Question:
I bought a 1997 Stratos model 285 Professional Elite with a Evinrude
Intruder 150 HP. I must admit it's my first bass boat. When I went for
a test ride the boat had a 14 and 1/4" 24 pitch Raker prop on it and
we hit about 65 MPH on the speedometer @ 5200 PM's with 1/3 of a tank
of gas. When I got home I put on a 21 pitch Soras 14" 4 bladed prop.
The hole shot now is very good (better then the Raker prop) but in
light chop today I hit 63 on the speedometer at 5200 RPM's. On the
hand held GPS when the speedo said 63 I was doing 58.7 MPH based on
the GPS.
What is the right prop for this boat as my marine guy really
pushes the 21 pitch 4 Bladed prop? I have both so I can change
anytime. Speed isn't the main consideration for me and the boat drove
and handled the situation well. I would just like to get the max out
of the boat and what it is designed to do with the 150 HP Motor. I
usually drive the boat less hard (4000 RPM) unless going the whole
lenght of the lake which is about 8 miles.
The only complaint I have is that the boat seemed to want to steer
slightly left and the pressure to turn it seemed high to me. The boat
looks almost new and has very little wear and I got it off Ebay from a
dealer 50 miles from me.
What do you think?
Answer:
-I'd call it 60 and leave it at that. GPS is fairly accurate measure
of speed, then again, the speedo you have is fairly accurate also.
Viewpoints on this are like noses - everybody has one.
For me, running at that speed, 5200 max RPM, I'll take it everytime.
That engine is fairly efficient, but not working it maxed out for long
runs is only going to benefit you in the wallet over time - both from
the wear/tear perspective and from less fuel.
Do you have hydraulic or cable steering? If it's hydraulic, then you
will probably need to work the system a little and add a little
hydraulic fluid. Is it is mechanical (a rotary worm gear with cable)
you might have to work the steering a little to loosen it up - in
particular if the boat has been sitting for a while. You might also
want to grease the steering tube at the motor - always helps.
The wander problem is the trim tab below the cavitation plate. Play
with it a little adjusting the tab to the opposite side of your wander
problem.
-The 4 blade must have been a 24 pitch prop. Otherwise you would have to
turn 6200 rpms w/ a 21 to get that speed.
Assuming the 4 blade is a 24 pitch prop then that should be about your best
performance w/ this rig.
You could drop down to a 22 and get a few more rpms which will help w/ the
hole shot but it will slow you down on top end.
A 4 blade will usually be a few mph slower due to its less efficiency on top
end (it is much more efficient at lower rpms but not at high rpms).
As for the steering wheel pull, adjust the trim tab which is directly above
the prop so it is pointed straight in line w/ the boat. Sounds like someone
has pushed it full right which will cause the boat to push left. Keep
playing with it until you get it where you want it.
