215 explorer 200 yamaha, Prop question

[MTBfish]

 my new to me explorer came with 15 1/4 X 19.  I am not able to get 5000 RPMs with a light load , my max RPM so far has been around 4700.  the motor is a Saltwater series 200. I heard there some other owners running a similar set up as mine and would appreciate their experirnces. Thanks in advance... Marc

[gran398]

Seabob is our resident expert on props, and most other tech inquiries.

He's a nice guy.

Welcome!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard Marc  :!:  :!:
Actually we have several resident experts on props and we're all nice  

[flounderpounder225]

Marc, Welcome aboard
My last boat was a WA 21 Chris Craft, with a 225 SWS on it, the 15.25 X 17 is what I had, ran it out 5400, your explorer is probably close to the same weight and hull, dropping to a 17 pitch might hit your mark.  Also, how is your hull?  Bottom paint, shells.. etc... I just gained 4-5 MPH and 200-300 RPMS by stripping and repainting my Osprey Hull.  If you have a friend that has a 15.25 X 17 prop, you might try and borrow it for a run, just to see how it does?  Good luck
Marc

[seabob4]

Might even try a 14.75 X 17.  The drop in pitch will pick you up some RPMs, but I don't think you'll see 600, what you're shooting for.

If you have a good relationship with a dealer, they may be able to let you borrow a couple props 'til you find the one that works...

[MTBfish]

Bob, i'm looking to hit 5500-5700 with my current load and conditions (3 people, low fuel, fresh water).  I think that will be a good range, as once I fill the tank with 100 G, load up some coolers with Ice, tackle, anyther person or two, and run it in saltwater instead of fresh, I may still be able hit the low 5's.  My challange is I live in Phoenix, play with the boat in the lakes, then fish the Pacific off the Baja Coast. I have to tune up and dial in the boat here, and see how it handles the ocean when I can drive the 7 hrs to get there. Did this the last couple years in a 195 CCF Wellcraft, but it was time to move up.

Bob, you indirectly helped my buy this boat, wanted to thank you for the info and all the advice.  Joel my freind was in comm with you while I went to Oxnard CA to buy the boat... sure you remember the bildge full of nasty growth and dead pump.. the boat sitting too far back on the trailer questions, etc.  all that was my new 215.

I have seen some Yamaha Tech sheets testing my mptor with different boats, and they have run from 15 1/4 X19 to 13 X 15, which to mee seems like a very big range.  Thus the question, what are people running with my boat/motor.  

Marc, thanks for the advise, and yes my hull could use some cleaning and paint, just taking the steps in a order of Priority.  I just made some adjustments to my trailer/bunks and need to get her back in the water and trailered again to see how all that work turned out.   But I want to start shopping for another prop, so if the right deal comes accross I can make it happen.

Thanks, Marc

[seabob4]

Marc,
Now I remember!  She's a great boat, forget all that BS over on THT.  Your trailer will do just fine with her.

Someone here will have a similar setup.  Miky up in Conn. has a 215, but he's got a 150 on her, so that ain't gonna work.  But someone will chime in...