Reel Blue

In an earlier post I stated that it looked like I'd be buying a new prop as my dealer had told me that the current prop was operating within the recommended range. The dealer did promise to get back to me and at the time I posted I was indeed still waiting. At no time was I told that they wouldn't assist. I am happy to report that my earlier assumption was incorrect. I have been dealing with Queensland Boating World (QBW)at Maroochydore and the managing director, Scott. Today they provided me a brand new 15.75x15 Rebel stainless prop as a direct swap for my 14.75x17 Viper prop. There was no charge for this and I'll water test the prop tomorrow. Hopefully it will suit the boat and seems likely to as it has been recommended by several people. QBW staff were extremly helpful and I have always found them this way. I will have the oil consumption tested shortly by a BRP dealership closer to my home as I did not tow the boat to Maroochydore. If the new prop is more efficient I'll end up using less fuel and oil anyway and so far it has still proven to be very economical; as mentioned earlier I am simply wanting to fine tune everything to get the most from it.

Thany you Huey. I will be in contact with my original dealer again to see if I can resolve the prop issue. I will arrange for the oil to be checked next week at another ETEC dealership closer to my home and check if it is indeed programed for xd 100.

New in May 2007. Has 103hours on it. Overall I love the motor; what I'm about is fine tuning it to get the best possible economy and performance and double checking that everything is as it should be regarding oil consumption.

Thany you for the reply Huey. I have the viper 13.5x17 and was told that that was the right prop during the sea trial with the new boat. It only pulled 5100RPM during the sea trial. Since then I have requested a different prop as I was concerned the motor would be working too hard and was told by my dealer that they would get back to me. I'm still waiting. I have also been told that it is still within the recommended range so if I want a new prop it looks like I'll be buying it. I even sent an email to BRP but got no reply there either. I am thinking that the 13.5x16 viper would probably increase revs to at least 5300rpm and would be a better choice. Other than that I'm unsure what prop would be best. My original question was posted as I was concerned I may be using too much oil but 80-1 would be about right. However the motor does have an oil 'smell' unlike my previous four stroke and there is oily soot on the leg underneath the water hose flushing fitting. I have been told that is is programmed for xd 100.

I am trying to establish whether my 175 etec's oil consumption is 'normal'. I typically run the motor around 3500rpm pushing a 650 Haines Hunter Classic at around 22 knots and consuming about 24 litres of fuel per hour. What should the ratio of fuel to oil consumption be at this setting when using XD100 oil? I'm guessing about 80 to 1? Some people seem to be claiming much leaner oil consumption.