In this day and age of instant educational resources of the internet , it’s amazing how much info on a subject you can learn in short order. It becomes an issue of sifting through the philosophy vs facts and opinions, and coming up with a solution using a bit of common sense. Sometimes a bit of trial and error.
My 19’ Bluewater Cuddy has a 4.3 with a 2 barrel carb that runs like a top. But I’m still learning how to run it. Being my first inboard motor boat it can be a bit intimidating at times. The trim switches seem to be working ok, but the trim gage is dead. So bringing my boat out of the hole is kind of a feel thing right now. I lower the out drive as far as she goes, give her hell, and she comes up on plane fairly quick with one or two people in the boat, and trim it up or down a fuzz watching the rpm gage.
But yesterday we loaded up a bunch of gear, two dogs, and had 4 people on board, and I was disappointed at the difference coming up on plane. It took way too long IMO. I was questioning if it was operator error, trim switch issues, , wrong prop, or just adding another 400 -500 pounds should make that much difference?
my set up has a 3 blade aluminum prop. Looks to be a forged prop, not the lower budget welded blade version. It’s got a few dings in it too, but looks to be in good shape. My problem is I have no idea if it’s the stock prop, or not. Once it’s up on plane, it scoots along about 35-36 mph at 4000 rpms and I don’t push it much past that much. No need....
after my research on props, I believe the 3 blade aluminum has the best efficiency. But I have no idea what pitch it is, or whether it’s the right one or not. This whole boat owner thing has a hell of a learning curve. Kirk