DaveyJ
Well-Known Member
New to Bennington & Pontoons in general - Just before the 4th, we purchased a 2013 2375GCW with ESP, Yamaha F150, and Sea Legs. Had 78 hours on it and was running a Yamaha 15 1/4 x 15 aluminum prop the day I took delivery and, with just me & 1/4 tank of gas, I was able to do 33.1MPH at WOT 5600RPM at 3/4 up on the trim gauge. I was relatively happy with this since the Sea Legs add 570lbs and some drag. I typically have had 6 - 10 people on board and have pulled a tube quite a bit and would max out at 23MPH loaded up at WOT 4800 to 5000RPM. I decided I would try a 13 pitch prop to pick up mid-range loaded capability and hopefully bring the light load RPM's up closer to the 6000RPM mark with the loaded RPM's more into the WOT range of 5-6000RPM. I switched over to a Solas Amita 3 16x13 aluminum prop a week ago and had some confusing results. WOT with just me & a buddy on board and 1/4 tank of gas was 29MPH at 5400 RPM. Trim seemed to make no difference in speed or RPM's I fully expected the RPM's to increase, not decrease. The mid-range holding power seemed better but still would not exceed 5000RPM. I am wondering if the drag of the Sea Legs is playing into the results. The boat's normal attitude when sitting in the water is very "ass heavy" and I am wondering about trying to get some stern lift to allow better water flow between the toons. Can raising the motor help to achieve this? It's currently in hole #1 (lowest setting). Also wondering about people's experiences with 4 blade props. I know I eventually want a SS prop but am experimenting some prior to taking that plunge. Thoughts? Thanks!