prop for tubing

[RubberFrog]

I have a 14.5" x 19" aluminum 3 blade on a 25' cuddy with a 5.0 MPI. I am satisfied with it's performance for general cruising/boating. RPM's are where they should be.

I am considering a 4 or 5 blade for better holeshot while pulling a giant 3 person tube. Unfortunately, I don't know of any local shops that will let me try before I buy. I am not sure where to start as a good guess considering the circumstance.

Any ideas?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: prop for tubing

An 18P 4-bld will give about the same top-end RPM, however, as you know, it will be slower as a general rule.
The 18P will give more bite during hole-shot, but might pull-down more than you want but it would pull better than a 3-bld. If I could find it, I think I'd be looking for a 17P 4-blade...to me, that would be the ultimate grunt prop.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: prop for tubing

I found a 16P 4 blade but I think maybe the pitch is just too low for a 5.0mpi. What do you think?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: prop for tubing

You could have the 16 worked into a very efficient 17P.
I wouldn't be afraid of it...for a pull/play prop. If you have it worked a bit, it would be better on top holding the R's down a bit.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: prop for tubing

You could have the 16 worked into a very efficient 17P.
I wouldn't be afraid of it...for a pull/play prop. If you have it worked a bit, it would be better on top holding the R's down a bit.

Great idea. It's sitting at a prop shop so maybe I'll ask them about that.
Thanks!

 

[sabastianunf]

Re: prop for tubing

Walleye-
I am in a very simmilar situation. With 2 people in boat Rpm's are at 3900 at launch and 4300 at wot on plane ( reccomended range is 3900-4300). I currently have a 17 pitch 3 blade. I am looking for a little bit better hole shot for wakeboarding. If I could get a better hole shot I would think about adding some weight to improve wake or may have 1 or 2 friends in boat when water warms up. Do you think I should go with a 16 pitch 4 blade to keep my Rpm's close to where they are or go with a 15 pitch 4 blade and assume the added weight will lower the rpm's enough to keep them close to the correct range? thank you for your advice.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: prop for tubing

I think the 4-bld in a 16 would help your hole-shot, no doubt. You may lose just a tad on top-end but your RPM should be close to the same if staying with aluminum.
As for the weight for wakeboarders....look real hard at a set of the new smart-tab SX series...your boat will hold plane much slower with better throttle response and still leave a great wake because you're moving just a bit slower.....Best investment you can make....and if you do...stay with the 17.

 

[tmh]

Re: prop for tubing

Simple, but important ....when trying to get the most out of your boat for tubing you need to inflate that tube two times - the second time being after it's been in the water for a while. They get softer and put a TON more drag on the boat when you put heavy riders on them.

We always bring the air pump along and check periodically to make sure the tubes are plenty full of air. Makes a big difference when the heavyweights get on them or two or three kids riding.

 

[sabastianunf]

Re: prop for tubing

Generally when wakeboarding you want to maintain speed right at 20-21 MPH. to improve the wake most people use fatsacks which are water filled bladders that go on either side of the boat set slightly towards the back. I was considering adding these to my boat but was not sure how much 2-300lbs of weight would affect how many rpms the engine is able to turn. Anyone have any idea?