Another post on props 228 Seafarer F225

[bazzturd]

Looking to see what props you guys are running on 228 Seafarer with either F225 or F250 in the 3.3L.

Please please can you post replies if you actually have this boat and engine. People on social media are clowns and I only want data and experience from people with this boat.

I am currently running Powertech OFS4 15.25 x 15P on a 2005 Seafarer 228 with 2005 F225 3.3L. Boat has hardtop, 50 gallon bait tank, and auxiliary fuel tank. No bottom paint, clean and engine is tight as a drum with low hours. My engine is mounted through the top hole of the bracket and the second to top hole on the engine.

I have already dealt with Ken at Prop Gods and he recommended the prop I have. I have a heavy load and really am just trying to decide if I need to run without extra fuel and take bow trolling motor batteries out on shorter trips to improve cruising speeds.

Currently on plane at 4k RPM and only getting 21mph noted on two different GPS systems and on my digital Yamaha meter.

I hear of people getting 25mph at 3500rpm. I think I can get in that range with a light load running the 16P in the same model prop.

If you have some better numbers what prop are you running with what kind of load?

Again, other engines and hulls are useless in me figuring out what I want to do, so please refrain from wasting time here.

Thanks

 

[SeanC]

I have a 2006 250hp running a SWSII 15 1/2 x 17. Hardtop, enclosure, bottom paint, 92gal fuel, no aux tank yet, 2-3 people. Planing well before 4k. Getting close to 25mph at 3500rpm. 42-43mph 5600rpm. Was thinking of going to the prop you have. Find the boat is a bit stern heavy and could benefit from the extra lift of a 4 blade. The extra bite should help with the tendency to fall of the plane in lumpy weather. Are your trolling batteries forward ( in the cabin) or at the transom. If they are at the transom that weight won’t be helping you getting on the plane especially if your live bait is full. Is there anyone in the transom seats? What speed are you getting at wot. How much does it improve as you use up the fuel in the main tank?

 

[glacierbaze]

2000 Seafarer 228. OX66225. Hard top.
I ran an OFS4 (15.25 X 16)most of this summer, just took it off last week-end, to see if my mpg would go back to where it was previously, at 3mpg. The PT OFS4 was never better than 2.75 mpg, but it has a broad mid-range power band, usually 10 mph slower than the rpms. Example 4500 rpm =35 mph, 4000 rpm =30mph, 3500 rpm =25 mph, etc. With the right conditions, a little chop, and trim and tabs, I can run on plane between 15 and 20 mph.
If I can still get 3+ mpg with the Yam 17M, I will stick with it.
92 gallon tank, 20 water, 2 adults is my normal load.

 

[bazzturd]

I have a 2006 250hp running a SWSII 15 1/2 x 17. Hardtop, enclosure, bottom paint, 92gal fuel, no aux tank yet, 2-3 people. Planing well before 4k. Getting close to 25mph at 3500rpm. 42-43mph 5600rpm. Was thinking of going to the prop you have. Find the boat is a bit stern heavy and could benefit from the extra lift of a 4 blade. The extra bite should help with the tendency to fall of the plane in lumpy weather. Are your trolling batteries forward ( in the cabin) or at the transom. If they are at the transom that weight won’t be helping you getting on the plane especially if your live bait is full. Is there anyone in the transom seats? What speed are you getting at wot. How much does it improve as you use up the fuel in the main tank?

Trolling batteries are in the berth wear the portable toilet goes. I don't use the transom lice well, I have a 50 gallon bait tank in the middle of the cockpit. No one in the transom ever. I never go WOT. I think a couple times mid 5k rpm was WOT at about 35mph. I get a few mph when I have burned most of the the Aux tank.

I had a 17m 13 3/4 x 17 and it would haul ass WOT 6k rpm and do mid 40's (mph) but wouldn't plane for shit, like 4800rpm to plane. Clearly not the right prop, but that is what I had when I got it. Then went straight to OFS4

 

[bazzturd]

Lighten the load up and go for a spin. See what that gets you. But 15" is awful small - no wonder your numbers are what they are. If you're running a heavier load (although what you've listed isn't all that abnormal) most of the time, put a set of trim tabs on there. Those will make a world of difference on hole shot and lower speed cruising ability. Then you can jump back up a 17" prop.

Never heard of anyone running a 17" on these F225 or F250's. You mean 17P?

 

[wrxhoon]

I run a 17" pitch on my 228 with a 250 hp 4.2 Yamaha, I get close to 6000 RPM wot on calm water trimmed out with heavy loads.
3.3L has 2.0 gear ratio
4.2L has 1.75 gear ratio.
I'm sure Dennis meant a 17" pitch not diameter.

 

[Ky Grady]

Turd,,,,, what's your WOT with your current prop??

 

[bazzturd]

I run a 17" pitch on my 228 with a 250 hp 4.2 Yamaha, I get close to 6000 RPM wot on calm water trimmed out with heavy loads.
3.3L has 2.0 gear ratio
4.2L has 1.75 gear ratio.
I'm sure Dennis meant a 17" pitch not diameter.

I wonder what that 0.25 difference in gear ratio translates to in how much or less prop it can swing?

 

[glacierbaze]

My boat jumps on plane with either the 15.25X16 OSF4, or the M17(15.25).
15P might not be the right prop, but it should get you on plane even quicker.

What hole on the engine, and what hole on the bracket is your motor mounted in?

 

[bazzturd]

Turd,,,,, what's your WOT with your current prop??

Mid 5k rpm and mid 30's mph

My boat jumps on plane with either the 15.25X16 OSF4, or the M17(15.25).
15P might not be the right prop, but it should get you on plane even quicker.

What hole on the engine, and what hole on the bracket is your motor mounted in?

I mentioned it in my post but bolt is in top hole of bracket and second from top on engine.

 

[wrxhoon]

I wonder what that 0.25 difference in gear ratio translates to in how much or less prop it can swing?

At 6000 RPM my prop spins 3428 times per minute and yours 3000.

 

[bazzturd]

Went for a quick run with the kids yesterday. I was able to trim the crap out of it and get it to 6100 bit never gained any speed. Actually lost speed. 4100 rpm made 20.5 kts and 5500rpm made 32.5 kts. Two kids (90 lbs total), both fuel tanks full, 50 gallon bait tank full, some gear and light ice. Obviously with all the equipment mentioned in the original post.

 

[bazzturd]

At 6000 RPM my prop spins 3428 times per minute and yours 3000.

I'd love to make a drastic jump to the OFS4 in 17P to see how it runs but throwing props at it at $600 a pop will get old.

 

[glacierbaze]

Where are you located? Someone might let you try a prop.

 

[bazzturd]

Huntington Beach, CA