Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

[Bonvivant]

Hey all. I'm looking for some prop advice for my

2003 Searay Sundeck 220. It weighs
3500 LB, not counting
50 gal. fuel
10 passenger load
new aluminum tower, with speakers X3, amps X2
Full tool kit..about 60 LB
2 fat sacks at 250 lb a piece..if I use them

it's got a deep V hull with 260 horse stern drive merc 5.0 small block V8.

Currently, it's got a 24 pitch Bravo III (dual) prop.

I'm having a hard time planing with all the extra weight, and most of it is in the back obviously. I've tried changing the loads up, but it's only helping a little. I mounted the tower towards the back, so it's adding to the problem a bit.

I'm looking to change my pitch, and was thinking a 20 P would work a lot better. Before I added the weight, I was running at about 51 MPH with a crew of two.

I do more wakeboarding than anything else..and we usually have a full boat...so I'm thinking 20 P would be better, with about a top speed of approx 40 mph?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

We need your wot rpm and gps speed.

 

[Bonvivant]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

She's winterized now. I wanted to get this done as a winter project, but it sounds like I might have to wait until it starts warming back up here. Thank you

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

You probably need two props -- one for wakeboarding and one for cruising. The current prop is obviously not right for either application. But when making prop decisions the three most critical factors are 1) what is the CURRENT wide open throttle rpm with what you consider an "average" load. (By the way 10 folks is a heck of a load for a 305 on any boat). 2) What is the speed at WOT (GPS numbers for accuracy), and 3) what is the manufacturers "recommended" WOT RPM. Without those three numbers selecting a prop is crap shoot. In your case, dropping to a 20P will raise engine RPM about 800 RPM so you risk overreving at WOT. I also suspect the current prop is lugging the engine terribly so you are rising damaging it. You are attempting to push a 6000# load with a 305.

 

[Bonvivant]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

I thought it was harmful with the current prop. I'll put a load in it before the season and get the numbers. It might give me an excuse to buy a GPS. Thanks again.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

SX Smart Tabs Trim Tabs for Boat Length 18' - 22' FT and 150-240 HP - Nauticus SX9510-80BL - iboats

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Those first prop second. They will do more for your situation than any prop ever will.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

Currently, it's got a 24 pitch Bravo III (dual) prop.

You probably need two props......

He's already got 2 props :bounce::bounce::bounce: (Just busting your chops there ST)

I'm with SS and ST that you need WOT RPM and GPS speed numbers as those prop sets are going to be kind of spendy to experiment with. Hauling 2 dudes is a lot different than a crowd of 10, 500# of fatsacks, amps, speakers, tower. A set of Smart Tabs will help getting on plane quicker with an extra load of 1500-2000#, but the tabs won't solve everything with that load and you'll need a set of props too. Though, the tabs could be the difference of needing a 20P or 22P prop set, to get the boat to plane quickly when the boat is heavily loaded.

(Whoops, TG beat me to the Smart Tabs)

 

[Bonvivant]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

Lol I have two props..funny brother...and true. All good advice. Ty

 

[doyall]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

A lot of good advice but ...

unless you boat in open, unknown water or offshore, I wouldn't sink the dollars into a high-dollar marine GPS. Go for an under $100 unit made for automobiles. It will get you the all the info you need for this venture. Just do not let it get wet.

I have a 22' sportdeck (Azure AZ220) with the 5.0L, VP duo-prop, trim tabs, tower, 55 gal. fuel, 10+ gal. water, with a dry weight reported at 4,300# so I have some experience. Tabs are a help but if you carry 10 people and still want to board/ski they will not be the answer. 20 pitch prop will likely be the best solution and sould get you around 40 MPH. No need to overthink this.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

I wouldn't sink the dollars into a high-dollar marine GPS. Go for an under $100 unit made for automobiles.

I have GPS speedo app on my smart phone, cost = $0.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Changing pitch to compensate for weight....and

I thought it was harmful with the current prop. I'll put a load in it before the season and get the numbers. It might give me an excuse to buy a GPS. Thanks again.

If you wakeboard alot, look at a perfectpass... Driving for wakeboarding is 10x easier, and the ride for the passenger is more consistent.