19ft Four Winns Bowrider Volvo Penta 5.0 GI - prop help needed

[SecretSailor]

Out on the sea today for the first time in our 2000 Four Winns Horizon 190 Bowrider with a Volvo Penta 5.0 GiPEFS 250hp. The max speed, trimmed out, with 2 adults and my 2 kids (Under 7 years old) and a full tank of fuel was 38 knots (43 mph). The max RPM I could achieve was 4000 RPM. From my understanding the MAX RPM should be 4800-5000RPM.

My current prop is a 3 blade alumium with the markings 'VE 13 18'.

Any suggestions what I should run would be appreciated.

 

[jimmbo]

Do a Compression Test on the Engine. Spark(able to Jump a 7/16" gap) to all Cylinders?
Is the Hull Clean? No Hook at the Transom?
What Gear Ratio does your Outdrive have?
Is the Throttle Body opening Fully?

 

[Starcraft5834]

Out in sea for first time? new to you boat? ^^^ agree... you need to sort out your engine see if it's performing n hitting the numbers it should....the result of that will give u the direction to head in.... ie- yes "it should be" hitting 4800 rpms.. so why isnt it? assuming the engine is healthy... you likely have to much prop...if the engine is tired... you have to much prop. testing it, at least u know what u have there.. if tune up and fix on throttle body gets u to 4800, then u got it figured out... older boats can get heavy... i know i use to have one... my engine was fine... the boat was heavy, the prop had to much pitch. i dropped to a 15p 4 blade and completely fixed my issues