[alphainfinity]

Hi all,

I will be a new boat owner as of tommorow. I am purchasing a 2001 Sea Ray 180BR. The dealer stated that they would throw in a 19pitch prop for free and that the prop would assist in pulling tubers, skiiers etc etc. They said it is a much better prop than what comes standard on the boat. I am brand new to boats and I wanted to get some sound advice from other SeaRay owners. How will this prop affect performance? I probably won't spend alot of time towing folks around. Any prop suggestions, or for that matter, is there anything I should know about this boat from those who have owned one?

Thanks!

[mkfs9]

Need to know the engine size and hp.If it is the 3.0 ltr 135hp that would be ok for the average use.ie loaded boat/ski ect.A 21 pitch would be ok as long as your load was lighter.because you would have a slower pullaway(holeshot).

[alphainfinity]

I took the boat out for a test drive. I will be signing on the dotted line today. It looks like the 19 pitch prop limits my speed to about 35mph. I am fine with that because I am brand new to boating. If I have to keep the wheel at 2 oclock to keep the boat straight, is that a sign of a problem or is it more of an alignment issue?

THanks for the response!

[mkfs9]

I would have thought you would get around 40 mph at least with the 19p.What revs were you pulling to acheive only 35mph.you need to get 4200-4500 revs when going flat out.(wot).As for the 2.oclock steering you can make adjustment with the anode just above the prop to help the boat run straight.

[alphainfinity]

I was pushing 4500 RPM's with the motor trimmed at about 35% up. There is a big FIN right above the prop that came with the boat. Should I take that off?

[mkfs9]

These large fins are to help the boat plane at a slower speed.If you dont need to do this take it off and compare any difference in performance. Your revs are ok so the prop is well suited to the boat.