1989 Sea Ray 220 DA Prop Question

[roc2178]

Through reading the posts on this site I have learned a great deal about prop selection, however I am more than confused how to make a wise choice for my prop selection. At first I was looking into 4 blade props and "Bravo" props (dual blade, one spins in counter rotation), but at this point I really need help in making an educated decision... so here goes , as I read the "sticky" of the required info. Hopefully I have found all the right info...
1989 Sea Ray 220 DA LOA 23'6" Stand Up Cuddy Cabin
5.7Ltr Alpha One 260HP
Current Prop- This is the number stamped on it (48832828A45 17P) Mercruiser 17P 13 1/2" dia (i measured this, it may be between 13 to 13 1/2, it was hard to tell)
WOT 4400 (this was from last year and from the tach on the dash)
ran about 37-39 MPH at WOT
The average load is about 400-500lbs. As for the boats curb weight I can only estimate as I cannot find this anywhere? Its about 4500lbs.
What I really need help with is the hole shot, it seems to take a great deal of effort to get up on a plane especially when pulling a tube.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1989 Sea Ray 220 DA Prop Question

A 220 cuddy is rated at 3500 dry weight but only 175 hp?
For more predictable results stick with the Mercruiser props.
A 4 blade will definately help your hole shot and stay on plane with less power.
If your rated max rpm is 4,800 a drop to a 15" pitch will help you get closer to that.You may lose a little top end.But low to midrange will be more responsive and cruise should require less throttle.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1989 Sea Ray 220 DA Prop Question

..."Bravo" props (dual blade, one spins in counter rotation),...

Okay, that is not a "Bravo" prop. What you describe is a Bravo 3 outdrive, that has dual, counter rotating propellers. That drive is COMPLETELY different from yours, will not bolt up in place of your Alpha drive, and the props don't fit your drive. So get that notion out of your head.

There is such a thing as a "Bravo" series of props from Mercruiser (or are they labelled Quicksilver?) that do fit Bravo 1 and Alpha one outdrives. They are 3 and four blade props, "like everyone else's."

As to what you can do, make sure your engine is operating properly. Make sure your tach is reading correctly. Make sure your boat doesn't have all the passenger/gear weight in the rear. And make sure the hull isn't waterlogged.
That said, those boat are HEAVY for what they are, and that 1989 260hp engine might not be making 260hp anymore. I wouldn't be shocked if you had to go to a 15 pitch prop. Do you have trim tabs? They would help with planing issues.

 

[roc2178]

Re: 1989 Sea Ray 220 DA Prop Question

Steel thanks for the reply.... I found that the curb weight is 4000lbs dry (sea ray archive) and fuel capacity is 58 gallons, which I run usually keep about 3/4 tank or so. which adds about 300lbs. Is there a reason why you'd recommend the MC props?

 

[roc2178]

Re: 1989 Sea Ray 220 DA Prop Question

I do have trim trabs, however it seems once they get into the water, they have no pressure (they are in need of service) I checked the hydrolic fluid and cannot find leaks, I can only guess the pump is shot..... Thanks for the clarification on the dual prop, I wasnt aware of that. How would I go about checking if the hull is waterlogged? And the motor seems runs very strong and it only has 500hrs on it.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: 1989 Sea Ray 220 DA Prop Question

Short of drilling holes, the best way I know of to indicate water trapped in the hull is to weigh the boat. If it's unusually heavy, you "may" have some water issues. However, you can't necessarily use that manufacturuer's dry weight as an absolute weight, cause those numbers are notoriously inaccurate.
Not having trim tabs is a bad thing for that boat. In my opinion, you can not judge anything on that boat until they are working properly.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1989 Sea Ray 220 DA Prop Question

Steel thanks for the reply.... I found that the curb weight is 4000lbs dry (sea ray archive) and fuel capacity is 58 gallons, which I run usually keep about 3/4 tank or so. which adds about 300lbs. Is there a reason why you'd recommend the MC props?

Only reason I recommend MC prop is thats what you are starting with. It is usually suggested that for more predictable results stay with the same brand.
If a person were to go with say 3 different brands the results could be very confusing.Some of the experts here may be able to help you select a prop outside of a given brand with excellent results.

 

[roc2178]

Re: 1989 Sea Ray 220 DA Prop Question

Thanks for the feedback! I guess before proceeding any further I will weigh the boat and also have the tabs fixed so I will have the most the accurate information. I appreciate the feedback, and will reply back in the coming weeks will my findings.