I have a 1994 440 express bridge and have had a sooting problem. When I purchased the boat 7 years ago I was told props had been modified. I have since changed the pitch twice. I am going to change them again as still getting some soot. Anyone know what stock size props were supposed to be or what others are using?
440 express bridge optimal prop size
- Thread starter Gibsri
- Start date
Sidewinder770
Member
- Sep 25, 2020
- 85
- Boat Info
- 2002 Cruisers 5000 Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Twin CAT 660 HP 3196
What engines do you have? Mine came with 3 different size props from sea ray and none of them we "exactly" correct. You can also call sea ray and they will tell you what it came with but don't be surprised if they aren't the right ones you "should" have.
Caterpillar 3116. I found out from Searay that stock size should be 22-22-1.75
Mine are pitched right now at 18 and getting redone to 16.5. (issue is both engines sooting badly, replaced injectors and other trouble shooting). props were 19 and changed to 18 and it improved so going to 16.5. I am surprised that stock is 22
Mine are pitched right now at 18 and getting redone to 16.5. (issue is both engines sooting badly, replaced injectors and other trouble shooting). props were 19 and changed to 18 and it improved so going to 16.5. I am surprised that stock is 22
Sidewinder770
Member
- Sep 25, 2020
- 85
- Boat Info
- 2002 Cruisers 5000 Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Twin CAT 660 HP 3196
How many HP? Mine came stock with 22" as well but it came with 2 other sets one of which was 21" which was for the lower rated 292 HP engine. Going from the stock 22 pitch to 19, to 18, to 16.5 seems to be a band-aid for a bigger problem. I do have 3 sets of props I'm looking to sell if you need some. My stock was a 22x25-1.75" but that was for 430HP engines
Sidewinder770
Member
- Sep 25, 2020
- 85
- Boat Info
- 2002 Cruisers 5000 Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Twin CAT 660 HP 3196
Also- in general you can only re-pitch a prop 2 degrees of pitch from original spec (up or down). Were the props you have now 22 pitch when new? If so I don't think you could even go to anything less than 20 pitch with them. I certainly wouldn't take the advise of a prop shop that says they can re-pitch a prop from stock of 22 to 16.5 but that's just me.
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