230 Explorer Prop Selection

[Nozzlehawg]

I have re-powered my 230 explorer with a low hour Yamaha 250 OX66 that I picked up. The motor was on a much smaller and lighter CC. It came with a 15 1/4 x 21M prop. I can't get it up to WOT rpm with this much prop on the boat. From what I can tell it seems like it needs to come down to somewhere around 19 pitch or possibly less. Hopefully someone can advise me with a similar powered boat on this hull. There is not any boat shops in my area that will just let me try one until I get it right and the SS props are pricey. Thanks guys.

[bondobill]

Our fearless leader  :) ......RickK....has the same setup
I would guess he will  chime in shortly

[RickK]

I am not sure what prop I have on my 250 Yammy.  It's a long walk out to take a look at it (I'm in the UK for 2 more weeks) so give me some time and I'll let you know.
We have a few other members with 230s, one that comes to mind is intheblood - maybe in the meantime he can add some insight.

[wingtime]

I would say you need at most a 19" pitch.  I have a 17" on my 245 Explorer.  What is your max WOT RPM you can get now?  As a general rule a inch decrease in pitch will give you about 200 RPM WOT increase.

[Nozzlehawg]

Right now it's only 4700-4800 and that's not loaded for a fishing trip. Just me and fuel. How would a four blade affect it?

[wingtime]

Right now it's only 4700-4800 and that's not loaded for a fishing trip. Just me and fuel. How would a four blade affect it?

yeah you need to gain 6-800 RPMs  So I'd start with a 17" pitch.  A four blade will get you out of the hole better.   See if you can get a loaner or test prop to try out.

[Capt. Bob]

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8420&p=71390#p71390

[Nozzlehawg]

http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8420&p=71390#p71390

Thanks Bob, I will give them a call first when I get ready to order one.

[Capt. Bob]

http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8420&p=71390#p71390

Thanks Bob, I will give them a call first when I get ready to order one.

I'm guessing that the offer is still good so a call will confirm. I believe they worked with several members in helping them get their boats propped correctly by allowing trial use of different screws until they hit on the best combo. Again, that may help you and I'd bet a call would confirm/deny.

Also, I'm going to relocate this thread to the Prop forum tonight. Please keep updating as you make progress. It's great info.

Good luck.

[Nozzlehawg]

I just saw the "Prop" section after you said that...

[Capt. Bob]

I just saw the "Prop" section after you said that...

NH,
We started that forum just for this purpose. The Forum members are always looking for prop and performance suggestions and it makes for a condensed area of search. As members like you post your findings, you add valved information to the group and for that we thank you.

Take a look and you'll see a good deal of data on the popular configurations of hull and motive power. You have a somewhat different set up (not a lot of 230s here) but still useful to the 225 and 245 models (a good number of those) that followed.

Who knows, maybe upon Fearless Leader's return from the Royal Birthing, he will gain a little performance tweaking insight for his craft.

Good luck.

[Nozzlehawg]

I will keep this updated as I start trying props. For now I have decided to go ahead and service the engine from top to bottom so I have my own record of maintenance. It is a low hour but I had it stored for a couple of years before putting on my boat. I pulled the O2 sensor and it was a bit nasty. This will affect my WOT for sure. Ordering all new filters, low pressure fuel pumps, service the injectors, thermostats and plugs. Also, I will check the TPS adjustment, oil rod linkage and the synch and link. Then it will for sure be at peak for testing props.

Back to selecting props, I found this link very helpful http://www.mercurymarine.com/propellers/prop-selector/#.
It has inputs for all types of hulls and motors.

Since these boats are bow heavy and more of a cruiser, I think I would want something that performs in the mid range best. That will keep my fuel consumption down as well. Really leaning towards a 4 blade since it will lower my planing speed and have more bite in following seas.

Maybe some others will have some input. It will likely be a couple of weeks before I am in the water with it.

[RickK]

I finally got the info you requested ... I have a Quicksilver Mirage prop # 48-18278.  It's a 15 1/2" 17P prop.  They still want a pretty penny for them too.  
http://www.deltaprop.com/boat-props/products.asp?keyword=48-18278