[alberg30] Prop Ghurus assist, please!

[FINNUS505 at aol.com]

From: FINNUS505 at aol.com

Hi friends,
  Prop ghurus gather round!  Would a 14 x 11 prop be too big for a volvo MD
ll, 18 hp, on our boats, and could that explain the engine running at 240
degrees by the gauge, and not getting more than 3 or 4 knots in a slight
headwind and non-existant chop at 1700 rpm on the engine tach?

  It looks huge out of the water; three blades, 'Mickey Mouse Ears", as one of
our friends described to distinguish machine prop from sailing prop.(Thank
you- I was unaware of the different classifications.  I have learned so much
from this list!!!!)
  I haven't had a chance to trouble shoot the cooloing system of the engine. I
bought a new thermostate to install, and of course a water pump impeller.  But
maybe I need a smaller prop? What do the ghurus and mavens think?
  I certainly wouldn't mind a smaller 'sea anchor' back there to drag while
I'm sailing!

   Thanks in advance, friends,
    Lee Trachtenberg
    Stargazer, with the big prop, #255

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