Cavitation Issues

[Nate]

I just got a 95 Wave Venture 700 (140 hrs). I'm pretty happy with it, but running into some cavitation issues. If I slowly increase the gas it accelerates ok, but cavitates easily if I hit it too fast.

I think it's pretty straight forward, the impeller looks like crap. It looks original and is pitted with a few dings it. The sleeve that the impeller sits in is scratched also, but tough to judge how bad. I hear the gap should be around 0.04".

So here are my questions...

1. I've been looking at a lot of impellers and would like to the best bang for my buck. Should I get the Solas, Skat Trac or NuJet?

2. Should I replace the sleeve around the impleller?

Thanks,
Nate

 

[liquidlew]

Re: Cavitation Issues

Hi, I have the exact same ski you have, and have done alot to it, very easy to work on. Yeah, sounds like your impeller definitely needs to be replaced. I did alot of research and alot of shops recommended the Solas YB-SC-I for the WVT 701, stock, little or no mods. I put one on about 5 years ago and at that time it was $160. You won't believe the difference, especially since your prop is toast! Mine oem prop was still ok but I wanted to upgrade and it made a BIG difference in bottom end and I got another 200+ rpms and a slight top end increase. Did it myself, not to hard. Probably should replace the wear ring too. Go check out this website, they sound like they really know thier stuff and they are very helpful. http://www.impros.com/index.html They do repairs and mods and also sell props and maybe the rings too or can tell you where to get them!

 

[Nate]

Re: Cavitation Issues

Thanks Liquidlew!

I didn't end up going with the Solas...trying to save a little money on the impeller so I could do the wear ring so I'm trying the Nujet. The oem wear ring was a stainless sleeve so I found aftermarket unit with a plastic sleeve that can be replaced. I also had to order the driveshaft holder because I couldn't get the impeller loose without damaging the shaft.

The pump will be like new or better when I'm done, looking forward to it!!

 

[Nate]

Re: Cavitation Issues

You're right Liquidlew, VERY easy to work on. Everything went good, I just had a hell of a time getting the old impeller off. Had to use penetrating oil heat and all my weight to get it off, thought I might damage the shaft. There is NO WAY you can get the impeller off without the splined driveshaft holder tool.

What a difference a new impeller and wear ring make!!! I used to cavitate when I hit the gas hard, now it just launches out of the hole. Like new, or better! I bet I could get someone up on a slalom ski.

 

[liquidlew]

Re: Cavitation Issues

Great to hear the good news! I heard Nujet was good too, might even have more bottom end than the Solas. Hard to really know whats best without trying them all but that would be a little too much work. You should be able to pull a skier, my 701 gets one up with no problem, before or after my head mod. I think the Venture 701 or the 1100 is one ski that does it all. Yamaha's rule!