Proper Propeller???

[SamiGuy]

Ok guys...I just bought 2013 Sweetwater 2286 with a Yamaha F115. Prop is "Ballistic" stainless 13 1/2 x 17. This is a cupped prop. Toon has 26" logs (not a tri) with strakes. Seemed as if on the "test ride", the prop wanted to blow out and a bit trim sensitive. A lot was going on... Going to have the prop hub replaced as it does rotate a bit off-center. Shaft is perfect. Lot's of dings and such on the prop, and wondering if I should think about dropping the pitch, if possible? Looking for insight and experience!! Let me know if anymore info is needed. Thanks!!!!

[mzodarg]

I'm by no means an expert, but I've been chasing the "prop" for almost a year.

You mentioned the prop was blowing out, can you be more specific i.e.... In turns, or when trimmed up etc... what hole is your motor mounted in?

My boat came with a 15x17P prop and I've tried a 15x15 enertia stainless steel prop with terrible results.

Prior to the SS prop install, I had my motor raised a hole and it will blow out at WOT in turns but it did raise the rpms 300 revolutions.

What's your max speed and RPMS? I'm hitting 30MPH but at only 5500 rpm's with SS prop I hit 26 at 6000 RPMs.

Provide the requested info and I'm sure others will chime in.

Regards,
Mike

[Ddancers]

Ok guys...I just bought 2013 Sweetwater 2286 with a Yamaha F115. Prop is "Ballistic" stainless 13 1/2 x 17. This is a cupped prop. Toon has 26" logs (not a tri) with strakes. Seemed as if on the "test ride", the prop wanted to blow out and a bit trim sensitive. A lot was going on... Going to have the prop hub replaced as it does rotate a bit off-center. Shaft is perfect. Lot's of dings and such on the prop, and wondering if I should think about dropping the pitch, if possible? Looking for insight and experience!! Let me know if anymore info is needed. Thanks!!!!

Hi SamiGuy

Here's My Sweetwater Forum Post on the subject.

Well another year coming up so I'm refreshing this Topic.
I'm not looking forward to facing the same cavitation, and slippage issues,
but not much choice so getting a head start on Forum to see if anyone has found a way to resolve the issue.
I was going to have propeller changed, but my dealer suggested I wait until the tubes were cleaned this year.
However I did go to the Yamaha site and used the online propeller guide.
The results came up with a recommendation Pontoon Performance Diameter: 14, Pitch: 11, or 14/12 or /14/13.
I asked the dealer what was currently on the motor and he stated a 17 inch or pitch but he wasn't sure witch, likely pitch.
I was surprised because that was way more than what was recommended on the Yamaha site.
I was a bit excited thinking that this might correct the condition.
To be safe I called Yamaha and was again surprised when the Tech stated that 17 in diameter was the correct size for the setup.
Now totally confused and wondering if anyone has try using a different propeller on the F115 LB engine with positive results

So if you find something that works better let us know, I know I'm interested.
I had an extended shaft installed and that improved the cavitation problem, but dropped the speed down from 27.5 to 22 MPH.
Had it engine raised after that two holes which gave me about 24.5, but start getting slippage after 3 minutes of running.
Don't know if the propeller flexes after a while or what, but it like a partial blow out speed drops to about 14 mpg.
If I slow down for several minutes I can do top end for several minutes before same thing happens.
It was 1.5 years without washing tubes (27") so taking dealer's advice, I'll see what happens this spring.

You sure your tubes are 26" and not 27" I didn't think Sweetwater offered 26", just 25" and 27" ?

[SamiGuy]

More info... I stand corrected, the tubes ARE 25". On the test run, we were running 29-30 mph on the gps. 3 adults and a 3/4 load of full...nothing else. Motor is F115 LA, mounted as low as it can go. Was turning 5500 rpm and was trimming a bit and did blow out when I trimmed, I guess, too high. Maybe I am being a bit too "wide-eyed" on this one. I did take the prop to the prop shop for a rebuild. The tech did say it was "bent", but would clean up just fine. I also ask him about the prop and he said it should be fine. He was surprised that this "high-end" prop was on a toon... As soon as I get things back together and on the water, I will post more info and see where I stand. I do appreciate so much you guys reaching out to help!!! Now if you know how I can get an owners manual for this "barge", I would be great indebted !!!!
Thanks, Sami

[Ddancers]

Asking for manuals is a common request of Sweetwater pontoon owners
Sweetwater doesn’t issue Owner’s manual rather what you get when you purchase are individual manuals for the Engine,
radio, steering unit, vinyl seat care, etc. Unlike other style boats that show deck thickness / construction and wiring.
I don’t know if any other pontoon manufacturers provide more, but Sweetwater is lacking in this area.
Here's a link to Sweetwater Owner Club you might find an owner who can fill any questions you have, however it's not a very active site.
http://godfreypontoonboats.vanillaforums.com/

I've called Sweetwater and if you get the right tech they will answer questions like tube thickness, what size trolling motor should you use, etc.
I don't always agree with their answers, but at least they've tried to assist in the past.

