is not what I though the fix would be. However, another "Prop guy" also confirms this line of thinking. They say I may lose some top end speed but I do not care about that. Current top end is 42 and I never run at that speed. Just wondering if anyone out there has increased or decreased pitch and noticed any differences. Thx, Gary

The advice you have gotten is correct. Reducing prop pitch is like using a lower gear in a car's manual transmission. It allows the engine to rev up a little higher while accelerating and getting on plane. More rpm means more horsepower and torque. More power means getting on plane quicker. It also means that your boat's engine rpm will be higher at all speeds. Changing prop pitch (FH4 to FH3) can mean 200 to 400 higher engine rpm at cruise speed and at top end. This may also mean higher fuel consumption (mpg).

You did not say whether you use trim tabs to help getting on plane. When I am carrying a heavier load on my 268 I put both trim tabs full down to help getting on plane. It does help. When the boat has gotten on plane the tabs can be raised all the way up, then adjust one or the other for conditions.

Hope this helps.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I agree regarding trim tabs - if makes a huge difference to how quickly you get on the plane, and consequently, the amount of fuel used to get there (maybe not an issue in the US, but in Europe petrol is pretty expensive). Also, trimming the drive all the way in until the boat levels out a bit helps.

My 268 had 320 horse and it seemed like a perfect power to weight ratio for efficient cruising.

With any load/weight in the boat I needed tabs to get up on plane. Even with no load I would use the tabs to get up quicker. Same story for my 288.

Also, I would be surprised if you don't have the stock props on the boat. I suggest if they are stock that you can change the way you operate vs changing props.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

I just checked my product guide and confirmed that the V-275 is now fitted with the FH3 propset from the factory if you have the 300hp Volvo. The 350 and 380 hp Volvos use the FH4.
I've driven a handful of V-275's with the 300/FH3 set up and none of them had any issues getting on plane. Even during demo rides I usually didn't bother with tabs. These boats were not loaded with personal gear but otherwise full of fuel and water.

Man that is awesome news, except for the $1500 it will cost me for the FH3's. However I think I can get $600 for the FH4's on trade so that will take some of the sting out.
With regard to trim tabs, yes I had them all the way down and the out drive trimmed down as well. Apparently, FH4's are just too much prop for the 300 HP. Thanks for the info!

Gary

This surprises me, Volvo and Four Winns should have done a better job when putting this package together.... that is assuming they work together when outfitting new boats.

Glad to hear you have a solution, that scenario would drive me nuts.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

New set of FH3's ordered yesterday. If anyone needs a set of FH4's with 22 hours on them, let me know. Will report back once the FH3's are installed and it warms up a bit. Thanks for the advice!!

Took the boat out last weekend with the new FH3's on and man she just jumped out of the water. Zero hesitation or cavitation. What an amazing difference just going down 1 prop size from FH4's. I did lose 3 mph off of the cruise speed which isn't great but happy to not be struggling to get on plane any more. Wonder if Volvo could make a variable pitch duo prop. Then I'd have the best of both words !! Thanks to all who responded. Safe boating season to everyone !!