Prop advice for Tahoe Q4 - Solas Amita 4?

[Whitey72]

Hello All,
I have had a previous thread re props in the Tahoe section but I think I have found the one I like but just want to confirm (thanks to those who replied). I have a 2006 Q4 ski/fish with the 4.3l 190hp mercruiser with Alpha 1 gen 2 leg and smart tabs fitted.
Just to refresh I have a 13x19 ss 3 blade (no name visible) that was fitted when I bought it as the original aluminium was pretty bent. I get 46mph flat out but rev limiting at 5000-5100, but I also think there's alot of slippage at acceleration as revs climb quick but she hasn't got going yet.
I'm an avid fisherman and waterskier but don't really need the top end that high as I only slalom at 32mph and too old and fat to barefoot anymore. I was thinking of going to a 4 blade and the Solas Amita 4 blade 14.25x19 on iboats looks great and is the front runner. Hoping to get a better holeshot with that pitch but not sacrafice too much of the top end. The amita also says they provide great stern lift and is that a problem with the smart tabs already fitted?
Any advice is greatly appreciated as I'm fairly new to sterndrives as I alway had old school ski boats with a prop shatf but now want to go fishing more with the kids.
I would love to go to a dealer and try a few different props but I can get them here at iboats including shipping to down under less than half price here hence the questions before I buy.
Cheers from Australia. Geoff

 

[90stingray]

I would think the 19 pitch would be too little of a pitch as you are over revving already. But if you don't run her flat out... then ok. The 4 blades will greatly help with holeshot... even being aluminum prop. But I would think you could swing a 21 and have some more mph and a great holeshot. I have run four different solas 4 blade props between my boats. I usually buy the aluminum one and once I am satisfied with pitch, I pop for the stainless. Solas is a good all around prop... can't beat them for the money. Hope this helps... Goodluck.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop advice for Tahoe Q4 - Solas Amita 4?

Assuming your info is accurate your slip at wot is a very respectable 5%.
A 4 blade usually lowers rpm about 100 to 200 rpm in the same pitch you might lose more depending on how much stern lift.
You will probably have to at least adjust the tabs and they could become unecessary.
As suggested I think even a 20 or 21" 4 blade will improve your hole shot and be able to stay on plane at reduced throttle.
It should also handle better at spoeed and at the dock.
And being higher pitch it should hold down the rpm yet maintain speed. Calculator says a 21 at 4700 speed should be about 47
with about 5% slip. The unknown is how much bow lift the 4 blade will allow.

 

[jkust]

Re: Prop advice for Tahoe Q4 - Solas Amita 4?

Exactly what you are seeking is what I got from a Turning Point Hustler 21" aluminum prop on my 4.3 liter. Lower top speed by maybe 300 rpm's because of the agressive nature of the prop but more hole shot. Your boat is substantially lighter to the tune of at least 600lbs with gas and I bet you would get more of the benefits than me. I was hoping to maintain the top speed of my previous 21" prop but the Hustler is more agressive. It is also louder given its exhaust holes and seemingly the edges chipped really easy on just a couple of encounters with some sand. The plus is they are really cheap.

 

[Whitey72]

Re: Prop advice for Tahoe Q4 - Solas Amita 4?

Gents,
Thanks to all for the advice. I like the look of the Turning Point and have ordered a 14x21 from Iboats to give it a whirl. Even with postage to Australia it is still cheaper that half price what I can get here. Gee we get ripped off here!! I'll post how it goes when it arrives and I get a chance to put itthrough it's paces.
Cheers Geoff

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Prop advice for Tahoe Q4 - Solas Amita 4?

I put a solas amita four blade 23 pitch on my 04 tahoe q4 4.3 yesterday and was very pleased at how quick it got up on the step . was much better than the 3 blade 21 pitch that i took off. also wot changed from 49 mph at 5000 rpm to 55 mph at 4500rpm. it will cruise now at 46 mph at 3800 rpms. i am tickled. Bought the prop from Iboats . ordered it on friday and got it on tuesday. super service.

 

[Whitey72]

Re: Prop advice for Tahoe Q4 - Solas Amita 4?

I'm a very happy boy at the moment. Can you believe that from clicking buy button through Iboats it only took 6 days for the prop to arrive on my doorstep half way around the world here in Australia. Excellent Service Guys!! I'm telling everybody here about how good that is for price as well! Like I said I settled on the 14x21 Turning Point Hustler 4 blade to drag my fat body out of the water on a single ski. I immediately fitted it and instead of working on my house renovation I went and tried her out. The boat launches out of the water now and the rpms are better at wot of 4750(previously limiting at 5100) with top speed of 47mph. I wasn't that worried re top speed but what a holeshot and can't wait to try skiing behind her, just have to find another driver!! Cheers Geoff

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop advice for Tahoe Q4 - Solas Amita 4?

Its allways great to see a success! Glad iboats got you up and running so quick!
As you get to using your new prop you may notice a little better control and be able to maintain low speed plane easier.
Don't forget you may want to ease up or comepletely release the tabs;it may add a little more speed and save a whisper of fuel.