23 Inboard numbers with new 16x17 wheel

[GetReel]

Well the IB prop questions never get fully resolved and its slow at work....most of the wheels run are 16 as Don stated. I tried a 17 and its too close to the prop pocket hull walls and REALLY loud prop rumble that is a headache, although the boat moves better. The 16 is about 2" off the wall and the max diameter you can probably run without an earache. If you are getting 18 @ 3000, thats about average with a full load. My question is what are you running at 3250?...I get about 21.5 @3250 with decent load with a 16 x 17 4 blade 5* cup. Thats the best you can hope for unless you start again with a smaller wheel and way more pitch...not sure you will get more speed, but may reduce the prop rumble. THe Blackfin offset is great until you loose an engine and then run in a circle, assuming you have twins.

[Miles Offshore]

well, instead of starting another new thread i will continue to piggyback off of this one. My boat is coming off the hill tomorrow. fresh 15.75 x 16 no cup. I also removed and cut off the keel protector that i have been loathing since i bought the boat. Sucker musta weighed 65/70 pounds and took a while to cut through it using cutting wheels. Anyway, I think I will gain at least a couple of knots without it as well as increased fuel economy and i think better handling as well.It was also a barnacle magnet, i wont miss that at all. But I did leave enough of a nub that I can have it rewelded back on if I decide for whatever reason I should. Not that i think i will wrap up a crab pot in my wheel or anything but if I do then I think thats what I pay sea-tow for.( no diving for me unless the water temp is 80+°. I will put up some new numbers thi8s week- keeping my fingers crossed.

[joey]

I agree with you on prop being to close to the bottom,that will definately make some racket and cavitation sounding stuff go on under there.I replaced a 17 inch 3 blade wheel on a little carolina boat with a 16 inch 4 blade, and increased the pitch some,and it cleaned it up nicely.

[riprunner]

Miles, Put on some spurs and that should help any grab trap problems. We've been running them on the blackfin for years and I put them on the Seacraft last year. I guess I'll never know if they have helped us from winding stuff up on the prop, but we haven't had a problem yet. It gives me some added security especially on a single screw.

[Miles Offshore]

Hey Rip- sucks to have to go swimming especially in the winter up here when the water gets as low as 40°.i have thought about those before- I think I will give them a try next time i haul next spring. My boat was in the water when i got off work today. i Took the ride back to the slip from the yard today and what a difference. Wouldnt you know I forgot my gps and dont know what my speed was but my performance and handling are like night and day. I do now have a very slight rumble at 700 rpms, not bad though.I was really impressed with the way it was running at 3400/3500 rpms and only about 11.5 gph. Just myself and around half fuel- 50 gallons or so, but i was moving along better than I have in years. My SWAG (scientific wild ass guess) was around 23 to 25 knots against a ebbing tide at 3400 rpms. Im Real happy (for now)-