Volvo Penta SX Prop ID

[Jprevat]

This prop was on the boat when I got it and I just want to know what I have. The boat is a Sunbird 200 Corsair SL with a 4.3GL and a VP SX outlive.

Thanks ahead of time guys.

 

[ejnichol]

google

 

[Jprevat]

I did. Seems like it is a vp original from what I could find. The only thing that had me wondering was that with that model number the only prop popping up was an aluminum model.

 

[Scott06]

I did. Seems like it is a vp original from what I could find. The only thing that had me wondering was that with that model number the only prop popping up was an aluminum model.

See this diff part number but in bottom of listing says new part number supersedes part on your prop https://www.generalpropeller.com/3-...llers-for-sx-4-3-4-gearcase/3860709?limit=100 but diameter is slightly off at 14.75” …

also listed this part number in OMC catalog and diameter matches https://www.boats.net/product/omc/3850313

maybe the old omc number was superseded by the VP number after they took over omc drive business years ago

bottom line does it work ok and do you get to correct wot rpm ….

 

[Jprevat]

Thank you so much Scott. The diameter discrepancy had me wondering if this was a VP original. The old tac was a 1998 oem piece that was inconsistent at best so I just put in a new Sierra Lido unit to see where I'm at WOT. It is a little slow out of the hole when I have the boat loaded down but not too bad. That "+" after the pitch had me thinking there may be some extra cup to the blade lip and maybe that was an obsolete characteristic with modern prop tech.
I will be servicing it for the season and testing it soon so we will see what's really going on.
Thank you again for that info!

 

[Scott06]

Thank you so much Scott. The diameter discrepancy had me wondering if this was a VP original. The old tac was a 1998 oem piece that was inconsistent at best so I just put in a new Sierra Lido unit to see where I'm at WOT. It is a little slow out of the hole when I have the boat loaded down but not too bad. That "+" after the pitch had me thinking there may be some extra cup to the blade lip and maybe that was an obsolete characteristic with modern prop tech.
I will be servicing it for the season and testing it soon so we will see what's really going on.
Thank you again for that info!

a lot of modern props have cup like Merc Enteria and Revolution 4

See where your WOT is if low maybe try a 19" if you aren't happy with loaded performance

 

[Jprevat]

So I finally got a chance to run wide open after replacing a bad gimbal bearing and all the accompanying parts.

With the new tach I am actually overreving a bit and seeing 48 mph by gps and 5k rpms with just myself and full tank of gas.

Once I get a few more bodies on the boat I will report back. I am very tempted to grab a 21 pitch 4 blade and see where that lands me.

 

[QBhoy]

So I finally got a chance to run wide open after replacing a bad gimbal bearing and all the accompanying parts.

With the new tach I am actually overreving a bit and seeing 48 mph by gps and 5k rpms with just myself and full tank of gas.

Once I get a few more bodies on the boat I will report back. I am very tempted to grab a 21 pitch 4 blade and see where that lands me.

A good 21” 3 blade stainless will see you right. Little quicker, more efficient and drop a few rpms into the top of the rpm range.

 

[Jprevat]

A good 21” 3 blade stainless will see you right. Little quicker, more efficient and drop a few rpms into the top of the rpm range.

I currently have the VP factory 3 blade stainless prop in a 21". I'm cruising Craigslist looking for a 23" 3 blade to see what I can find.

 

[Scott06]

So I finally got a chance to run wide open after replacing a bad gimbal bearing and all the accompanying parts.

With the new tach I am actually overreving a bit and seeing 48 mph by gps and 5k rpms with just myself and full tank of gas.

Once I get a few more bodies on the boat I will report back. I am very tempted to grab a 21 pitch 4 blade and see where that lands me.

If those are accurate you are propped correctly. I think the VP ss props are fairly decent. I personally prefer 4 blades as loaded watersports is my typical use , i would drop down in pitch if you go four blade nothing wrong with being bale to tap the rev limiter lightly loaded, better off nipping top end vs on the low end of the range

 

[Jprevat]

I'm thinking the same thing.

