Speed -vs- prop(s)

[204 Escape]

Boat:

2006 LArson 204 Escape
Weighs 3100 #'s (according to the brochure)
Has a 5.0 Mercruser Carburated engine
220 H.P.
50 gallon fuel tank (full)
Alpha one drive unit
20'-1" long
Modified V hull





Speeds today, according to the GPS were as follows:

3250 RPM's-----32 mph----- 36 speedometer
3950 RPM's-----37 mph----- 40 speedometer
4900 RPM's-----45 mph----- 50 speedometer

It has a 19 P aluminum prop now.

I want a bit more speed, BUT, we pull a tube with the boys in it. (A combined weight of +/- 190 #'s)

I want a Stainless Steel prop.

Suggestions !?!?!?

Thanx,

204 Escape

[Chris]

Normally what you want to do is prop your boat, so when you're at wide open throttle (WOT) your motor is running in the max rpm range for it. Not below it, not over it.

As far as pulling tubes etc. typically more blades are better than less. The disadvantages of more blades is a loss of top end speed. But with a four or five blade prop you usually get a lot better hole shot.

So first thing I would do is figure out the max rpm range for your motor and then work from there.

-Chris

[Boat Tech]

This would be a good Stainless steel prop for over all performance for your boat, Either in a 19* or 21* pitch would do you fine and it will give you more speed over the aluminum design. Here is a link to mercruisers props they have to offer.
http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=126,49355,126_49361&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL.
New product Release (http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=126,52105,126_52109&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL) Propellers (http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=126,52105,126_52115&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL) Vengeance http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/PORTAL.wwpob_page_util.select_tab_for_persistance? p_siteid=126&p_regionid=12244&p_tab_id=52121&p_containerid=52105 Comparison (http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=126,52105,126_52125&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL) Hardware / Accessories (http://sites.mercurymarine.com/portal/page?_pageid=126,52105,126_52131&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL)
http://sites.mercurymarine.com/images/pobtrans.gif



http://sites.mercurymarine.com/pls/portal/docs/102/4078.JPG

Three-blade stainless steel design
Stainless steel performance and value with increased efficiency, strength and durability over aluminum
Precision handling and acceleration - better than most three-blade aluminum propellers
For outboards 25-250 hp and Alpha sterndrives
http://sites.mercurymarine.com/pls/portal/docs/102/4079.JPGhttp://sites.mercurymarine.com/pls/portal/docs/102/4080.JPGhttp://sites.mercurymarine.com/pls/portal/docs/102/4081.JPGhttp://sites.mercurymarine.com/pls/portal/docs/102/4083.JPGhttp://sites.mercurymarine.com/pls/portal/docs/102/4082.JPGhttp://sites.mercurymarine.com/pls/portal/docs/102/4084.JPG