So first off, hi everybody....long time guest, first time poster.
To make a short story long.....I've been boating for several years (jet boating that is) and got a steal, at least I think it was, on a 1985 Chaparral 200 XLC 260 Merc/Alpha 1($400 with a very nice Shorlandr trailer). The boat had a cracked block and was left out for a year, but only had 600hrs and is very solid. So, being the guy that I am, I built a 383 vortec SBC for marine application. HP is unknown, but probably (conservatively) around 325??? I have been breaking in the engine, and just finally opened it up the other day. I reached 60mph gps but watched the rpm's climb to 5000rpm at wot. Now coming from an automotive background, for me, that seems pretty high.
To get to the point here, I would like some prop help. I have read many posts, got opinions from other boaters, and talked to the local dealer, but still get mixed ideas. The current prop I have on the boat, came with it, is a SS 15.25x21. I have no problem getting up on plane, seem to have plenty of pull, however, I would like to see my wot rpm drop to around 4600 or so. I'm a little confused, Aluminum or SS? Diameter, pitch? I don't necessarily need to go any faster, but would like to keep a good hole-shot and keep the rpm's down a little at wot.
Thanks
To make a short story long.....I've been boating for several years (jet boating that is) and got a steal, at least I think it was, on a 1985 Chaparral 200 XLC 260 Merc/Alpha 1($400 with a very nice Shorlandr trailer). The boat had a cracked block and was left out for a year, but only had 600hrs and is very solid. So, being the guy that I am, I built a 383 vortec SBC for marine application. HP is unknown, but probably (conservatively) around 325??? I have been breaking in the engine, and just finally opened it up the other day. I reached 60mph gps but watched the rpm's climb to 5000rpm at wot. Now coming from an automotive background, for me, that seems pretty high.
To get to the point here, I would like some prop help. I have read many posts, got opinions from other boaters, and talked to the local dealer, but still get mixed ideas. The current prop I have on the boat, came with it, is a SS 15.25x21. I have no problem getting up on plane, seem to have plenty of pull, however, I would like to see my wot rpm drop to around 4600 or so. I'm a little confused, Aluminum or SS? Diameter, pitch? I don't necessarily need to go any faster, but would like to keep a good hole-shot and keep the rpm's down a little at wot.
Thanks