 

[QBhoy]

I currently have the VP factory 3 blade stainless prop in a 21". I'm cruising Craigslist looking for a 23" 3 blade to see what I can find.

No worries. I thought the part number may have started with an “8” if it was VP. Probably wrong though. Doesn’t look too great a quality, with its rust showing perhaps.

 

[Jprevat]

No worries. I thought the part number may have started with an “8” if it was VP. Probably wrong though. Doesn’t look too great a quality, with its rust showing perhaps.

I think it's just showing it's 24 years of age. The rust is only on the surface and can be taken off easily... I should probably do something about it sooner rather than later though.

 

[Jprevat]

If those are accurate you are propped correctly. I think the VP ss props are fairly decent. I personally prefer 4 blades as loaded watersports is my typical use , i would drop down in pitch if you go four blade nothing wrong with being bale to tap the rev limiter lightly loaded, better off nipping top end vs on the low end of the range

Did you notice any real loss in the top end after dropping pitch and going 4 blade? I really wouldn't mind the extra low end when I have 6 head and a couple of coolers on board if it means I can still top out around 45 mph.

 

[Scott06]

Did you notice any real loss in the top end after dropping pitch and going 4 blade? I really wouldn't mind the extra low end when I have 6 head and a couple of coolers on board if it means I can still top out around 45 mph.

Yes and no...
First time I used a 4 blade (old boat- '91 17 ft Sea ray 170/3.0L)
Went from 17" or 19" (skiing/Cruising) Black Max to a 16" or 18" (again skiing or cruising) Michigan Vortex 4 blade (aluminum).

Lower pitch ski props aside, Boat was better in every performance parameter except top speed- hole shot, stern lift, lower planning speed with the 4 blade. Lost 3-4 mph top end, but the cruising was much nicer, engine didn't seem labored as much. Reality is I didn't miss the top end as rarely is it smooth enough to really use it...made an underpowered boat much much more useable.

Current boat - '04 Sea Ray 200 sport 5.0 carb
the three props I've run are
21" Vensura 4 blade (also called offshore) 44 mph 4900-5000 rpm, 20% slip, but best holeshot of the bunch
22" Enertia - 47 mph, 4850 rpm, 14% slip
21" Revolution 4- 48mph, 4900 rpm, slip 12%

This is why I said yes and no on loss of top speed... best hole shot is with the vensura, pulling up skiiers (I'm 285 lbs) with 6-7 people in the boat is no issue, but I couldn't trim out all with out the prop blowing out. Enertia gave up too much hole shot. While the Revolution 4 is almost too much bite for this engine I can fully trim up vs the other props and get the hull out of the water. which is why I get the best top speed with a 4 blade.. The difference between 1/4 trim and 1/2 trim is about 3 mph /300 rpm on the engine when the prop is up on the surface.

The vensura is smaller in diameter, cup, and blade area, so the engine can spin up to its power band easier but didn't work in other areas as well. My boat is fairly heavy and has a deep V for its size, your hull may be different. I did open up the vent plugs on the Rev4 to improve hole shot, I think I use the medium plugs.

So obviously a lot of trial and error. I did this over two years as I bought the props used on ebay when they popped up... The best value out of all these props was the aluminum Michigan Vortex 4 blades. I think I paid like $135 or $150 back in the day. They were good props to learn about prop performance on. Certainly not as good performance as the SS ones, but easier on the wallet. I would think a 18" 4 blade Aluminum might be a good option if you want to experiment and see if you like the performance before investing in a $600-800 prop...

 

[Jprevat]

It seems I may be about to wade into some deep waters. Lol

I suppose I better start cruising the ebay listings to see what I can find.

Thank you for taking the time to explain everything to me like that too btw.

Just a side note but will a merc prop with a 15 spline hub work on an sx? I have some cross-referencing to do but a 4 blade ss 20 pitch for 250 sounds like a steal.

 

[Scott06]

Thank you for taking the time to explain everything to me like that too btw.

Just a side note but will a merc prop with a 15 spline hub work on an sx? I have some cross-referencing to do but a 4 blade ss 20 pitch for 250 sounds like a steal.