Your 29 / 30 mpg sounds reasonable for your setup.
Blow out from what I read sounds like a common problem for pontoon boats, and getting rid of it can be a challenge.

With My F115LB I got about 6100 RPM first time out still in 6000 rpm area.

[mzodarg]

Blowing out with motor mounted in the bottom hole is something new to me. I'm curious if your boat has one of those V shaped thingamagigs welded to the bottom of your transom. Like this:


my boat would blow out with motor in the third hole from the top with the slightest trim. Once removed, problem solved.

Your speed sounds about right for your set up, rpms could be higher.

Mike

[SamiGuy]

No, mine does NOT have that plate. Will get the prop back next week and try to get on the water ASAP. Will get some good, hard data and post. That for all the input.....keep it coming!!!
Sami

[dray63077]

What is the v thing in front of the motor for? I raised my motor up to the 2nd from the bottom hole and got better speed but it is much more sensitive to trim also. What would it hurt for me to remove it? 22 ft fisher freedom with 90 hp Mercury. 2000 model.

[teecro]

What is the v thing in front of the motor for? I raised my motor up to the 2nd from the bottom hole and got better speed but it is much more sensitive to trim also. What would it hurt for me to remove it? 22 ft fisher freedom with 90 hp Mercury. 2000 model.

A deflector of sorts, it helps prevent water from crawling up the back of your transom plate and rolling over onto the motor mount. What it also does is cause many boat to be trim fussy and blow out easy... My boat came with a 60HP Big Foot and on the lowest position on the transom I could blow out just running low on fuel and 2 souls on board. While cutting it off did not offer me much by way of speed, blow out was gone and I could really use the trim and lift the cones out the water. But it did allow water to really crawl up the engine which while it harmed nothing really looked weird.... My new 75 has the same underwater appearance as the 60BF did and is mounted one hole from lowest to which while I still have water crawl to a lesser degree I have no blow out and fair use of the trim in relationship to the bow but little changes in speed, just steering effort...

In conclusion no one regrets removing the V guide...

[ron nh]

I think you have the right prop.RPM's pretty good, I believe my 115 should be around 5800 but doesn't quite get there.

[Ddancers]

Ok guys...I just bought 2013 Sweetwater 2286 with a Yamaha F115. Prop is "Ballistic" stainless 13 1/2 x 17. This is a cupped prop. Toon has 26" logs (not a tri) with strakes. Seemed as if on the "test ride", the prop wanted to blow out and a bit trim sensitive. A lot was going on... Going to have the prop hub replaced as it does rotate a bit off-center. Shaft is perfect. Lot's of dings and such on the prop, and wondering if I should think about dropping the pitch, if possible? Looking for insight and experience!! Let me know if anymore info is needed. Thanks!!!!

Hi SamiGuy
First it’s likely you have 25” or 27” tubes don’t think they came in 26”. I have 27” tubes and purchased a 2015 240 DF Sweetwater Late 2014.
The total length of toon is 25’ 8” and I was able to get 27.5 to 28.2 first several time out. However around turn and even with slight chop would get cavitation to the point it was like putting on brakes.
It was an unsafe condition and my dealer install an extended shaft on my F115 Yamaha.
The cavitation improved but My speed dropped to 20.5 mph and I would get what I believe was now slippage where the speed would often but not always drop to 16.8 mph as rpm increased beyond 4200.
Upsetting to say the least I waited until the following year per dealer recommendation after having tubes washed.
I asked before putting it into the water that the service department check the hub and replace if there was any doubt at all.
The hub was stated by service to be find and not replaced. First several time out and the problem has been the same unable to exceed 16 mph often.
The boat is still under warrantee so I ask the dealer to please address the problem as soon as possible.
Note along the way had motor raised several holes thinking maybe now it was too low, but same results.
I know such issues are fairly common to pontoons, but even the dealer agreed my problem exceeds most.
The dealer stated they will address the issue but I’ll have to wait until they catch up from season start.
From 2014 to 2015 there were changes made that likely has cause some issues? I’ve been patiently waiting, hope it’s taken care of soon will let you know what happens.

[Sixshooter44]

I would try a 15x13 3/4, 17 pitch just seems too much to me. I run this prop on a 125 merc if that helps

[ron nh]

Ddancers, I can't believe you're still going through this. What the hell is wrong with them?

[Ddancers]

Ddancers, I can't believe you're still going through this. What the hell is wrong with them?

Yep -
Totally agree, and almost lost it a while back.
Needless to say I'm at a disadvantage.
In recent discussion I’m told they have to work with Sweetwater and long story short, there is a solution.
Regardless as to whether I like it, dealer was upfront stating they’re in the middle of launching over 400 boats, and until finished I’m a second priority.
That was two weeks ago, just sent email out asking status (Waiting reply).
Lesson learned, do an extensive test drive before you sign on the line.
When I first had it out didn't push hard enough to detect problem.
In general I like my dealer and they've done good by me in the past, but this does eat at me.
Most of my boating I’m trolling under 3 mph so I guess that helps soften the blow.
Just like everyone else there are times when you want to joy ride, pull a tube, or just catch the wind.
So yea – it leaves a bad taste, but I’m hanging in there.