|
Home | Forums | Gallery | Webcams | Blogs | YouTube Channel | Classifieds | Calendar | Register | FAQ | Donate | Members List | Today's Posts | Search |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
06-02-2011, 06:47 PM | #1 |
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, 06:53 PM | #2 |
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, 07:12 PM | #3 |
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 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Laconia NH
Posts: 5,512
Thanks: 3,118
Thanked 1,090 Times in 784 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. |
06-02-2011, 09:44 PM | #5 |
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. |
Sponsored Links |
|
06-03-2011, 12:06 PM | #6 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 3,531
Thanks: 1,570
Thanked 1,604 Times in 822 Posts
|
Quote:
|
|
06-03-2011, 03:02 PM | #7 |
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, 03:13 PM | #8 |
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 |
06-06-2011, 06:18 PM | #9 |
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.
|
Bookmarks |
|
|