4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
SO....I need a new prop to replace my current (I won't say why):rolleyes:

I have a 2006 Maxum 1800 SR3, Mercruiser 3.0L 135 (and LOVE IT).

I (was) generally happy with the overall performance of the original prop (Black Max 3 blade 14.25x21 Alum). 42+/- MPH (Gps), @ 4600 rpm. Hole shot wasn't too bad either.

I am contemplating a 14x20 Aluminum 4 blade (Michigan Wheel Vortex). My "understanding" is that I shouldn't loose more than a few (less than 5) MPH's on the top end and gain a little more out of the hole (for tubing and for carrying heavier loads etc...) If this is true, then a 14x20 4 blade it is.

I think going to a 3 blade 19" would cost me way too much top end. So I'm not even considering it.

Does anyone have the 14x20 4 blade on their Maxum 1800 SR3 (or similar boat). If so, what are your performance notes.

I'm not ready for SS yet.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

PS. Anyone with the same boat (or similar) with Smartabs?
 
tommays

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

I run that prop(14 x 20) on 1995 2000 SC 19' 3.0 power


It is good cruising around prop that improves low speed performance in all conditions


We do tube with it and with 4 not that big people on the boat it works good

If you were going out with 6 people it would be on the big side ;) and hole shot would start to get pretty bad

When i load up at the MAX of 6 people i run a 15 X 17 or 14 X 18 as the 14 x 20 just cannot get that much weight on plane

The big factor is how heavy the rear seat passengers are as small boats are affected buy small amounts of weight so much


Tommays
 
J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

tommays said:
I run that prop(14 x 20) on 1995 2000 SC 19' 3.0 power


It is good cruising around prop that improves low speed performance in all conditions


We do tube with it and with 4 not that big people on the boat it works good

If you were going out with 6 people it would be on the big side ;) and hole shot would start to get pretty bad

When i load up at the MAX of 6 people i run a 15 X 17 or 14 X 18 as the 14 x 20 just cannot get that much weight on plane

The big factor is how heavy the rear seat passengers are as small boats are affected buy small amounts of weight so much


Tommays
Click to expand...



Thanks Tommays. I appreciate the input. I just spoke with a guy who has a bayliner 185 (same boat basically), with a 14x19 and lost 6 MPH (from 42 down to 36) but was EXCELLENT out of the hole. Maybe I'll do a 14x20 4 blade for normal stuff and a 14x19 3 blade for tubing....

Do you have the smart tabs?
 
J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
R

rondi

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 16, 2006
Messages
102
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

I relocated them but it was easy. Just pulled off the bunk mount bolts and replaced them with SS eye bolts.

smarttabs.jpg
 
J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

Nice touch. How was the smart tabs install? Have you tried a 21p prop with your tabs?
 
R

rondi

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 16, 2006
Messages
102
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

The ST install was a breeze, the only thing I did wrong was order the wrong pressure actuators. I started with the 60's and it was too much. On the softest setting they would lift too much and the prop would blow-out in really tight turns. Then I switched to 40's and the 21 stock Black Max would still blowout on the strongest setting. I adjusted them in and the blowout went away.

The 19P hustler has more bite because of the cupping and the fact that it is a more aggressive prop (designed after SS) which helps keep it grabbing in those tight turns.

I'm sure there are SS props that will outperform the Hustler but for the bang -for-buck I really don't think the ST w/40's / Hustler 19P combo could be beat on our 18 ft hulls with the 3.0.
 
J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

UPDATE....

4 blade x 14"x20p IS THE WAY TO GO FOR MY BOAT....

Loaded with 3 adults @ 180lbs each, 1 cooler of "juice":D and we were GOOD.

Up on plane in less time than a 14.25"x21p 3 blade (with 2 adults in the aft seats); 41 MPH on the GPS @ 4700 RPM's (which is only a loss of 2-3 MPH's)
Excellent low-speed maneuverability, great mid-range power.

NEXT STOP...SMART TABS.

:cool:
 
J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

Rondi,
(if you're out there)...
Do you have any problems beaching your boat with the ST's? We're always on a sand bar in Delaware. I know Nauticus makes a kit to raise up the tabs but is it necessary:confused:
 
R

rondi

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 16, 2006
Messages
102
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

I'm here for ya man!

As for beaching, as long as you don't beach with the boat lengthwise parallel to the beach you will be fine. I always have my stern at the shore with the bow out (to slice the wakes as they come in) this also allows me to work my stereo remote which is mounted to my transom and to get in / out of the boat with the transom ladder.
I just keep it in about a foot deeper water and make sure the drive is low enough to hit the skeg instead of the tabs just in case she bounces on the bottom from some big rollers.
 
J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

10-4
Thanks. Ordered the ST SX 40s. Really looking forward to them:D. Will let you know how it goes...
 
J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

Smart Tabs on in about an hour and fifteen mins. Water testing Later this week. I'll keep you posted.
 
R

rondi

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 16, 2006
Messages
102
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

So . . . . what do you think of the ST's so far?
 
J

jpg1130

Cadet
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
24
Re: 4 blade 14x20 or 3 blade 14.25x21

rondi said:
So . . . . what do you think of the ST's so far?
Click to expand...

Product Works Great! I bought the 40# Acutaters, had them set in the on the 3 hole. NOT BAD!!!... with 1 other person, (avg. weight 190Lbs each) and a full "cube" cooler. Up on plane in less time (as advertised) and same speed with a 14x20 4 blade as I had with the 14.24x21 3 blade. Definitely better gas mileage. From about 4.25gph to 3.75gph. Trim guage at 1 line below full out trim.

The next weekend had adjusted them to the 5 hole with 3 adults, 3 kids and me...Not Bad either. Experienced some minor porpoising at full out trim. Trimmed it into about 3/4 trim and was okay. Loss of only 2MPH but that's because of the weight.

Definitely can feel the difference in the chop. I boat on the Elk, Bohemia, NorthEast Etc.... rides like a different (bigger) boat. Definitely can take some chop at a slower speed an not fall off plane.

I'm was a little confused at the porpoising at the stronger setting, but overall very pleased:D

BUT, the confusion will have to wait until next season. Boat is winterized:(
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top