Need help picking a new prop

[Darringer]

I want to try a different prop to get more acceleration out of the hole for skiiing. I would like to retain as much top end as possible.

Current setup:
1985 seaswirl sierra, 18ft. open bow
Weight: approx. 3000lbs total (4 adults, fuel, and gear)
OMC 3.8 ltr, 170 hp 2bbl carb, OMC 800 drive, 1.77:1 ratio
Aluminum 14 1/2x19 prop, good shape, with a stingray
WOT speed is 35mph @ 4600rpm (tach) 4200-4600 range
on a smooth lake @ 1200ft asl.

I have had this boat since May. Runs very well. It just struggles a bit to pull up a 175lb wakeboarder. Just would like more yank for skiing and wakeboarding. I'm new to boating, reading as much here as possible to learn, so any help you may give will be appreciated.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Need help picking a new prop

Darringer,I would recommend you buy a 19" pitch Solas Amita 4 blade prop for your uses. It will lower your RPM about 300 RPM but will give you a very strongg hole shot and inrease your acceleration all the way through the RPM range and you should pick up about 3 or 4 MPH on your WOT. Your prop slip at this time is 25% and that is high. Here are my numbers.

Prop Slip

H

 

[Darringer]

Re: Need help picking a new prop

hwsiii,
Thanks for the advise on the prop. Got it from iboats and ran it all weekend. FYI, your numbers were spot on. I have much better pull out of the hole. Top speed is about 40mph, still at 4600 rpm.

Thanks again
Darringer

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Need help picking a new prop

Darringer, I am very happy that you like the prop and that it does muh better than what you had.


H