Venture 26 / Honda 150 Prop Suggestion

kcassal

With a clean bottom (w/ bottom paint) and full tanks of fuel I'm barely hitting 30 MPH and 5,100 RPM on max throttle. I'm running a Honda SS 4-Blade 14 1/4 x 15 prop.

I've read some of the suggestions on C-Brats but many involve adjustable pitch props or are not clear about 3 or 4-blade recommendations.

Can any Venture 26 owners suggest a prop for the Venture 26 / Honda BF150 combination? I'm running at sea level.

Thanks!

srbaum · Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2023 6:37 pm Post subject:

I wish that I could help, but my 26 has a Honda 225 and the prop is stainless 3 x 14 1/4 x 17.

thataway · Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2023 9:42 pm Post subject:

You want your Max RPM to be in the 5500 to 6000 RPM range. This would require dropping the pitch by 2 inches. Or by going down one inch and a 3 blade prop. Let's see what others with the 150 (not real common--most have a bit more HP). But to hit 30 is very good with the 150, and suggests that your boat is light weight. You really don't want to run these boats over the high 20's. If you want 35, then go to 200 hp. But you will find the ride is not comfortable or stable as you reach the higher speeds.

colbysmith

kcassal · Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2023 11:07 pm Post subject:

Thanks all I really appreciate the feedback. I clocked 30 or 31 MPH so about 27 Knots with 70+ gallons of fuel on board, two adults and one kid. So not the lightest of loads but no camping gear and no water in the tank.

The manual says 'full throttle range' is 5,000 to 6,000 RPMs so technically I'm there. Just seems like it should be in the 5,500 to 6,000 range to me.

I'm not looking for speed, I named her Sea Slug for a few reasons Wink

. I just want to be sure the engine is happy and I'm getting decent efficiency. As sailors we feel like we are going fast at any speed.

Its a 2007 BF150 with only 370 hours on it so I plan to ride this one for some time before bumping up to a slightly bigger motor.

I have an aluminum 4-blade 14 3/4 x 15 that's never been installed but seems like this is going in the wrong direction.

Catskinner · Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2023 9:23 am Post subject:

My ‘22 26’ Venture, topped out at 43mph with a day trip load. Trimmed out at 5800 rpm.
Handling at that speed was rather light!

thataway · Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2023 11:16 am Post subject:

DayBreak · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2023 2:06 am Post subject:

kcassal,

What Bob mentions as C-Dory boats being sensitive to weight was especially true for us. With a light load, low on fuel and no water, we were fine with our original prop but with a full load, full fuel and water, we could not get to the recommended rpm range at full throttle. Only when we dropped the pitch by 2 inches were we able to get back into the operational range with our normal weight in extended travel. The original prop along with the purchase of a prop nut kit is in our emergency storage compartment. One additional purchase was a floating prop nut wrench which I thought might come in handy if I needed to make a prop switch from our dingy vs. a regular wrench which would sink to the bottom of the ocean floor if dropped. Smile

smckean (Tosca) · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2023 12:10 pm Post subject:

If you are interested, I have 2 SS Honda props left over from when I repowered my CD25 from a Honda 150 to a Yamaha 200. Let me know if you are interested. Price will be very reasonable

S3x15.5x15R

S3x14.5x15R

kcassal · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2023 2:01 pm Post subject:

I'm interested in trying a 3-blade vs the 4-blade on the boat now. Seems like it would get RPMs up. Obviously pros and cons to both. Probably the 14.5? PM sent.

smckean (Tosca) · Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2023 4:09 pm Post subject:

kcassal,

I will PM you, but here are some photos of the props (it's easier for me to post them here than in a PM). Both props are in excellent shape; nothing is bent or anything like that; just a few tiny nicks. The 14.5 will give you slightly more WOT RPMs; the 15.5 will give you slightly more speed. And yes, I have found that the WOT RPMs are higher with 3 blades vs 4 blades (I've had both).

14.5 inch pitch

15.5 inch pitch

kcassal · Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2023 11:55 am Post subject:

I now have Sandy's S3x14.5x15R from his old motor. The prop is in new condition and I'll report back after testing.

Current prop: Honda SS S4x14.25x15R
New Prop: Honda SS S3x14.5x15R

Should be an interesting comparison. I'll let ya know.

Thanks Sandy! C-Brats are great!

smckean (Tosca) · Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2023 3:26 pm Post subject:

You're welcome Kyle. Much better on your boat than sitting on the shelf in my shop!! Wink