Re: Tried to search...no luck
Hydraboss;<br />I can help but jump in on this thread, and if I am out of line just ignore this.<br /><br />This is classic - the boat dealer is suggesting a $25.00 Hydrofoil, and a lower gear (propeller) to solve a performance problem on a very nice $25,000 to $30,000 boat. He would have had more credibility if he said I don't have a clue and could care less about your desires (performance requirements).<br /><br />It is also classic to look at changing a prop to cure boat attitude and handling issues, but it is only half the answer, and the last half at that.<br /><br />Yes I make Smart Tabs and many people may say that I am biased. If I believe in my product I should be, but keep that in mind as I give you some info. I think you will see some logic in what I am about to say.<br /><br />First, you should be pulling about 4500 RPMs at WOT, so you are a bit low. Can you trim the motor out (to perpendicular) without porpoising? If not that will cost you speed and RPMs. I understand that you are less interested in speed, but this is the best way to know if your prop is matched correctly. Remember if you go down in pitch the acceleration will improve, but you will turn the motor more for every mile you go and that will cost fuel and engine life.<br /><br />You also said that you run with four people most of the time, and that will inhibit your performance. I looked at the factory performance test on the web site and your boat is very typical in its performance. I will get to that next but let me address the ventilation / cavitation in turns. Most likely you are leaning hard in the turns (especially to port) and running bow down because the motor is not trimmed out enough (because the boat porpoises if you bring it out more.)<br /><br />A hydrofoil is very likely to aggravate this problem as they lift the stern more the faster you run. To compound the problem the hydrofoils lift the boat (extra lift) in the center which creates a teeter totter effect in turns ( make the boat lay over even more. <br /><br />A more aggressive prop may help, but not too much if the boat tends to lean hard in the corners, and the motor is not trimmed out properly. A Hi five prop may even exaggerate a list to port (prop torque) especially in left (port) turns. I had one on our 22 Searay and now have a Turningpoint three bladed aluminum for this reason.<br /><br />If you are looking for performance in the mid range and better towing performance, you need to get the hull to work for you. Currently your boat has a high bow rise up to about 10 to 12 MPH, then with more throttle you begin to plane and jump to 20 to 22 MPH. You can not run below this without coming off plane. The published test show this. <br /><br />A more aggressive prop will help the acceleration but not change the minimum plane speed much, and unless you accelerate with 3/4 to full throttle the bow will still rise sharply. The use of the hydrofoil will help a little in the acceleration to plane, but drive the bow down at higher speeds, and make it even more sensitive to leaning in turns. You have a 19 degree V. <br /><br />The other characteristics that you have not mentioned is the low speed wander which is annoying, and a harsh ride in heavier seas if the motor is not trimmed down. <br /><br />Before you by a prop it is most important to make the hull as efficient as possible, so that you get the most out of the propulsion system. All boats are designed to perform with predetermined characteristics and function. Ski Boats for skiing, barges for hauling heavy loads, and everything in between. To broaden the window of efficient operation, a section of the hull can be made to change, redesign, alter the hull design in concert with the ever changing conditions (weight, balance, speed, water conditions, etc.) These are called trim tabs, or in our case Smart Tabs. <br /><br />They are very common on Big boats and not so common on smaller boats. Why? There are three basic reasons: <br />1 the cost of helm controlled trim tabs is disproportionate to the cost of the smaller boats,.<br />2 the power to weight ratio of the smaller boats is usually 2X that of the larger boats, therefor they will plane (eventually)<br />3 is an answer I will reserve at this time so as not to offend the competition, but it is enough to say that small boats are used for the sporting activities you use yours for, and you have enough to do without adding more switches to control.<br /><br />Once you have dialed in the performance with the trim tabs then choose a prop if you wish. In this manner you are not burdening the prop with the jobs of boat attitude and handling. The prop can now be chosen for its sole purpose, PROPULSION. <br /><br />For what you want to use your boat for, nothing will work better than trim tabs or Smart Tabs. Our ST1290-60 is the model number you would use on your boat. They sell for under $200.00, and we guarantee the performance improvements.
