Am I on the right track?

[mvn]

I have an '05 Rinker 192 with a 4.3L Volvo SX. Went from a stock 14.25 x 19 aluminum 4-blade to a Precision Props SS 4-blade 14.25 x 18 after experiencing significant ventilation in tight turns while tubing. Ventilation gone, hole shot is just incredible but the WOT is 5200 RPM, way more than the recommended 4200-4600 RPM. Should I keep the 18" for watersports and get something like a 22" to 24" for cruising?

 

[rndn]

Re: Am I on the right track?

It looks like the 22" would get you close to the higher end of the suggested rpm's. I noticed you have smart tabs already installed so you may be able to use the 22" for water sports as well. A 4 blade SS would also help with hole shot.

 

[mvn]

Re: Am I on the right track?

Thanks for your opinion. I'm going to exchange the 18" for the 22". According to calculations, the 22'' should get me at the top end of the recommended WOT. Hopefully getting on plane won't be an issue. I'm thinking the tabs should mitigate that issue.

 

[codertimt]

Re: Am I on the right track?

Before you make the exchange, I'd like to ask a quick question... You didn't mention the load in the boat when you hit that 5200rpms. Was it your normal load for water activities or was it just you alone testing the prop? If the later, a 20" might be more appropriate once you get the boat loaded...

 

[mvn]

Re: Am I on the right track?

Full tank of fuel and 300 lbs of people. The only weight missing was the kids at another 100 lbs.

And here's another reference point.....stock aluminum 4-blade 14.25 x 19" yields just over 5000 RPM loaded the same way.

 

[mvn]

Re: Am I on the right track?

Well, the results are in.....

14.25 x 22" Precision Props Turbo 2+2TH 4-blade stainless. With a full tank of fuel and just me on board, fairly strong head wind, 1' chop, WOT rpm of 4500, max speed on GPS 47 mph. Excellent hole shot, great cornering and excellent lateral stability (thanks to the Smart Tabs).

With wife and I on board and 3 kids in a 3-person tube, time to plane was 3 seconds, 25 mph at 2900 RPM. No porpoising and lots of trim control, once again, thanks to the Smart Tabs.

So far, a winning combination! I have a 20" for pulling heavier inexperienced water skiers out of the hole. WOT RPM will be 4800 RPM but we won't be running there.