www.iFourWinns.com

1997 225 Sundowner with a Volvo 5.7, 280hp with an SX. I damaged my 14 1/4 x 23 this passed weekend and I am looking for advice as too what pitch I should go with 19, or 21? The 23 was a real dog out of the hole and I have no need for high top end. We usually have a full tank of gas, four peeps on board, and maybe an extra 150-200lbs. I need to get a new prop ordered soon so I can have it by this weekend.

Thanks in advance,
Brad

Rule of thumb is; a change of 1" of prop pitch is good for about 200 RPM change at WOT (wide Open Throttle). Do you know what your WOT was, when loaded?

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Gordon,

I'm not quite sure sure what my WOT is due to my tach not working. It's rated at I believe 4800 - 5000 rpm WOT. I'm very tempted to go with a 19 since the 23 was very bad out of the hole, but I am worried about getting my R's up to high and fuel economy. The good thing with the 23 was that I was getting great fuel economy which leads me to think that I should go with a 21 to get somewhat better take-off and still enjoy the decent fuel economy.

Thanks,
Brad

Brad, is there any chance you can try both props? Otherwise, I would be tempted to say the 21 would be a wise choice.

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Brad,

The originally fitted prop would ( or rather should) have been a 14 1/2 x 21 and not a 23, according to the specs on the FW web site

http://www.fourwinns.net/fastfacts/fastfact/1997/ff225Sp56-59.pdf

Both my DP equipped FW boats came with the wrong props according to the data on the FW site!

Graham

Thanks everyone for the info, I ordered a 21 this morning!