What is a better prop pitch for me to change to?

[JJGP1200]

I have a Chaparral 2050 cuddy with Merc 4.3L and alpha 1 outdrive. Currently I have a 21 pitch prop but as accelerate from a stop the motor has full power but the boat accelerates very slow and takes forever to plane out. When I pull a hard turn the boat slows down drasticly but there is no lack of power in the motor. WOT is approx 30mph at 4100 rpm. Is there a prop better suited for this. I primaraly use the boat for pleasure and cruise on the lake or river, but occasionally wakeboard as well. Thank you in advance.

 

[jestor68]

Re: What is a better prop pitch for me to change to?

The full throttle operating(rpm)range for your motor is 4400-4800 rpm.

At 4100 rpm, you are out of the operating range and over stressing your motor(called lugging). This results in poor performance across the entire rpm range.

Reducing pitch to a 19 pitch should gain you about 400 rpm, and get the WOT rpm up to about 4500 rpm.

The top speed should remain about the same, but you will notice a marked improvement in acceleration onto a plane.

Another alternative(for wake boarding) might be a 18 pitch 4 blade prop. It will provide even better acceleration and be better at holding a steady speed, while running about the same WOT rpm as the 3 blade 19 pitch.

The boat slowing in a turn is normal, but you will notice less speed lose with the lower pitch prop(s).

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: What is a better prop pitch for me to change to?

Another good addition would be either Lenco or Bennett trim tabs--electric or hydraulic.

Your boat will come "out of the hole" much faster with trim tabs, and you can pull a wakeboarder at very slow speeds planed off with the tabs adjusted down.

Every full hulled boat should have adjustable trim tabs installed, and it was the best $400 I ever spent.

 

[JJGP1200]

Re: What is a better prop pitch for me to change to?

Thank you for the advice. Tha works out well because I actially have a spare alpha 1 outdrive in my garage with a 19 pitch prop and trim tabs as well.