direct drive ski boat prop question

[26aftcab454]

I'm thinking of buying a 23ft supra saltre ski boat- 454 direct drive.
the boat of course is set up for skiing. I am not interested in skiing just want a nice comfortable boat to run around the lake in. I like the lay out & seating. it looks decent and is priced right.

my question is can I swap the prop to get higher top speed ? I do not need torque and rapid acceleration for skiing.

Also what kind of ride could I expect in choppy waters?
the boat has decent size & weight but a pretty flat bottom.

Thx for your input.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: direct drive ski boat prop question

Ski boats are propped to run at 36 MPH--36 MPH and 36 feet off the rope for slalom. I suppose there are props that will give a higher top speed. But you say you want comfort an run around the lake. Do you need more than 36?

As far as choppy water, flat bottom is flat bottom. It is what it is. It was designed as a ski tow boat, not a passenger boat. Deep vee hulls were developed to handle choppy water.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: direct drive ski boat prop question

23 feet is awfull big for a ski boat - what does the hull look like? Malibu Response LXI is propped to run about 50mph top end from the factory. However it can be a really scary ride if the water has much chop at all.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: direct drive ski boat prop question

Ah, found a picture of one. Not something I would think of when I hear ski boat, closer to a wakeboard boat. Pretty deep hull

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: direct drive ski boat prop question

Thx guy--I would be better off with a bow rider v hull & V8 I/O or big outboard---
I'll keep looking. Most of the boats I want are just out of my price range.
I want something that is NOT a cookie cutter bow rider that will hit 50mph.
I getting old bout not too old!

 

[rallyart]

Re: direct drive ski boat prop question

The Supra has a deep V to the midpoint but very little deadrise at the transom. The hull is the limiting factor for speed. Even with a big block you are not going to get more than about 45 mph our of it. The wake is very smooth so it is good for boarding or skiing although a 23' is heavier than most ski boats. It has a comfortable ride and is OK in chop but maybe not as good as a Centurion or Sanger in rough water. The construction of the Supra is very good.
It would be a nice boat to cruise around in. If you are traveling at 25-35 mph it will give you good economy because it has an efficient hull. If you go flat out in it it will suck a lot of fuel.
I think you would enjoy the Supra unless you are planning on using it in rough water regularly. The ride of a D-drive is very good and the low swim platform and lack of outdrive make it great for swimming off. I would not go back to a sterndrive after owning my inboard.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: direct drive ski boat prop question

thx rallyart--someone with direct experiance with this type of boat is what I was looking for.