prop question

cmcpherson

Banned
Joined
Jun 11, 2006
Messages
310
Sorry, I am sure that this has been asked a million times and I searched but could not find the answer I am looking for. The following are my details:<br /><br />1. Mercruiser Alpha 1<br />2. Current prop is a 3 blade, 14x21<br />3. Current WOT is right at 4800<br />4. V-hull fiberglass<br /><br />The boat is a Sear Ray 180 with the 3.0 engine. We use the boat mainly for skiing and tubing and I would like to get a little more ooomph on the start.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for the help!!!
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: prop question

Welcome to iboats. :) <br /><br />Try the 20p 4-blade Alpha aluminum prop. It should give you better holeshot, but you might lose a few mph. Watch your RPMs, but I figure the fourth blade will add enough load to keep the RPMs close to what you are running now.<br /><br />It's not at all uncommon for waterskiers to use a lower pitch prop than would otherwise be recommended to yank skiers out easier and faster. You just have to mind your tachometer and keep it from overrevving. With that in mind, the 18p version of what I mentioned would give you much faster acceleration and yanking power. You could probably pull stumps with the 16. But you'll overrev for sure if you're not careful. :eek:
 

cmcpherson

Banned
Joined
Jun 11, 2006
Messages
310
Re: prop question

Thanks so much for the info, that is exactly what I was thinking, but I wanted to make sure. I am a little fearful of going lower than 20...
 
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