Would a prop change help

[hole-in-the-water]

A re-post with accurate information (this time)

Do I have the right prop? (Fairly new to boating)

Performance issue I am trying to correct: (see below)
Current prop: Aluminum / 14 1/2" / 21 p (with a few nicks)
WOT: WOT = 4,200 @ 38 mph (plenty fast enough for me) via GPS

3,000 @ 20 mph boat starts to plane out
3,300 @ 30 MPH - skiing speed (NOTE) During turns (pulling skier) - drops to 26 MPH
Engine: 1992 Mercruiser 4.3LX (4 barrel) HP: = 190 (?) - Thunderbolt IV
Boat: 1992 Bayliner - 21 foot - bowrider - 2150 (dry) weight - Outdrive: Alpha I gen 2 Ratio:1.81:1 (I think)

Issue / Question:
I bought the boat used. Runs great (starts right up) - When I am pulling my son (150 lbs) he pops right up on 2 skis and I barely feel him. When he slaloms - The boat seems to really struggle to get him up. Also when I make turns the boat slows down about 4-5 MPH (not a sharp turn)

I am looking for more hole-shot (I think) - not so much concerned about top speed as we have a 35 mph speed limit on our lake (private). I am pretty sure the WOT for this boat is 4,400-4,800

Currently running original 21 pitch alum - few nicks on the blades
Want a little better hole shot
Recommended - Aluminum
OR
Would going stainless be better (recomendations)

Suggestions appreciated

 

[Philster]

Re: Would a prop change help

Well, 19p would be the the first thought... but... I like expensive, shiny things, so I like stainless steel. SS props also have more advanced design in most applications (just makes the boat do more things better). It has more response, too.

There are vented, 4-blade props. Dare I say a 17p, 4-blade, vented propeller? Yes... Yes I do. An 18p, 4-blade prop made of SS might get your RPM to 4400, but my hunch is that it won't quite get there. I think a 17p, vented, 4-blade, SS prop would provide real snap out of the hole and get RPMs up to the middle or maybe upper half of the max RPM range.

http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/OM... Shopping-_-Props-_-NA-_-NA&*******=792327069

From Merc (never cheap, but has the vent holes the Solas doesn't):

http://www.boatpartssource.com/pages/customcatalog/Product/26076


.