Quote:
Originally Posted by Benzzino
I have a 23’ center console with a 200 e-tec, can anyone recommend a prop size/pitch? Not sure if anyone is running a 200hp outboard. I will be doing a lot of fishing and cruising with the boat.
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BRP makes a small block 2.6L 60 degree V-6 200 and a big block 3.3L 90 degree 200 HO motor, so the right prop is very dependent on which “200” you have as well as the gear ratio in the lower unit!
The 3.3L motor is very conservatively rated and probably puts out close to 225 hp at the prop. It might have enough torque to spin a 3B Rebel prop, which is a very efficient stern lifting prop with very large highly cupped blades, and typically acts like it’s pitch is much higher than advertised. The 2.6L motor would not have enough torque to spin that prop fast enough on a boat as heavy as the 23.
The 2.6L motor is sold in versions rated anywhere from 135 to 200 HP. While NEMA requires that the actual propshaft of all motors sold in the US be within
+ 10% of the advertised HP, my experience, at least on the Gen 1 E-Tec’s, was that the lower rated versions of a given powerhead are typically about 10% stronger than advertised, while the actual HP on the higher rated versions may be more like 10% LOWER than advertised. My “150” was actually 168 HP at the prop, but the 2.6L “200” may actually be more like 190 hp. There may also be differences in mid-range torque characteristics which will affect time-to-plane. Just like highly “souped up” automotive engines which use high duration camshafts to get more high rpm HP at the expense of low and mid-range torque, different exhaust and intake port location/timing can do the same thing on a 2-stroke motor. I’ve seen discussions on the E-Tec forum on the V-4 engines, which are rated at 115 and 130 HP. Some very knowledgeable BRP techs have said that the 115 hp version actually has more mid-range torque than the 130 hp model, so it will plane quicker, although it may have a lower WOT speed.
I ran a 15x15 4B SS PowerTec prop on the 150 E-Tec on my heavily loaded 20’ SeaFari, and I could not just barely reach the top of the Optimum RPM range (5300-5500). The 4B 14.5x15P BRP Cyclone prop was even harder to turn, until I raised the motor about 3”!
If you have a 2.6L motor, you would not be able to spin either of those props fast enough on a 23. Although a 4B would probably work best for that application, you’d probably need something like a 15.5” x 13P prop, if anyone even makes something like that, maybe a workboat type prop.