velociraptorfarmer
New Member
- Aug 17, 2021
- 16
- Boat Info
- 1999 185 Bowrider
- Engines
- 4.3L V6 Mercruiser w/ Alpha I Drive
I've got a 1999 185BR with the 190hp 4.3L V6 in it. Alpha 1 drive with 1.81 gears.
I've run a few different props on it with varying results. When I bought it this summer, the previous guy had a 14x19 3 blade black max on it, which was hideously underpropped and would run over 5 grand easy. Also gave me a 14x20 4 blade black max that was still slightly underpropped and would kiss 4900-5000 with 2 people in the boat, full fuel, and only get to 44mph.
I picked up a used 13 3/4x23 3 blade SS Vengeance off FB marketplace to give a try. It almost seems overpropped now, topping out at 46mph @ 4400rpm with 2-4 people in it, or 49mph @ 4600rpm solo. Not to mention hole shot, porpoising, cornering, and high speed ventilation are crap. Plus the wife wants to get back into waterskiing next summer, and this prop ain't going to cut it.
I'm looking at picking up a Turning Point Hustler aluminum 4 blade to give a shot, just not sure if there's something else I should look at instead? I'd like to not give up too much speed, and just want an all around good general use cruising prop. Also, what's the opinion here on size? I've heard the hustlers have some aggressive cupping and can load up more than what their pitch suggests. I'm leaning 14x21, but wondering if anyone had some other opinions.
I've run a few different props on it with varying results. When I bought it this summer, the previous guy had a 14x19 3 blade black max on it, which was hideously underpropped and would run over 5 grand easy. Also gave me a 14x20 4 blade black max that was still slightly underpropped and would kiss 4900-5000 with 2 people in the boat, full fuel, and only get to 44mph.
I picked up a used 13 3/4x23 3 blade SS Vengeance off FB marketplace to give a try. It almost seems overpropped now, topping out at 46mph @ 4400rpm with 2-4 people in it, or 49mph @ 4600rpm solo. Not to mention hole shot, porpoising, cornering, and high speed ventilation are crap. Plus the wife wants to get back into waterskiing next summer, and this prop ain't going to cut it.
I'm looking at picking up a Turning Point Hustler aluminum 4 blade to give a shot, just not sure if there's something else I should look at instead? I'd like to not give up too much speed, and just want an all around good general use cruising prop. Also, what's the opinion here on size? I've heard the hustlers have some aggressive cupping and can load up more than what their pitch suggests. I'm leaning 14x21, but wondering if anyone had some other opinions.