On Thu, 10 Jul 2003 13:56:06 +0000 (UTC), Joseph
wrote:

I have a 1998 17ft Larson 176 SEI bowrider with a Volvo Penta SX Cobra 3.0
Liter with 130HP. I have a 3 blade alum. prop, which is 14 1/4 x 21 pitch.
It is lightly pitted and has very minor damage to it. At WOT my RPM gauge
reads 2300 with a top speed between 33-36 MPH in fresh water. My owners
manual states that the recommended operating range at wide open throttle is
between 4400 - 4600 RPMs. This is a big difference in RPMs. I have
trouble getting skiers up and have played with the trim and weight
distribution to no avail. Should I get a 4 blade, larger diameter, or
lower pitch prop? What else would cause it not to plan or reach the
recommended WOT RPM range? Thanks.

Wow. That's a *big* drop in WOT. It sounds like someone overpropped
your boat.

The 21" pitch may be a bit much for your boat and 130hp. I think
you'll end up with around a 17" or 19", but do some research. There
are a number of Mfr's sites on the web that will help you with this,
or go to your boat dealer.

*IF* your tach is accurate, you are lugging your engine, and you could
damage it. Don't put off checking this out.
noah

Courtesy of Lee Yeaton,
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www.TheBayGuide.com/rec.boats