outboard prop upgrade?

[highdesert]

I'm looking for more all around performance.

Boat: 17' v-hull bowrider rated for 140 hp used primarily for water sports and just making waves.
motor 115 evinrude (old carbed motor) runs good, good compression.
altitude 4000'
current prop 14" x 13" aluminum, the original prop from 1995, a little dinged up but not too bad (I've seen worse)

WOT about 5700 rpm and approx 35 mph w/ 2 people in boat

I know part of the problem is my altitude of 4000'.
I'd love to repower to a 135 or 150 optimax, but can't spend the $10,000+ right now....

As it is the boat pulls a skier up barely adequately w/ 2 or 3 people in the boat, with more in the boat it's a struggle to get up. So I certainly don't want to lose any holeshot and if I gained a little that would be a huge plus, I'd really like to gain a little top speed. I'm assuming I need to stay where I am on pitch.

Questions I have: 1) will a quality stainless prop make a noticeable difference in holeshot? top speed?
2) will a vented prop help noticeably w/ holeshot?
3) any specific recommendations for a prop?
If I'm gonna spend $300+ for a prop I want to see a real difference
Thanks for your time!

 

[steelespike]

Re: outboard prop upgrade?

Yes a stainless will help performance but an expert here will have to help with pitch selection.The amount of improvement could range from exceptional to a little.
You might check out the Turning Point Hustler prop an aluminum prop with close to SS performance. These seem to do well in the same pitch as the old reasonable performing prop.You could have 2 for the cost of one SS.I think its possible to talk with Turning Point about your needs and setup.
Another reasonable approach would be something like smart tabs passive tabs that can improve hole shot,stay on plane with less power, more stable ride and reduce no wake speed wander.Simple installation excellent factory support.
Generally a vented prop doesn't help an outboard much.
Has your motor been jetted for that elevation?