Hole shot

jayoel

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Jun 9, 2023
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Currently have vortex 14.5x18 4 blade aluminum. Looking for more of hole shot for tandem ski setup. Is a 3 blade 14.5x19 or 13.25x17.
 

jimmbo

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What Boat and what Engine do you have?
What is the WOT range of that Engine?
What are currently getting for Rpm at WOT?
 

Bondo

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2015 caravelle interceptor 4.3 merc 3800 Range 4400-4800 spec
Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... If yer only turning 3800 at Wot, yer severely over-propped, lugging the motor,.....
You need to lower the pitch, 'n get the rpms up nearer or to 4800,....
 

jayoel

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Jun 9, 2023
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Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... If yer only turning 3800 at Wot, yer severely over-propped, lugging the motor,.....
You need to lower the pitch, 'n get the rpms up nearer or to 4800,....
Sorry I am at 4700 wot with 4 blade 14.5x 18 vortex. Looking for a little more hole shot. I tried a 3 blade 13.75x 15 vortex and got prop slip right away. Should I try 3 blade 15x18?
 

Scott Danforth

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I would try a 15x17p or 15x15p for holeshot. Watch the tach as you would be underproped
 

jimmbo

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Sorry I am at 4700 wot with 4 blade 14.5x 18 vortex. Looking for a little more hole shot. I tried a 3 blade 13.75x 15 vortex and got prop slip right away. Should I try 3 blade 15x18?
Prop Slip, or seriously unloaded Engine?

How long is your boat? Maybe a 4.3 is a bit small for it?
 

jimmbo

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May 24, 2004
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The 4.3 is not going to be a Rocket, or a Speed Demon, in a 21 footer. To get a seriously better Hole Shot, you are gonna need to lower the Pitch to where you will be over revving the Motor, more than a bit, at WOT.

Did you buy this boat new, or used?
 

UrbanNomadX

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Apr 14, 2025
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Anyone ever try a hydrofoil on a similar setup? I’ve heard mixed reviews, but if it helps planing at lower speeds with a 4.3, might be worth looking into.
 

Scott06

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Apr 20, 2014
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Sorry I am at 4700 wot with 4 blade 14.5x 18 vortex. Looking for a little more hole shot. I tried a 3 blade 13.75x 15 vortex and got prop slip right away. Should I try 3 blade 15x18?
Try a 16” 4 blade vortex. That is what I used to run for skiing on my old boat. 16” for skiing, 18” for everything else. Worked well and was relatively inexpensive . You will hit rev limiter based on your numbers so when not skiing you have to watch the throttle .
 

jayoel

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Jun 9, 2023
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Try a 16” 4 blade vortex. That is what I used to run for skiing on my old boat. 16” for skiing, 18” for everything else. Worked well and was relatively inexpensive . You will hit rev limiter based on your numbers so when not skiing you have to watch the throttle .
I can ski fine with my 4 blade 14.5x18. I maybe using the wrong term. I need a little more torque to start when pulling 4 person tube. So a 4 blade 16inch maybe the trick
 

jayoel

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I can ski fine with my 4 blade 14.5x18. I maybe using the wrong term. I need a little more torque to start when pulling 4 person tube. So a 4 blade 16inch maybe the trick
Or maybe a 4 blade. 13x17
 

cyclops222

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Mar 21, 2024
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Good speed and yanking skiers up. Do not occur with the same prop.
Taking out a full load of adults ? You would need a possible 3rd prop.
Would require someone to change props. I jump in shallow water. Or do it in the water at the dock.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Or maybe a 4 blade. 13x17
Or 15x15p.

I can ski fine with my 4 blade 14.5x18. I maybe using the wrong term. I need a little more torque to start when pulling 4 person tube. So a 4 blade 16inch maybe the trick

The issue is getting that large drag load moving. You need a bit of slip to get the RPMs up, and a low enough pitch to pull the load. A single skier is a 400# load. A tube is up to a 2400# load if it submarines

Since tubing is a 20mph event vs skiing at 30mph, I would most likely use a 15p 3-blade for pulling a large tube
 

Scott06

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I can ski fine with my 4 blade 14.5x18. I maybe using the wrong term. I need a little more torque to start when pulling 4 person tube. So a 4 blade 16inch maybe the trick
No holeshot it correct term go down in pitch from your 18”
 

jayoel

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Jun 9, 2023
Messages
23
I can ski fine with my 4 blade 14.5x18. I maybe using the wrong term. I need a little more torque to start when pulling 4 person tube. So a 4 blade 16inch maybe the trick
S
Try a 16” 4 blade vortex. That is what I used to run for skiing on my old boat. 16” for skiing, 18” for everything else. Worked well and was relatively inexpensive . You will hit rev limiter based on your numbers so when not skiing you have to watch the throttle
 
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