2011 H190 Prop Test

spidermonkey370 · **Joined:** Sun Aug 12, 2012 11:55 pm **Posts:** 3

I purchased a 2011 Four Winns H190 in the spring of last year and have experimented with a few props. I have read many threads on this forum looking for prop performance for my boat but usually come up with similar boats or personal opinions on props. I have provided results with what I have tried over the last few months. If you have tried any other props with similar a similar hull, please share your results. I would like to try a few more props to achieve the best performance I can out of my new boat. Thanks for sharing.

Boat: 2011 Four Winns H190 4.3L GL 190HP Volvo out drive w/1.79 gear ratio. Top speed was registered with GPS. Boat with light load, 1/2 tank fuel, 2 adults with minimal gear. (I am sure I could get 1 to 2 more MPH with 1/8 tank fuel, no gear and 1 person, but I never run my boat like that so I am not concerned)

Prop #1: Volvo Aluminum 3 blade 14.3X21, WOT 44 MPH@4800-4900 RPM. Good overall prop, decent acceleration with light load, heavy cavitation when turning at all speeds. Very sluggish with heavy boat load.

Prop #2 Volvo Aluminum 4 blade 14.25X19, WOT 42 MPH@4800-4900 RPM. Awesome acceleration. Great with full boat load and pulling tubes/skiers. Good stern and bow lift. Less cavitation that prop #1 but still noticeable. This is my favorite overall prop for this boat so far.

Prop #3 Volvo stainless steel 3 blade 14.75X21 WOT 45 MPH@4800 RPM. Good over all prop. Decent acceleration and handling. Reduced cavitation over prop #1 and #2. Prop bites into the water and holds much better in turns.

I was very disappointed in the SS 21 pitch Volvo prop over the aluminum. I was hoping for a few more MPH. I run 2 props, one for heavy loads with tubers/skiers and one for light loads when I like to rip around the river/lakes. If you have tried any other props please post your findings. My next prop to try is a SS 4 blade.

usje141 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:22 am **Posts:** 78

Thanks for taking the time to share your findings. I've got a 2006 with the same set-up. Cavitation is a problem for me as well so I was considering a VP SS 3 blade. However, I'm not real concerned with top-end results as I normally cruise around 25 MPH unless skiing or tubing.

As such, perhaps the VP Aluminum 4 (prop #2) might actually be the one I'm looking for. You did say that this was your favorite overall so far; still the case?

Finally, did you have a chance to test the VP SS 4 blade?

ric · **Posted:** Sun Aug 26, 2012 8:06 pm

I'm getting 51mph with the 4.3GL and Volvo Penta alum 14x23p prop. Full tank, 2 adults, in a headwind. Not a FW, but same size boat/weight. With a SS prop I want mid late 50s

You sure you trimmed right? My buddy with his mid 2000's H190 4.3GXi gets mid 50s.

Pretty much every 4.3GL 19-20ft boat breaks the 50's. Unless you're a couple thousand feet above sea level.

spidermonkey370 · **Joined:** Sun Aug 12, 2012 11:55 pm **Posts:** 3

usje141,

Yes, the 19p 4 blade VP prop is still my favorite prop so far. I actually have it on right now. If you are not concerned with loosing a few MPH on the top end I would highly recommend this prop. I have not tried the VP SS 4 blade yet. I have not been able to find one for under the retail price of over $500. I am sure it would perform a little better than the aluminum and have less cavitation. If you are not concerned about the price, I think the 19p SS 4 blade VP would be the way to go.

spidermonkey370 · **Joined:** Sun Aug 12, 2012 11:55 pm **Posts:** 3

ric,

Thanks for posting your results. To answer your question, yes I have tried all trim positions. The FW hull is not known for its speed. The Stingrays have a very fast hull design and will usually be at least 5 to 8 MPH faster than the FW in the same class from what I have seen. Also, I believe the Stingrays have a 1.60 gear ratio on the VP drives compared to my 1.79 gear ratio. As far as the fuel injected 4.3L, you will certainly gain more top speed over the carbureted 4.3L.

As you mentioned, I also would have thought I would have gotten closer to 50 MPH with the FW running the SS prop. Due to the gear ratio, I think I should try a SS 23p prop, I have been looking at the SS 23p ballistic props.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Aug 29, 2012 5:57 am

spidermonkey370 wrote:

ric,

, I think I should try a SS 23p prop, I have been looking at the SS 23p ballistic props.

This.

ric · **Posted:** Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:35 am

I've been trying to find that exact prop for a while. Sooo expensive

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:25 am

346035 14-1/4 x 23 3 Blade Ballistic SS prop.

http://www.deepblueyachtsupply.com/prop ... TIC-346035

Free Shipping on SS here:
http://www.savvyboater.com/michigan-whe ... 46035.aspx

http://www.boatbandit.com/michigan-whee ... -6111.aspx

Not a high volume propeller as far as sales go, so hard to find any on E-Bay, CL etc. ALL stainless propellers are expensive, but worth it if it is what you need.

ric · **Posted:** Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:49 am

I'm looking to spend around $300 for one. I'll have to wait until winter.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Thu Aug 30, 2012 6:58 am

ric wrote:

I've been trying to find that exact prop for a while. Sooo expensive

Ha, Ha ! Not really expensive at all, for what you are getting. Compare to this.
12" x 11pitch 2-blade bronze sailboat propeller, 1" bore, rated for 8 knots at WOT. Retail price = $562.00

You are getting a hell of alot more propeller, made from stainless, at a much lower price than a blow boater is.

Just be glad you don't own a Hatteras 54 Convertible, the 5 blade, Nibral Marlins (35" x 57 pitch) retail at $15,483 each. And you will
need one for each of the C-18 1135hp engines !!

Liquidenoir · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2012 6:14 pm

You've just stopped me trading my 18' for a 54' Hatteras

usje141 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:22 am **Posts:** 78

Spider, thanks for the follow-up. Very, very rarely will I ever take it up all the way and even then, just for a few moments. As such, I think I'm going to invest in a VP four blade per your recommendation. If I really like it after a season, I'll probably invest in a SS version.

Thanks again for sharing!

www.iFourWinns.com

2011 H190 Prop Test

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