Question

[Coalminer5156]

Hello there I have a 93 celebrity cx180 with the 4.3l mercruiser it is a I/O boat. I am asking I want to start pulling a wakeboarders and skiers but the boat has a hard time getting onto plane. I was thinkin a diff prop but don’t know what pitch ect. Or a prop and a hydro foil not worried about top speed or fast want fast plane to get them out of the water fast.

 

[QBhoy]

Need to know what prop is on it now...at a minimum. Ideally and specifically, if we are going into more detail, you need to know what rpm you see wot and trimmed up, gear ratio and speed achieved. But a minimum is what prop is on it now, in terms of pitch. Then I’d likely be able to get you within an inch or two

 

[Coalminer5156]

Can you tell by the numbers on the prop?

 

[QBhoy]

Can you tell by the numbers on the prop?

Yeah.

 

[Coalminer5156]

Ok how do I figure it out been looking online it don’t say which number is prop pitch etc. and I can’t upload the pics on here for some reason lol

 

[Coalminer5156]

Ok so I found it online it’s 13 3/4 X21 so 21 pitch I’m guessing

 

[UP HOOKER]

It will have something like 14 x 17 , that will be diameter and pitch. Start with that and when that is confirmed the short answer will be to decrease the pitch.

 

[MRS]

Yup 21 to much like said try a 17 much better I had a 19ft. with a 17 pulled tubes great I could even use a 19 but 17 worked best.

 

[roffey]

FYI, I have a 20 foot with a 4.3 TKS (carbureted, 190 hp) on it and I have no problems pulling adults on a tube. I have a 23 inch SS prop.. You should be able to run 4600 to 5000 RPM WOT. I'll let those who know more about props than I take over from here but I suspect a prop issue.

 

[Coalminer5156]

I agree even with 2 people in the boat it takes a min to get on plane and I will have prob 4 5 people in boat this summer pulling tube,boards, etc so a 17 or 19 ur thinkin?

 

[Coalminer5156]

What about a diff prop with hydro foil?

 

[UP HOOKER]

What about a diff prop with hydro foil?

I would start with the prop you can do more later if needed

 

[Coalminer5156]

Are hydro foils any good and there one where u don’t drill holes threw outdrive?

 

[roffey]

I don't think hydro foils are a good thing. I have heard they can break the metal they are attached to, cost gas and miles per hour.. having said that the next post will likely say how good they are, lol.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I don't understand why you're so fixated on a hydrofoil, especially when several folks have suggested you evaluate your prop. The propeller seems a much more likely place to find a problem and it needs to be squared away before you start attaching things of questionable value to your boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

move the spotter to the bow.

 

[JimS123]

Certain hydrofoils are better than sliced bread. The no-drill models are no good.

However, for what you want to do the only cure to your problem is getting your engine speed up. Put on a 17 inch pitch prop and forgetaboutit.

 

[Alumarine]

Even with a 21 that boat should not take a minute to get on plane with 2 people unless it's severely overweight, or the motor is not producing good power.

Once you get on plane what is your WOT?
What do you mean "Ok so I found it online it’s 13 3/4 X21 so 21 pitch I’m guessing"
How did you come up with that number?

Do you have the outdrive trimmed all the way Down / In when trying to get on plane?

 

[Coalminer5156]

I didn’t say I was going to put one on my boat. I was just asking what people thought of them. And I’m going to change the prop on my boat but was just asking if someone was running a hydrofoil and if they liked it or it helped or if it was worth buying that’s all!

 

[Coalminer5156]

Marc c this is the number on propeller 48 78122 A40 21P look it up on google and it says the prop is 13 3/4 X21 and no there is no number on the hub just this number on the outside and a couple 4 number numbers on it.