Suzuki DF 140 Prop - Page 2

Biggles · 14 September 2006, 14:47

Cypman,

Looks like you done some good work there. Certainly looks like I don't need to rush out and buy a new prop.

And yes I didn't want to know how good the weather was out there.

Nick.

BogMonster · 14 September 2006, 21:08

Interesting to read the results - the benefits of stainless (apart from bling factor) seem to be somewhat questionable when set against the drawbacks (cost, difficulty to repair, and the higher probability of busting your gearbox if you hit a rock). I was thinking about getting one but I'm not sure I'll bother. Mirror polish the alli one and lacquer it and it'll look nearly as good

I also don't want to know about good weather because it's heading for another too-cold-to-RIB weekend here

Biggles · 24 January 2007, 00:34

Just taken delivery of a 22" alloy prop from RIBSHOP to fit to my Suzuki 140. Apparently they have done exhaustive research on the engine and came up with the ideal prop that is basically a 23" prop re engineered to 22". Its not a Suzuki prop. During testing it was found to have better grip than the Suzuki standard prop. So I'm going to fit it tomorrow and after my next excursion I shall post my results. Heres hoping for some extra knots and better turning with no cavitation.

Aidan · 24 January 2007, 23:00

Hi Biggles,
I will be in touch as tohow you get on.
Good luck with it.
I have not picked up my boat yet but hoping to in a few weeks.
Ballistic 6.5 with Johnson DF140 so I will be calling you as to how you got on.

And with regard to weather, Cypman, You lucky sod, someone has to live here tho., just dont rub it in....

Biggles · 24 January 2007, 23:13

Hi Aidan,

Just fitted the prop this morning. A picture is attached but doesn't look much. I'm going to try for a day out testing next week or the week after. The boat will be ready for the new season then.
One thing I did notice on this prop is that the trailing edges of each blade are quite a bit thicker and have a distinctive upcurve to them just for the last 5mm or so. Maybe that will give it a bit more grip. Especially in the turns. My supplier has informed that this is a vastly improved prop for the Suzuki 140 HP over the one they supply as standard. I think he did all his testing on a 6.5 meter so I'm hoping for some good results.
These will be posted in due course either next week or the week after.

Biggles · 31 January 2007, 20:05

Okay,

Just got back in from some prop testing today.

With the new prop I have found that acceleration seems to be pretty much the same. Top end has increased and I'm now hitting 40 Knots at 5800 RPM and topping 42.5 Knots. The Suzuki prop was maxxing out at 41 Knots. But the best bit is she turns like a fighter aircraft now and keeps the speed all the way through. The boat is totally transformed with the new prop with regards tight turns. The engine and hull now seem in perfect harmony. On the previous prop during a tight turn you could hear/feel the prop cavitating and the boat would slow quite a lot. Now you need to be really carefull you don't get launched over the side. I can also trim the engine out a little and still not get any cavitation on tight turns. There is no way I could do that before. Its just like getting a new boat.

On the next trip out I will try to sustain the WOT (I always chicken out of doing it for more than a few seconds, due to engine wear etc), and see what max speed I can get when trimmed out.

All tests were carried out with two large adults on board and about 50 litres of fuel. So there is still some to be had out of the old girl if I chuck my partner overboard and burn some fuel.

Hightower · 31 January 2007, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Okay,

On the next trip out I will try to sustain the WOT (I always chicken out of doing it for more than a few seconds, due to engine wear etc), and see what max speed I can get when trimmed out.

No wonder you looked worried when I was blasting down Soton water

.

Only managed 39.5 knotts that day, but we did have two Fat Blokes onboard

.

Biggles · 31 January 2007, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

No wonder you looked worried when I was blasting down Soton water

.

Only managed 39.5 knotts that day, but we did have two Fat Blokes onboard

.

Andy,

I was cringing every time I looked at the Rev Counter.

Any chance of a go on your new boat when you get it

Hightower · 01 February 2007, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Andy,

I was cringing every time I looked at the Rev Counter.

Any chance of a go on your new boat when you get it

I know

Pure Evil!!

Yes anytime, but let me break in the engine first

Ribshop · 01 February 2007, 14:41

Great news...

Biggles · 01 February 2007, 15:10

I've just done some working out from the GPS and it looks like fuel economy has increased. Yesterday on a journey of 70NM I used 53 Litres which works out at a little over 1.3 NM to the litre.
Previously I seemed to be averaging 1.1 NM per litre. So given the price of fuel today the prop might pay for itself in a few years.

Aidan · 06 June 2007, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

I've just done some working out from the GPS and it looks like fuel economy has increased. Yesterday on a journey of 70NM I used 53 Litres which works out at a little over 1.3 NM to the litre.
Previously I seemed to be averaging 1.1 NM per litre. So given the price of fuel today the prop might pay for itself in a few years.

Well done Biggles, more power, better cornering, better fuel consumption, you got it all dude. WOT is 6200 so dont worry about screwing the engine. The Jappos always put in limits, if it was a motor bike you woudl get at least a further 1000 rpm.

Give it holly!