Prop safety guard speed question

[FunkyAquaholic]

How much of a reduction in top end speed should I expect adding a prop guard such as http://www.allinflatables.com/shopping/custom/guards.html to an '86 V8 I/O volvo penta stern drive? Built a swim deck but want to wake surf and contemplating a guard to reduce the chance of taking a prop shot upon wipe out. I know, I know, Not ideal but its gonna happen so what will the guard do to my top end speed? I can get 40 planed out right now. What will it do to the wake?
Tks,
W

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop safety guard speed question

I fully agree if folks are going to be near the prop a guard is a must but it's likely to be a pain.
If your going with the cage I would think at least 5 mph plus possibly sensitivity to
ventilation,also will likely catch any flotsum floating on/in the water.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop safety guard speed question

but want to wake surf and contemplating a guard to reduce the chance of taking a prop shot upon wipe out.

Get a longer tow rope,.... That's just plain Stupid....

 

[45Auto]

Re: Prop safety guard speed question

Get a longer tow rope,.... That's just plain Stupid....

Ayuh ..

But the wake surfers I've seen don't use a tow rope Bondo, they just surf the edge of the boat wake - like this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTY8mrwhOTQ

I believe the smarter ones use a ski-boat with a direct-drive prop buried back under the hull - not an I/O with an exposed prop waiting to chop them up .....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop safety guard speed question

I believe the smarter ones use a ski-boat with a direct-drive prop buried back under the hull - not an I/O with an exposed prop waiting to chop them up .....

Ayuh,.... That's Insane,.... Maybe it'll help clean out the gene pool....

 

[FunkyAquaholic]

Re: Prop safety guard speed question

So as much as I appreciate all of the unwanted and unrequested information as to if I should or shouldn't surf behind an I/O motor that was not the question. Dont need your opinions on if I should but thanks anyway. Chemistry degree so DO have a brain. Some of us can't afford a nice wakeboard boat so if you could tone it down a notch and answer the question at hand as to how a prop safety guard would affect the size of the wave it would be greatly appreciated.
Tks