Any time.
the key is to match your boat and how you like to use it to a prop.

I forgot you are running a 21 now not a 19" so likely 20" 4 blade would be ok. I think the props will fit but you might need a different hub kit or thrust washer , would really depend on the prop. Best bet to get the part number and call the prop manufacturer.

 

[QBhoy]

Yes and no...
First time I used a 4 blade (old boat- '91 17 ft Sea ray 170/3.0L)
Went from 17" or 19" (skiing/Cruising) Black Max to a 16" or 18" (again skiing or cruising) Michigan Vortex 4 blade (aluminum).

Lower pitch ski props aside, Boat was better in every performance parameter except top speed- hole shot, stern lift, lower planning speed with the 4 blade. Lost 3-4 mph top end, but the cruising was much nicer, engine didn't seem labored as much. Reality is I didn't miss the top end as rarely is it smooth enough to really use it...made an underpowered boat much much more useable.

Current boat - '04 Sea Ray 200 sport 5.0 carb
the three props I've run are
21" Vensura 4 blade (also called offshore) 44 mph 4900-5000 rpm, 20% slip, but best holeshot of the bunch
22" Enertia - 47 mph, 4850 rpm, 14% slip
21" Revolution 4- 48mph, 4900 rpm, slip 12%

This is why I said yes and no on loss of top speed... best hole shot is with the vensura, pulling up skiiers (I'm 285 lbs) with 6-7 people in the boat is no issue, but I couldn't trim out all with out the prop blowing out. Enertia gave up too much hole shot. While the Revolution 4 is almost too much bite for this engine I can fully trim up vs the other props and get the hull out of the water. which is why I get the best top speed with a 4 blade.. The difference between 1/4 trim and 1/2 trim is about 3 mph /300 rpm on the engine when the prop is up on the surface.

The vensura is smaller in diameter, cup, and blade area, so the engine can spin up to its power band easier but didn't work in other areas as well. My boat is fairly heavy and has a deep V for its size, your hull may be different. I did open up the vent plugs on the Rev4 to improve hole shot, I think I use the medium plugs.

So obviously a lot of trial and error. I did this over two years as I bought the props used on ebay when they popped up... The best value out of all these props was the aluminum Michigan Vortex 4 blades. I think I paid like $135 or $150 back in the day. They were good props to learn about prop performance on. Certainly not as good performance as the SS ones, but easier on the wallet. I would think a 18" 4 blade Aluminum might be a good option if you want to experiment and see if you like the performance before investing in a $600-800 prop...

Those Rev 4s do so well, for a 4 blade eh. The bravo 4 blade is also very good.
Really surprised at the figures there from the enertia though. Can be a funny prop to get dialled in. I found them at their best if you gradually trim them up slowly to keep it hooked up. They take so much trim

 

[Scott06]

Those Rev 4s do so well, for a 4 blade eh. The bravo 4 blade is also very good.
Really surprised at the figures there from the enertia though. Can be a funny prop to get dialled in. I found them at their best if you gradually trim them up slowly to keep it hooked up. They take so much trim

Yeah i know you dont like 4 blades…. both the enertia and rev 4 played very well at high trim levels , if i recall the enertia could trim almost all the way up.

the rev 4 as you are going faster you can keep adding trim up, if you slow down and are still trimmed out and then punch it it will blow out…same as you mention about enertia. I think my results are more about the hull , its just back heavy Throws a fairly big wake so needs all the stern lift it can get.

 

[QBhoy]

Yeah i know you dont like 4 blades…. both the enertia and rev 4 played very well at high trim levels , if i recall the enertia could trim almost all the way up.

the rev 4 as you are going faster you can keep adding trim up, if you slow down and are still trimmed out and then punch it it will blow out…same as you mention about enertia. I think my results are more about the hull , its just back heavy Throws a fairly big wake so needs all the stern lift it can get.

Good comment Scott. I just admit. I might be warming to the abilities of a 4 blade, on a light big outboard powered fast boat. They seem to stabilise them at speed for sure.