A quick hello and can I pick your brains please?

[Porkey38]

Hi all,
first off, hi!
Looking for some advice and some info if possible, please excuse my no doubt stupid questions.

I have a stingray 501 zp bowrider, Bought it last year but only had it in the water 3 times to try it out(bought it at the end of season)

It came with 2 props, 1 has 3 blades, the other has more(vague i know)
what would be best for crusing with the family and what would be best for towing?

it has a yamaha v4 85hp engine which the former owner said was a good engine.
Its been flawless when ive used it but when i use the elec tilt function , some times it is very slow to move up or down and it sounds like the pump is cavitating to me, the fact that engine moves up and down , i tend to discount low oil level.
How often should i change the gear box oil level and what sort of gear oil should go in it?
thanks in advance for any tips or advice,
B.

 

[gravygraham]

Hmm - I presume after 24hrs of no replies to a newbie the forum thinks summat's up. Welcome. I'm no good on outboards but have you had a nose at Yamaha's website? Some manufacturers have a useful back catalogue of out-of-production engine info.

 

[landlockedpirate]

Welcome to the forum.

Impossible to tell you about the props without more information, we need the diameter and pitch (usually something like 13x15, 12.5x17 etc), this is stamped on the blades or hub. Without that information all I can say is that the more blades, the better 'grip' but the lower top speed, i.e. More blades for towing less blades for cruising.

I would change the gearbox oil annually, its easy to do and cheap, but it will really help with the longevity of the engine.

Trim and Tilt could be anything, lazy motor, loss of pressure, or simply needs more fluid.

Yes the Yamaha V4 is an excellent, if old engine.

 

[Porkey38]

I will have a wee look at the props and see if they have anything stamped on them, the three bladed one looks a bit past it to me, Its got lots of dings and nicks in it etc, Not sure what prop would be the best combination for my outfit, thx for the reply btw.appreciated.

 

[henryf]

Welcome

Is it worth seeing if there is anyone who can come over and service the engine as well as talk you through it so you are well prepared should something go wrong when you're out and about.

If there is air in the trim system through low fluid it will probably froth up and be ineffective.

I found it very useful to be present when my engines were last serviced.

Henry

 

[maverickofpoole]

Hi all,
first off, hi!
Looking for some advice and some info if possible, please excuse my no doubt stupid questions.

It came with 2 props, 1 has 3 blades, the other has more(vague i know)
what would be best for crusing with the family and what would be best for towing?
B.

Hi and welcome

Can't help re the engine but props well I have had varying amounts of success re-propping my current boat and am now very happy with a 4 bladed prop albeit on a totally different style of boat to yours. That said the principles of propping any boat are similar. Please bear in mind that it isn't given that either of the props you have are correct for the boat just because they came with the boat means nothing prove it for yourself. To determine this you would need to try both props with a tacho to see if your engine is achieving full rpm's at wide open throttle. If you can't achieve the engine recommended rpm's at wot or thereabouts you won't be getting the full hp out of your engine. If we assume that both props are the correct pitch and size then the 3 bladed prop should give you good all round performance with a higher top speed. The 4 blade prop will be better for hole shot (acceleration) and mid range this would be my choice for water sports and long distance cruising.

At the end of the day propping an engine correctly will add so much to your boating enjoyment it's worth the time spent getting it right.

Martin

 

[Spi D]

It is a matter of achieved rpm at WOT, carrying your normal load.

Here's a free booklet that will tell you all about it:
http://prop_.spidybot.com/Quicksilver_Propellers.pdf