Prop for Seafari w/4.3 Mercruiser

rhody98 · #1 02-27-2008, 10:13 PM

Been looking at the posts here on props, lots of plugs for the Mirage plus on the Seafari....and lots of good info for prop size for a 150 to 175 hp on a 20'. With the 190hp sterndrive, the merc prop selector says 14.5 x 19 for all around performance. Can't say I would be as interested in top end....but one never knows when the wild hair will appear. In any case I have seen 15+ x 19 3-blade mirage and mirage plus props on ebay. Thoughts on this size?

When I bought the boat last Fall there was heavy enough chain in the forward storage to drag a dozer out of the swamp, didn't think much about it that time and didn't ask the previous owner but pondering now he must have been trying to keep the bow down. I haven't had the boat in the water and it didn't come with a prop so I'm starting from scratch.

Fr. Frank · #2 02-29-2008, 12:46 AM

14.5X19 Mirage, or 15.25X17 PowerTech. (I'd go with the PowerTech.) Go to PowerTech Props

rhody98 · #3 02-29-2008, 10:40 AM

Thanks Father. Also wondering what to expect for performance differences between 3 and 4 blade props given my boat/motor?

Kahuna · #4 03-06-2008, 03:28 PM

I have a '76, 20' Seafari with the I/O. It is actually getting repowered as we speak (i need to post something ob the Main forum about that, but that is another story) so i am going to be in the same position you are in, looking for a prop, as the old 4cyl that is comming out was pretty tired and the lower unit gear will be different. i looked at putting that V-6 in mine, but the problem i saw was the motor was only "3 cylinders long and 2 cylinders wide" if you know what I mean vice the 4cy which is 4 x 1. I did manage to find one with the V-6 in it, and it sure looked to sit stern heavy. I agree, that chain was probably a perfect counter balance. I also agree, that i would love to have the extra power beyond the 135 that the 4cyl offers, and i did look into the bracket and outboard route. One of Strick's buddies on the sight here really set up a '75 I/O seafari with a bracket, and looks and seems to perform great. The thing i keep going back to is that it is only a 20' boat. i opted for the perplan reserve bouyancy vice the extra speed. After runnning it a few times, that chain may end up back where it came from. Best of luck.

Bigshrimpin · #5 03-06-2008, 03:43 PM

Hey Kahuna - I'm going to be moving back to MA in the next few months. You're welcome to come by and take it for a ride and compare the difference b/w I/O and bracket.

Rhody - I sent you some PM's on the prop.

thehermit · #6 03-06-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Hey Kahuna - I'm going to be moving back to MA in the next few months.

Big,
I take it the Seafari is coming east too? What about the 20MA? Will we see your braketed self tearing up the local waters scaring fish? Cheers.

Bigshrimpin · #7 03-06-2008, 08:16 PM

MA is up for sale now (with a commercial salmon permit - attached to the boat). The seafari is coming back with me

I'd love to take both, but that won't happen. Who knows maybe there is an old 21 or 23 out there with my name on it. Gonna miss hanging out with Strick

rhody98 · #8 03-06-2008, 09:33 PM

Kahuna, good luck with your refit. At time of the buy I too was concerned with extra 200 lbs of the 4.3 L vs the 3.0. But went ahead anyway and figured I'd just compensate by leaving oversized fishing pal shoreside. The chain is handy if I need it.

You're right the V6 does sit back a bit as you can see it opens up space forward where the original 4 cyl apparently extended to.

This is link that Hermit put me on to by two owners before me - stern didn't look too low in water to me but others may feel otherwise. pics by prior owner

Thanks Big, and everytime I see photos of your boat I think it looks great, like it rides smooth and you're having a blast.....makes me want to throw mine in water right away until I look outside and see the snow and ice and slush. Ooops, you're coming back..you will have to re-acclimate.

Kahuna · #9 03-07-2008, 01:20 AM

Rhody,
HAHAHHAHa if that boat sitting in Bass River is yours, that is the one I looked at! Really clean, and looked in great shape. That is a nice ride. The water line was painted a little higher than mine. The 4cyl extends forward to just aft of your forward bilge pump is shown in your photo. One of these days I'll get pictures of mine posted. Its actually on the cape right now for the motor install. Should be set to go first week of May. I'll be interested to hear how it goes, once you get the wheel right.

Big,
Thank you for responding. Yours was exactly the boat I was refering too. Very well done and the performance looks really impressive. Regardless of speed, every different picture of the boat , it just looks like it is riding just right and trimmed perfectly. Once you get back here and squared away, I might take you up on that offer. Quick ride and a few fish or something like that. Where in Mass are you headed for? Work related move?