Should I fine tune prop to get max rpm?

C

chaparral442

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 25, 2007
Messages
153
Prop- 14 x 21 Solas SST 3 blade
Boat- 2006 190 SSi Chaparral
engine- 4.3l Carb Mercruiser

RPM WOT- 4500

Is it worth my effort to have prop tuned to give me the extra 300 RPM"s to get to the top of the power curve?(4800rpm)

What would I benefit?
 
S

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Should I fine tune prop to get max rpm?

Not an expert but::
I guess it would depend in the cost.
I have seen performance improve by removing a little cup.
It could improve performance some besides raising the rpm.
Your actual improvement would depend on your present performance.
What is the speed at 4,500?How is the hole shot?
The experts may be along with some more specific suggestions.
 
180shabah

180shabah

Rear Admiral
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: Should I fine tune prop to get max rpm?

You are currently running inside Merc's WOT spec, lower end of, but perfectly acceptable. You are not risking any long term damage, etc.

If you are happy with your current performance - leave it as is, and enjoy the summer.

If there are things you are looking to improve - a different prop is a great way to do it. If you like the characteristics of the SST, but would like a little more acceleration - drop 2" and just keep an eye on the tach if you run WOT.

If it were mine, I would probably go with a 19" Solas Amita4 for pulling, low speed control and heavy load days. Keep your current stainless prop for light loads in familiar water.
 
C

chaparral442

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 25, 2007
Messages
153
Re: Should I fine tune prop to get max rpm?

Hole shot is good, speed runs about 45 mph gps Local prop guy quoted about 100 bucks to tune the prop
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,513
Re: Should I fine tune prop to get max rpm?

chaparral442 said:
Prop- 14 x 21 Solas SST 3 blade
Boat- 2006 190 SSi Chaparral
engine- 4.3l Carb Mercruiser

RPM WOT- 4500

Is it worth my effort to have prop tuned to give me the extra 300 RPM"s to get to the top of the power curve?(4800rpm)

What would I benefit?
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... It'll only be Fine Tuned til the load, or conditions change...
 
180shabah

180shabah

Rear Admiral
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: Should I fine tune prop to get max rpm?

$100 will buy you a new aluminum prop and provide you with something that tuning the old one won't...


a spare
 
C

chaparral442

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 25, 2007
Messages
153
Re: Should I fine tune prop to get max rpm?

I already have a spare aluminum prop-
 
180shabah

180shabah

Rear Admiral
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: Should I fine tune prop to get max rpm?

If you already have a spare and the shop has a good reputation - go for it...
 
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