Grandson is big

[fuzzybob]

Hello all. I'm real happy with my boats performance but my grandson is 6 foot two and 225 pounds. I'm having trouble getting him up on skis. I can get him up but it's not quick. Might just need a bigger motor. This is what I've got: Larson All American 190 with a 4.3 LX 4 barrel Webber. Alpha gen 2. Gear ratio is 1.94 I'm running a Michigan Wheel #031026 13 3/4 D X 21 P. WOT 4650 RPM at 44 MPH on the GPS. Cruises nice at 30 MPH at 3400. The boat weighs 2300, with gas people and gear I'd say about 3000 pounds. The deadrise is 18 degrees and transom angle 12 degrees. I have no idea which way to go.... 4 blade, less pitch, tabs or just stay with what I have as a prop change won't do me any good. Thanks for any info, Fuzzy

 

[crb478]

Re: Grandson is big

Try dropping down to a 19 pitch prop it should give you a better hole shot, but you will loose a little top end. A 4 bladed prop should also give you more pull, but you will still need to drop down in pitch.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Grandson is big

as suggested the 19 will improve things.you may have to watch your max rpm with a light load.Also a 4bld. as stated should improve low end performance.
Something like smart tabs could also solve your problem.they improve hole shot,stay on plane with less power,improve ride and combat no wake speed wander.

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Grandson is big

Thanks crb for the reply. Do you think dropping in pitch or going to a 4 blade would also help get the nose down at slower speeds for pulling a tube or should I put on some tabs for that. It would be great to be able to have the pull to get a skier up but also be able to go slower for tubes and wake boards. I'm probably wanting too much from just a prop change. Even with out a skier the boat really stands on it's tail at the slower speeds. Thanks for your ideas.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Grandson is big

You are a prime candidate for Smart Tabs and a prop change.

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Grandson is big

Thanks steelespike, sounds like a combination of prop and tabs is what I need. Would there be any advantage to SS over alum?? I seldom run at WOT anyway. Thanks

 

[steelespike]

Re: Grandson is big

There would almost surely be some advantage w a ss prop.But is it worth the investment? You might check out the Turning Point "Hustler" props. Al prop
that delivers close to ss performance.I believe some are vented for improved hole shot.

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Grandson is big

Thanks SS for the info. I've read about the "Hustler" and it will be my first choice. I think I should hold off on the tabs to see what a prop change does first. One more big question.... do you think I should stay with a three blade and go 19 P vented or go with a 19 P 4 blade vented??? Thanks again

 

[crb478]

Re: Grandson is big

There are a lot of people that keep two props and switch them out to suit the type of boating that will be doing that day. I am a fan of the smart tabs, but if you will be doing much wake boarding then I would suggest power trim tabs like Bennetts. That way you can control the size of the wake more. Water skiing on glass is great, but wake boarders like to jump wakes and older tubers do also. As far as the four bladed prop is concerned, and being about 6'1 230 myself, any thing that gives a good steady pull is great and a four bladed prop has more pulling surface than a three. I would try to borrow a 19 pitch prop from someone and try it out with your grandson unless money is not a object and you can afford to experiment. Different props of the same size and pitch perform differently. It is kind of an educated crap shoot.