Prop Help

[NCOffSeason]

Okay, I have a 14 x 23 on my Glastron 185 with a 4.3 and a Mercruiser outdrive. I'd like to go with a 4 blade to help with holding wakeboarding speed. I'm not worried about top end. I'm looking at a Comprop but they are 13.5 instead of 14. The choices are 13.5 x 18, 13.5 x 20 and 13.5 x 22.<br /><br />I assume the 22 would be right, but any other suggestions. BTW, right now the boat seems top be propped perfect for top end as it will hit 50 plus at 4600 - 4800 rpm.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Chris

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Prop Help

Even though the prop is 13.5 instead of 14" It has 4 blades instead of 3. The new comprop will have more blade area. The 22 is the right prop if you are running a 23. You might also look on ebay for a 4 bladed aluminum prop in the same price range. For what its worth I found that my glastron stays on plane at a lower speeds with a 23 mirage prop than with the 23 aluminum prop that came with the boat or the 23 laser II I am running now.<br />If you want to stay on plane at really low speeds tabs are the cheapest option.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Prop Help

I forgot to mention it in my last post.<br />I am looking for a 23 pitch high five to compare with all the other props I have tried on my boats.<br />The high five I put on my bluewater made all the difference in the world. I went from a aluminum 21 pitch at 4300rpm 38mph to a 19 pitch high five 39mph at 4500rpm.After adding the 4bbl carb I could over rev the boat and had to go back to a 21. I am propped just like you on my glastron at the top end of recomended WOT thats why I am looking at staying with the 23 instead of dropping to the 21.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop Help

Chris,<br />Forget about Diameter.......... You have NO Control over it...<br />Diameter is determined by the Size,+ Style ,+ the number of the Blades, BY the Engineers who designed it.........<br />There are No Options.... You have No Choices......<br /><br />If you're turning that 23" at 4800rpms,<br />You'd Better Step Up in Pitch........<br />You're Already at the Top of the rec. range....<br />And, that Plastic Prop will Flex more than Aluminum.......

 

[NCOffSeason]

Re: Prop Help

Is that what "Composite" means, plastic? I was wondering what it was. I just wanted a cheap spare and thought that would fit the bill, plus I'd get to try a 4 blade.<br /><br />I called TC at Comprop and he recommended the 22.<br /><br />Chris

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Prop Help

Chris,<br />Does your boat hit 4800 with a full load of people and gear or is that empty?<br />Bondo is right about the composite prop flexing more. If money is not an issue I would keep the aluminum prop as a spare and Find a nice stainless four or five bladed prop to keep you on plane at lower speeds. You might want to check the quicksiver offshore 23 pitch 4 blade. I tried one on my boat and It did pull well and stay up on plane at slower speeds than the laser but it knocked top speed down by 3-4 mph. I just got a tempest 23 pitch on ebay and will report back on it as soon as I can test it. I'm still looking for a 23 pitch high five though

 

[Capt. T]

Re: Prop Help

Bluewater is right on with the performace questions he is asking. Makes all the difference in the world if your performance is with only you in the boat or with a full load of people, gear and fuel. Fully loaded will be more predictive of what you can expect.<br /><br />Some other questions: You say your having trouble maintaining speed while pulling a wakeboard. What are your typical RPMS while pulling? Also is the boat staying on plane while wake boarding? How many boards are you pulling?<br /><br />You seem very high pitched for pulling a board. Depending on answers to the above questions, you may find that you need to reduce pitch to improve holeshot and pulling performance for watersports. <br /><br />Before changing props I would invest in a set of Smart Tabs, about $200~$300. (do a search here and you'll find lots of posts). They will help you plane a lower speeds and make more efficent use of the power you already have. After that it would be time to look at re propping.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Prop Help

Chris;<br /><br />After reading your first post again it seems that you are looking for something ("prop") to hold you on plane at "wake Board" speeds. I assume this is not 35 mph. but more like 18 to 20 mph.<br /><br />Although some props will give you stern "lift" becuase of the design and cup, the props basic function is to propell. If you want to keep the boat on plane easier at slower speeds your best solution (most effective and efficient) is trim tabs. Some will tell you to look at hydrofoils, which will give you some assistance simply because they are an additional planing surface. They are also likely to cause other handling issues, especially if they run too low. <br /><br />We manufacture Smart Tabs and they can be purchased for under $169.00 per set with a money back performance guarantee. Do a search on this site for more info.