Prop pitch?

[fourwinnsnate]

Hey everyone
I just bought a 1998 Four Winns Horizon 18.5" with a volvo penta 5.7l and i am really into wakeboarding. The boat originally came with a stainless 23pitch prop and wouldnt hold plane at any speeds lower than about 25mph which is waayy to fast for wakeboarding..does anyone have this boat/motor and know what a good pitch is so i can plane at about 16 comfortably and also not lose out too much on my top end..thanks
Nate

 

[Honest Don]

Re: Prop pitch?

you're gonna have to choose your battle here. If you want your top end, stay with the 23. To get to 16 and stay on plane you're going to need atleast a 17 if not 15, which is a hug drop in pitch, and will murder your top end. Sorry Nate, there are no options here. You'll have to decide what is more important.

 

[BumbleBeeTuna]

Re: Prop pitch?

Does your boat have trim tabs already?

They've proven to get boats on plane quicker and stay on plane at lower speeds.

If you do not have trim tabs already, look up Smart Tabs. The SX model is most likely going to be cheaper than buying a new prop.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Prop pitch?

Nauticus SX Smart Tabs
http://www.iboats.com/Nauticus_SX_Smart_Tabs/dm/view_id.352485--dz.54646

 

[fourwinnsnate]

Re: Prop pitch?

So im looking into buying trim tabs..It says that they can reduce your on plain speed by 35% is this an accurate number? i dont really want to spend they money and then have to go and buy a new prop anyways
Is there anyone that have them and can vouch they will work? Thanks

 

[ramster]

Re: Prop pitch?

I've got them on my 18'7" Glastron and I wake board my daughters 12mph with almost no bow rise, they are 80 lb. beginers and I just hold around 2000 rpm. I needed to use my GPS at that speed, to slow to register on my speedo. Your boat should really move with a 5.7, If your rpms are good with a 23" three blade, a 22" four blade should work fine, give some more stern lift. I use an Apollo SS 20" four blade, I have a 5.0 220 hp with a 1.6 drive ratio. Yes, I would say Smart Tabs really work, three of my friends have added them after riding in my boat. Four blades also help.