Water Skiing Prop Suggestions

Boardwalk North · 06-02-2011, 06:47 PM

I'm looking for help specing out a new prop for my 19' SmokerCraft. I have a 2003 Mercruiser 4.3L Fuel Injected Alpha One Sterndrive. This motor combo is rated at 220 HP. Current prop is an aluminum 3 blade, but that's all I know now. It is in need of replacement and I really want to maximize my ability to pull people out of the water.

I don't know my typical WOT RPM, nor my typical load (but say 4 people typcially when skiing).

What more is needed in the way of spec's and data to properly size a prop?

Thanks,
Jon

gf2020 · 06-02-2011, 06:53 PM

You need to know the current prop diameter and pitch, your current RPMs at WOT, and what the max RPM rating is for your engine.

trfour · 06-02-2011, 07:12 PM

Here's some info that will help; http://www.acepropeller.com/ski-tow.asp

Terry
____________________________

BroadHopper · 06-02-2011, 07:43 PM

I will definitely go with a 4 blade.

The mercruiser website has a prop selector software to give you a good start.

DBreskin · 06-02-2011, 09:44 PM

The manufacturer and part number of your current prop should be stamped on the hub; the diameter and pitch may also be included. You can use the part number to look up the pitch.
It will be difficult for you to choose a new prop without knowing your current prop.

VitaBene · 06-03-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boardwalk North

I'm looking for help specing out a new prop for my 19' SmokerCraft. I have a 2003 Mercruiser 4.3L Fuel Injected Alpha One Sterndrive. This motor combo is rated at 220 HP. Current prop is an aluminum 3 blade, but that's all I know now. It is in need of replacement and I really want to maximize my ability to pull people out of the water.

I don't know my typical WOT RPM, nor my typical load (but say 4 people typcially when skiing).

What more is needed in the way of spec's and data to properly size a prop?

Thanks,
Jon

Your current prop has the pitch marked on it somewhere. I would say you will be looking at a replacing your existing 19P or 21P with 17P using 3 blade or 18P using 4 blade. Check in with local yards, they may have some used props you can try out.

MAXUM · 06-03-2011, 03:02 PM

Higher the pitch the lower the RPM at cruising speed and usually you gain a little bit on the top end for speed.

Lower the pitch and you'll get better hole shot (good for pulling people) but you'll be pushing the engine at a higher RPM at cruising speed.

Chances are if you have a stock prop on there it's a 3 blade 21 pitch aluminum. I would suggest you get a 20 pitch 4 blade aluminum. The added blade gives you a much better bite on the water and better hole shot and because it's got 4 blades, the drop in pitch will not affect the RPM at cruising speed. It's really a superior option to the 3 blade as there are no compromises and minor price difference. Just my .02 cents and observation with my cousin's 20 footer with the same powerplant.

Just Sold · 06-06-2011, 03:13 PM

OK with all the discussion as to the best prop for pulling a skier can I assume that a 21 pitch prop gives better fuel economy when compared to a 19 or 17 pitch prop that helps with pulling a skier thus poor fuel ecomnomy?

NH_boater · 06-06-2011, 06:18 PM

Not necessarily. This is a common misconception but the engine may be working harder and therefore using more fuel with the increased pitch.

06-02-2011, 06:47 PM	#1
Boardwalk North Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Water Skiing Prop Suggestions I'm looking for help specing out a new prop for my 19' SmokerCraft. I have a 2003 Mercruiser 4.3L Fuel Injected Alpha One Sterndrive. This motor combo is rated at 220 HP. Current prop is an aluminum 3 blade, but that's all I know now. It is in need of replacement and I really want to maximize my ability to pull people out of the water. I don't know my typical WOT RPM, nor my typical load (but say 4 people typcially when skiing). What more is needed in the way of spec's and data to properly size a prop? Thanks, Jon

06-02-2011, 07:12 PM	#3
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	Here's some info that will help; http://www.acepropeller.com/ski-tow.asp Terry ____________________________ __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

06-02-2011, 07:43 PM	#4
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,509 Thanks: 3,116 Thanked 1,089 Times in 783 Posts	4 blade I will definitely go with a 4 blade. The mercruiser website has a prop selector software to give you a good start. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

06-06-2011, 03:13 PM	#8
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,612 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 433 Times in 209 Posts	OK with all the discussion as to the best prop for pulling a skier can I assume that a 21 pitch prop gives better fuel economy when compared to a 19 or 17 pitch prop that helps with pulling a skier thus poor fuel ecomnomy? __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

06-02-2011, 06:53 PM	#2
gf2020 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North of Boston Posts: 203 Thanks: 11 Thanked 35 Times in 28 Posts	You need to know the current prop diameter and pitch, your current RPMs at WOT, and what the max RPM rating is for your engine.

06-02-2011, 09:44 PM	#5
DBreskin Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wolfeboro NH Posts: 283 Thanks: 143 Thanked 121 Times in 76 Posts	The manufacturer and part number of your current prop should be stamped on the hub; the diameter and pitch may also be included. You can use the part number to look up the pitch. It will be difficult for you to choose a new prop without knowing your current prop.

06-03-2011, 03:02 PM	#7
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	Higher the pitch the lower the RPM at cruising speed and usually you gain a little bit on the top end for speed. Lower the pitch and you'll get better hole shot (good for pulling people) but you'll be pushing the engine at a higher RPM at cruising speed. Chances are if you have a stock prop on there it's a 3 blade 21 pitch aluminum. I would suggest you get a 20 pitch 4 blade aluminum. The added blade gives you a much better bite on the water and better hole shot and because it's got 4 blades, the drop in pitch will not affect the RPM at cruising speed. It's really a superior option to the 3 blade as there are no compromises and minor price difference. Just my .02 cents and observation with my cousin's 20 footer with the same powerplant.

06-06-2011, 06:18 PM	#9
NH_boater Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 298 Thanks: 14 Thanked 147 Times in 62 Posts	Not necessarily. This is a common misconception but the engine may be working harder and therefore using more fuel with the increased pitch.