Prop Replacement - Rebuilt Boat

FBCoach

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
141
I rebuilt a runabout and believe the boat is much heavier now. It's a 20' Bombardier Celebrity with a Mercruiser 4.3 LX with Engine number 0K158135 and Drive number 0K068222. My prop is a three blade 14.5 with 19 pitch. My WOT speed is about 33-34 MPH and the boat is slow to plane. Hit a stump today and one of the blades broke off. Any suggestions on what to replace it with? Thanks in advance.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
12,967
What WOT rpms were you getting with the current prop?
a 20ft boat is a lot for a 4.3
 

FBCoach

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
141
We live on a HP limited water shed. I am the second owner. I believe the previous owner wanted a large boat, but was limited by the motor. May not have been the best decision, but its what we are working with.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
12,967
You are already at the top of the WOT RPM range. I guess you could drop 2 - 3 of Inches in Pitch, and add another Blade. You will lose Top Speed.
However, before doing that, an Engine Inspection should be done. Compression Test, Check for a good Spark(7/16" gap) on all Cylinders
 
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