"John" wrote in message ...
Hello group.
I just bought a boat after being out of it for about 15 years so I am a
little rusty at some of this stuff so I thought I would turn to the experts.
I have a 26' 1978 Sea Ray sundancer express cruiser with a 260 hp 350 chevy
engine. The boat engine will only put out about 4100 rpms if it is not going
into the wind and might get up to 22 mph and does not seem to plane well. I
thought it felt like it was not winding up like it should. According to the
mercruiser book for the boat the max RPM should be 4600 RPM. I took the prop
off today and it is a 17 pitch prop but I dont know the diameter. The number
off the prop is 48-79572-17. I don't know what prop it should have on it. I
called several Sea RAy dealers and they could not give me an answer which I
thought was odd. I am wondering if it is over pitched and how far should I
drop it down? Thanks for any help you can offer.
John

Well ... did the boat perform better with THAT prop years ago? If so
then the problem is power/motor.

If not then go one pitch down from 17 to 16 which will up the rpm by
about 400. There are dealers who let you try props until you find one
that works as long as you buy at least one and you dont damage them.

Useing more efficient props (quality SS)is a good idea if there isnt
enough power..

Matt