Crown895
Cadet
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2016
- Messages
- 24
Good morning everyone,
I have a 2008 Crownline 180BR that is an absolute dream to own. It does nearly everything that the family and I like to do. However, I just can't seem to find the right prop for it. Realistically, I'd like to own at least two SS propellers, but right now, the thing I would like most is to have a prop with great hole shot, and decent mid range. Top speed is not a priority for me on a V6 sterndrive. I'm not really a noob on this topic, but I would like some advice on what others have tried on similar boats.
Let me give a rundown on the everything I have as far as the boat goes:
2008 Crownline 180BR
4.3 TKS 190hp V6 (repowered in 2013 due to a brief hospitalization and the block froze before I could winterize)
1.81 Gear Ratio
Monster Tower MTK with 4 tower speakers
27 gallon fuel tank, kept full
No trim tabs, no swim platforrm
Usually carries 4 adults and 1 ice chest, ski gear etc
Dual Optima Blue Top Batteries kept in starboard stern.
Prop 1:
Mercury Black Max 21P (Came with the boat)
Top Speed GPS: 48 @ at 4600 RPM
Holeshot: Just slightly better than trying to get a WWII German Tiger tank on plane...
Operation: Vibrated like a Harley Davidson at a stoplight, and blew out at anything over a half turn of the wheel.
Prop 2:
Solas Aluminum 19P
Top Speed GPS: 43 @ 4800 RPM
Holeshot: Slightly better than the Mercury Black Max
Operation: Much smoother than the Black Max, making me believe something was off balance with the Merc prop. Never really felt hooked-up. Like the boat was fighting for grip with the prop. Blew out in turns.
Prop 3:
PowerTech! OFS 17P
Top Speed GPS: 38 at 4800 (had much more on the throttle, but I didn't push it due to the low pitch of the prop.
Holeshot: Jumped out of the water like a cat in a bathtub
Operation: This prop shot the boat out of the water like a cork, but absolutely could not maintain any low speed planing when pulling a skier/wakeboarder. This prop was massive, I believe around 15.5" diameter, and never felt good on the boat.
Prop 4:
Mercury Alpha 4 20P
Top Speed: 46 @ 4700 RPM
Holeshot: Pretty decent, except under load. Probably due to the aluminum material.
Operation: This is on the boat now, as it has been the best overall performer. Holeshot is good, but it struggles to pull skiers out of the water when the boat is loaded. Excellent cruising prop, and allows the engine to reach the top of the WOT range, but when throttled at a stop, only spins up to 3000 RPM's, which tells me its over propped for what I'm trying to achieve.
Prop 5:
Mercury High Five 21P
Top Speed: 40 @ 4800 RPM
Holeshot: Disappointing, to say the least. Especially for how its marketed and the astronomical price tag. It will be on ebay later on today.
Operation: Very smooth operation. I haven't experienced the "backing up at the docks" problems that I have heard many forum members talk about. Runs like the boat is on rails when on plane, and actually keeps the boat on plane at speeds as low as 15mph. It will not blow out. HOWEVER, it takes just about as long as the Black Max did to plane. And it spins up to 4200 RPM when the throttle is nailed from a stop. Its like I don't even have a prop. It works the motor to death, and a full day on the water will require at least one refuel trip with a very economical engine.
At this point, I am considering the Vensura, or the Enertia. I haven't read anything great or bad with the Vensura, but it is very similar in design to my Alpha 4. I'm thinking a 19P Vensura may be an excellent fit for the way I operate the boat. I've also heard great things about the Enertia, but I've grown accustomed to not blowing out in turns, and 3 blades just seem to be prone to that. I'm up for suggestions if anyone has any. There are no prop shops around North Louisiana that allow you to borrow and test, so I'm digging in the wallet every time I want to "test" one. I'm also up for suggestions on other props if there are any suggestions. Thanks folks, and have a great day!
I have a 2008 Crownline 180BR that is an absolute dream to own. It does nearly everything that the family and I like to do. However, I just can't seem to find the right prop for it. Realistically, I'd like to own at least two SS propellers, but right now, the thing I would like most is to have a prop with great hole shot, and decent mid range. Top speed is not a priority for me on a V6 sterndrive. I'm not really a noob on this topic, but I would like some advice on what others have tried on similar boats.
Let me give a rundown on the everything I have as far as the boat goes:
2008 Crownline 180BR
4.3 TKS 190hp V6 (repowered in 2013 due to a brief hospitalization and the block froze before I could winterize)
1.81 Gear Ratio
Monster Tower MTK with 4 tower speakers
27 gallon fuel tank, kept full
No trim tabs, no swim platforrm
Usually carries 4 adults and 1 ice chest, ski gear etc
Dual Optima Blue Top Batteries kept in starboard stern.
Prop 1:
Mercury Black Max 21P (Came with the boat)
Top Speed GPS: 48 @ at 4600 RPM
Holeshot: Just slightly better than trying to get a WWII German Tiger tank on plane...
Operation: Vibrated like a Harley Davidson at a stoplight, and blew out at anything over a half turn of the wheel.
Prop 2:
Solas Aluminum 19P
Top Speed GPS: 43 @ 4800 RPM
Holeshot: Slightly better than the Mercury Black Max
Operation: Much smoother than the Black Max, making me believe something was off balance with the Merc prop. Never really felt hooked-up. Like the boat was fighting for grip with the prop. Blew out in turns.
Prop 3:
PowerTech! OFS 17P
Top Speed GPS: 38 at 4800 (had much more on the throttle, but I didn't push it due to the low pitch of the prop.
Holeshot: Jumped out of the water like a cat in a bathtub
Operation: This prop shot the boat out of the water like a cork, but absolutely could not maintain any low speed planing when pulling a skier/wakeboarder. This prop was massive, I believe around 15.5" diameter, and never felt good on the boat.
Prop 4:
Mercury Alpha 4 20P
Top Speed: 46 @ 4700 RPM
Holeshot: Pretty decent, except under load. Probably due to the aluminum material.
Operation: This is on the boat now, as it has been the best overall performer. Holeshot is good, but it struggles to pull skiers out of the water when the boat is loaded. Excellent cruising prop, and allows the engine to reach the top of the WOT range, but when throttled at a stop, only spins up to 3000 RPM's, which tells me its over propped for what I'm trying to achieve.
Prop 5:
Mercury High Five 21P
Top Speed: 40 @ 4800 RPM
Holeshot: Disappointing, to say the least. Especially for how its marketed and the astronomical price tag. It will be on ebay later on today.
Operation: Very smooth operation. I haven't experienced the "backing up at the docks" problems that I have heard many forum members talk about. Runs like the boat is on rails when on plane, and actually keeps the boat on plane at speeds as low as 15mph. It will not blow out. HOWEVER, it takes just about as long as the Black Max did to plane. And it spins up to 4200 RPM when the throttle is nailed from a stop. Its like I don't even have a prop. It works the motor to death, and a full day on the water will require at least one refuel trip with a very economical engine.
At this point, I am considering the Vensura, or the Enertia. I haven't read anything great or bad with the Vensura, but it is very similar in design to my Alpha 4. I'm thinking a 19P Vensura may be an excellent fit for the way I operate the boat. I've also heard great things about the Enertia, but I've grown accustomed to not blowing out in turns, and 3 blades just seem to be prone to that. I'm up for suggestions if anyone has any. There are no prop shops around North Louisiana that allow you to borrow and test, so I'm digging in the wallet every time I want to "test" one. I'm also up for suggestions on other props if there are any suggestions. Thanks folks, and have a great day!