Honda BF225 on 2320 performance numbers

[SBH2OMan]

Here are some early numbers from my prop testing. 80 gallons of gas aboard, 2 guys, 40 gallons of water on deck in a cooler, and a 30 gallon bait tank (full) hanging off the swim step. Early testing with a Solas 15p prop felt very sluggish, so I put on a 13p Solas prop at the recommendation of the shop that installed the honda. This is a 15-5/8 x 13 prop and has a lot of "bite" to it compared to the Mirage Plus 17 that we had before. Reverse thrust is amazing, for example.

The 13 feels good for heavy loads, but feels perhaps a bit under-propped for a light to moderate load like we had today. No GPH numbers yet, as the new Raymarine e7 unit has not shipped yet and we didn't buy the Honda digital gauge package (same price almost as an e7!)

I find it difficult to believe that a 13 pitch prop is the right choice, but the difference in responsiveness is quite marked compared to the Solas 15. My plan is to try our old Mirage 17 but with the PVS plugs removed and get some performance numbers from it as well. I don't like that our ideal cruising speed is only around 22 mph with the 13p prop.

FWIW, the boat is MUCH more sensitive to the tabs now - they are definitely needed to get up on plane quickly.

 

[samsims]

My recommendations:

Move the bait tank off the bracket, too much weight back there already.
Install a permatrim AND the biggest tabs that will fit (12x24?), with the fuel tank location on that MY you need all the planning surface you can get at stern.
Try a Rev 4 17, possibly 15. The rev 4 has a smaller diameter, 14" or so. IMO the 15+" diameter props are too much for this heavy hull, heavily loaded boat, ocean swells and a single 4 stroke.

 

[SBH2OMan]

My recommendations:

Move the bait tank off the bracket, too much weight back there already.
Install a permatrim AND the biggest tabs that will fit (12x24?), with the fuel tank location on that MY you need all the planning surface you can get at stern.
Try a Rev 4 17, possibly 15. The rev 4 has a smaller diameter, 14" or so. IMO the 15+" diameter props are too much for this heavy hull, heavily loaded boat, ocean swells and a single 4 stroke.

Thank you! Yes, the bait tank is RARELY used, so we wanted a temporary spot for it as opposed to the center of the cockpit. I share your feelings about it and wish I didn't even have it but my partner is a h&l fisherman and likes to use it. Normally its not even there

Couple of questions as I further my education: when you say "15" props" you mean the total outside diameter of the prop right? I notice many 15p props come in 14", 15" etc sizes and I always wonder about that. What is the advantage of a larger total diameter and why is it not good on a heavy boat?

Ken at Propgods has been pretty steadfast in recommending a Mirage Plus (which I have in a 17) over a rev 4. Not sure why...

Are permatrims available for Honda motors? That might be the next thing I try along with my Mirage Plus with a few PVS plugs removed.

 

[DaleH]

IMO the 15+" diameter props are too much for this heavy hull, heavily loaded boat, ocean swells and a single 4 stroke.

What is the advantage of a larger total diameter and why is it not good on a heavy boat?

Actually the larger diameter props would be ideal ... but it takes MORE horsepower or lower gearing than what your OB wears, so that's out.

Listen to Ken, he's good! If you can swing one, their Enertia would be even better!