Suzuki DF 140 Prop

Biggles · 04 September 2006, 20:48

Now I've got my new boat its time to look at the ultimate prop.

Can any of you kind folk with a Ribcraft 585 and Suzuki DF 140 recommend the ideal prop.

Mine has the factory standard fitted. I'm sure someone on here has worked out the best one for my setup.

I'm looking at trying to improve top speed whilst at the same time maintaining most of my acceleration. I also found that whilst carrying out aggresive turns that the prop would slip in the water.

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards Nick R.

Downhilldai · 04 September 2006, 21:34

Take a look at this:
http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13500
roycruse put a stainless one on his Ribcraft 585/140 Soozook. I've driven this boat a few times and it is spot on. Pulls around 41 knots and gives really good acceleration.
If you want to get hold of Roy, you're best taking a look at:
www.cornwall247.co.uk

Hightower · 04 September 2006, 22:26

This any good Nick http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F96233/

Downhilldai · 04 September 2006, 22:36

18" pitch will be too fine.

Hightower · 04 September 2006, 23:43

Good hole shot though

. And even better for skiers.

Downhilldai · 05 September 2006, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Good hole shot though

. And even better for skiers.

But that's not what Biggles is looking for:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

........I'm looking at trying to improve top speed whilst at the same time maintaining most of my acceleration....... Regards Nick R.

Biggles · 05 September 2006, 18:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

This any good Nick http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F96233/

Andy thanks for the link. I don't want to do any experimenting. Certainly not at the price of props. I wanted to draw on someone elses experience.

Biggles · 05 September 2006, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Take a look at this:
http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13500
roycruse put a stainless one on his Ribcraft 585/140 Soozook. I've driven this boat a few times and it is spot on. Pulls around 41 knots and gives really good acceleration.
If you want to get hold of Roy, you're best taking a look at:
www.cornwall247.co.uk

Looks good to me.

toby4594 · 05 September 2006, 18:58

What size is the prop you have on there now .

Biggles · 05 September 2006, 19:14

Toby,

Not too sure of the first number. Can't quite tell if its a 3 or an 8 but the whole number to me looks like:-

8X14X21.

Its the standard Suzuki Alloy Prop.

Cheers.

toby4594 · 05 September 2006, 19:28

That 8 will be a 3 as in three blades I have S/S 14 X 23 you can try I lose to many revs with it on my ob but can get it repitched to a 22 what revs are you showing at wot.

Biggles · 05 September 2006, 19:37

Toby,

Not too sure of the revs I'm pushing as it wasn't that smooth on its major voyage so couldn't study it too well.

I wouldn't mind trying that prop after I've managed to get some accurate Rev counter and speedo readings in good conditions.

Then I'll have a basis to work on.

I will be in the Solent this weekend or maybe monday, all depends on the wind conditions as I'm trying to coax the wife out. I think it might cost me a handbag to match the boat tho, LOL.

So will keep you posted on my movements.

Cypman · 07 September 2006, 14:35

Hi Biggles

I have a DF140 on my 6.3m Ocean-Pro, with the standard ali 21in pitch prop I get a WOT of circa 6000rpm and 39kts. I tried Suzukis own 22in pitch S/S prop and it only gave me a WOT of circa 5500rpm and 38kts.
I have just taken delivery of Suzukis 20in pitch S/S prop (more expense!!) and will try it out next monday (Unfortunately I can't try it any earlier as we have a sailing regatta all this week-end and I am race officer). I will let you know how I get on with it.

Biggles · 07 September 2006, 14:40

Cypman,

Thanks for the help. I'll keep an eye on this post.

robin · 07 September 2006, 19:14

Nick

I have some experience of your set up.

I think you will probably find that the prop you have on your boat (the one that came with it) is giving you the optimum performance.

Optimum insofar as the balancing act between acceleration and top end.

If she gets a bit slippy or skittish in tight turns try trimming in a little (you probably have done already)

She was quick enough off the mark for my 12st son to wakeboard and long-legged enough to get to just under 43 knots (without him behind I hasten to add!)

If memory serves she pulled 6000 rpm (give or take a gnats tadger) at WOT...which, when the sea was downhill and the wind behind gave that 43 knots (well 42.8 !)

If it ain't broke...........you know the rest.

All IMVHO of course.

Best of luck, she's a superb boat.
Regards
Robin

Biggles · 08 September 2006, 06:35

Robin,

Thanks for the info. I must admit I've got a sneaky feeling the engine is set up correct.
I suppose I asked for some advice because I know people on here have the same setup and I wondered if they had the ultimate setup.
I'm not going to rush out and buy a new prop because I need to study the WOT readings and top speed under more pleasant conditions than last weekend.
I'm certainly happy with the acceleration. Now I just need to break the 40 Knot barrier.

Many thanks.

jlanng · 10 September 2006, 23:50

The standard prop works a treat on my boat.

BogMonster · 11 September 2006, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Robin,

Thanks for the info. I must admit I've got a sneaky feeling the engine is set up correct.
I suppose I asked for some advice because I know people on here have the same setup and I wondered if they had the ultimate setup.
I'm not going to rush out and buy a new prop because I need to study the WOT readings and top speed under more pleasant conditions than last weekend.
I'm certainly happy with the acceleration. Now I just need to break the 40 Knot barrier.

Many thanks.

You should be able to do that ok with a 140, with my new 19" prop my 5.8 Humber maxed at 39kt last weekend on 115hp and that was in quite choppy conditions, looking forwards to trying it in calm conditions but Sods law suggests that I won't quite get to 40

If not I will have to take all the spare fuel off dump the aux engine empty the main tank and wear as little as possible just to get there once then I'll be happy

Cypman · 11 September 2006, 14:04

Didn't get to sea to-day, hope to go tues or wed.

Cypman · 14 September 2006, 13:32

Hi

Got on the water at last this morning, 28deg C and flat calm, but you didn't want to know that!!

The Suzuki S/S prop, 20in Pitch, behaved very well, giving great acceleration and bite in tight turns. The WOT was just over 6,100rpm with 2 up so I expect it to drop to circa 5,900 with 4 on board, just what I want. Now to the downside, I lost about 2 to 3 knots on my speeds at 4,000, 4,500, 5,000 and 5,500 RPMs, top speed at 6,100 is now only 37-38 kts. It is better than the 19in Pitch Aluminium prop but not as good as the 21in Aluminium prop fitted as standard. In addition, having also tried the 22in S/S Suzuki prop, which only gave me a WOT of 5,500rpm I am going to stick with my new 20in one. It is very smooth and to response is great.

However, I question if the benefits gained (or otherwise) are worth the investment??