New (better, more efficient) Prop for Ciera 245?-gctid808342

[MCliettVFX]

Hey all,

I'm a noob, so forgive my limited knowledge for now. I'm doing my best to try to get up to speed ASAP. I just purchased my first boat (2003 Bayliner Ciera 245 with the 5.0 220HP), and in general I could not be happier with the boat. As I've noticed from other threads though, some people feel that these boats are underpowered and get bogged down ..especially with heavier loads (say more than 4 people, full fuel/water tanks, gear, etc.). I'm having the same problem, but even when it's just me, the boat won't go over 30KTS, and the engine RPM is pegged at 4000. It's also very slow to get on plane under heavy load. I'm wondering if this may be a prop issue. I have no idea what the prop is (standard 3 blade is what I see), but I'm wondering if it's not the most ideal for the boat. Perhaps it's too big or the pitch isn't the most ideal? I'd like to upgrade to something that will maximize performance. Not necessarily top speed, but something that will get up on plane faster maybe? I've seen some pretty fancy schmancy props out there like ones that look like a corkscrew? Seem to be two props stacked into one? Are these better? I definitely want to stick with aluminum as there tends to be debris in the waters around Vancouver. If anyone has any recommendations (especially 245 owners) and what has worked for them, I'm all ears. Thanks so much!

-Michael

[Ruffryder]

Seem to be two props stacked into one?...

That would be a Bravo 3 drive, yes they are better.

4000 WOT, you could be under propped & 4 blade prop will get you on plane better.

Verify what you have first.

[245ToGo]

I have the exact boat, 2003 245SB 220HP Alpha 1 drive. I had the precise issues you describe with 3-blade and 4-blade props that came with the boat. I finally spoke to our local prop shop and they set me up with an in-house prop they designed for their owner's 265SB, they call it an elephant-ear. Quite large blades (3-blade) and it absolutely woke the boat up. Even with 6 people and their gear and coolers I can get it on plane pretty quickly without having to use the trim tabs. I cruise at 25-26 mph (GPS) turning 3600 rpm. Top speed is about 35 mph (plenty for us) turning about 5000 rpm, maybe a bit more. I can send you the name and number of the company that makes them if you like.

[JonathanP]

Just bought a 245. Same issue here. I’d like the prop info please. Tks !

[245ToGo]

So sorry, I just saw your request for info. Contact Precision Propellers in Spokane, WA and ask about their "Elephant Ears" prop. Completely changed how my underpowered boat reacts in the water.

Precision Propeller Company
precisionpropco.com
5626 N Freya St, Spokane, WA 99217 · ~3 mi
(509) 489-7765

[2850Bounty]

...................

Hey all, I'm a noob, so forgive my limited knowledge for now. I'm doing my best to try to get up to speed ASAP. I just purchased my first boat (2003 Bayliner Ciera 245 with the 5.0 220HP), and in general I could not be happier with the boat. As I've noticed from other threads though, some people feel that these boats are underpowered and get bogged down ..especially with heavier loads (say more than 4 people, full fuel/water tanks, gear, etc.).
I would agree. The 5.0L SBC will lack the power/torque that this boat needs.

I'm having the same problem, but even when it's just me, the boat won't go over 30KTS, and the engine RPM is pegged at 4000.
Before you start throwing props at it, learn and understand what the OEM specified WOT RPM range should be and why.
This is a Test RPM ONLY, and is used to determine if the engine is geared correctly and is propped correctly.
This means that you will attempt to reach the WOT RPM range for a short TEST duration ONLY.

The boat should be loaded as you would normally.

It's also very slow to get on plane under heavy load. I'm wondering if this may be a prop issue.
*** It may not always be a result of a poor prop selection.
It can also be a result of poor engine tune, poor engine health, bottom growth, wrong stern drive gear reduction, and occasionally too many people on board, etc.

I have no idea what the prop is (standard 3 blade is what I see), but I'm wondering if it's not the most ideal for the boat.
Remove the prop and take it in with you when you visit the Prop Shop. Explain your scenario.

Perhaps it's too big or the pitch isn't the most ideal?
Very likely.
(see *** above)

I'd like to upgrade to something that will maximize performance. Not necessarily top speed, but something that will get up on plane faster maybe? I've seen some pretty fancy schmancy props out there like ones that look like a corkscrew? Seem to be two props stacked into one? Are these better?
If you are asking about a twin-counter-rotating-propeller system, that would be the Merc B-III drive, or the Volvo Penta Duo Prop.
Yes, either delivers more thrust to the water.

I definitely want to stick with aluminum as there tends to be debris in the waters around Vancouver. If anyone has any recommendations (especially 245 owners) and what has worked for them, I'm all ears.
Again, understand that the OEM WOT RPM specification is a test RPM ONLY!
It is not an RPM to be sustained for any duration past the testing period...... unless you wish to shorten the life of your engine.

This will be a "trial and error" procedure.
The boat should be loaded as you would normally.
You may end up testing several propellers until you find one that suits your needs.

Always error on the side of being under-propped... or in other words, accept a WOT RPM that is on the higher side of the range.
Conversely, if the engine cannot reach the WOT RPM range, it will be over-burdened at all RPM.

Once you do find the correct prop, purchase a spare prop of the same diameter/pitch.

Lastly, be realistic with regard to your expectations of a 5.0L SBC engine.
The 5.0L and the 5.7L both share the same stroke (3.480") but do not share the same bore diameter.
The small increase in displacement makes a difference.

[Bill245sb]

used a Michigan Wheel Apollo 4 Blade SS 993203 14 5/8 X 16 on my 2007 245. Worked well and was recommended by several on this site.