Getting to Speed with Ballast

[Coop]

Last week, we were surfing with about 1,500 lbs of ballast (and 2 adults and 6 kids) and decided to take a run to the dock for gas. I didn't want to empty the sacs, so we left them full. With that ballast, the boat had a hard time getting to plane and/or above 20 mph or so. It would take 30 seconds or more, while pushing the engine pretty hard. RPMs would hover around 3000-3200 until it got to plane. All but 150 lbs of the ballast was in the back (900 in the lockers and 450 on the rear seats).

My question is whether this is normal. I have a 2005 24V with the 340hp engine and an ACME 537 prop. Would a different prop help? (I have a spare Acme 1237.) Or do people just normally empty/lessen the ballasts before trying to go more than surf speeds? I didn't think 1,500 lbs would make that much of a difference. Thanks.

[ragboy]

Put taps all the way down to 1, and I went to acme 1235, with the 537, it dogs.

[chpthril]

Last week, we were surfing with about 1,500 lbs of ballast (and 2 adults and 6 kids) and decided to take a run to the dock for gas. I didn't want to empty the sacs, so we left them full. With that ballast, the boat had a hard time getting to plane and/or above 20 mph or so. It would take 30 seconds or more, while pushing the engine pretty hard. RPMs would hover around 3000-3200 until it got to plane. All but 150 lbs of the ballast was in the back (900 in the lockers and 450 on the rear seats).

My question is whether this is normal. I have a 2005 24V with the 340hp engine and an ACME 537 prop. Would a different prop help? (I have a spare Acme 1237.) Or do people just normally empty/lessen the ballasts before trying to go more than surf speeds? I didn't think 1,500 lbs would make that much of a difference. Thanks.

Does your tow vehicle have the same acceleration with the boat hooked up as it does without?

If needing to make a run to the dock with ballast full is the norm, then a re-prop would help. If you are not noticing anything adverse, like cavitation, with the 537, then you got to decide if you want to spend the $450 for a new prop.

[Coop]

Put taps all the way down to 1, and I went to acme 1235, with the 537, it dogs.

Thanks. All I have right now is the 1237 as a spare, so I'll give that a shot. Same diameter as the 537, but different pitch (16.00 vs. 14.25).

[talltigeguy]

My 537 on my 24V with the same engine did not have so much troubles planing out. I usually had 1500 pounds of surf weight. Of course with all of the weight on one side, I could not turn the boat, but that is another problem.

Are you trying to conserve electricity? Just empty the ballast.

In all seriousness, I would expect you to be able to plane with that much weight. Make sure to put the TAPS down.

[Duncan]

Our 09 RZ2 with a 409 dogs under surf weight ... usually pulls close to 4000 rpm to make a turn (inside, crossing small wake) at 12 mph. I would not want to cover any distance with my rub rail in the water. Handles like a brick. Drain 'em

Changing out prop soon.

[majestic]

I am struggling with a new prop decision since my 537 is probably toast. I can get a new 537 for $400.00 shipped and a 1235 is $588.00. I have not done too much shopping around yet but I have a 1000lb sac on the way and a broken boat so I need to make a prop decesion soon.

[Duncan]

I am struggling with a new prop decision since my 537 is probably toast. I can get a new 537 for $400.00 shipped and a 1235 is $588.00. I have not done too much shopping around yet but I have a 1000lb sac on the way and a broken boat so I need to make a prop decesion soon.

Have the same 1000lb custom sack I think you are getting. Under surf ballast, I need more pitch than the 537. I get lots of cavitation on turns, especially when turning to port under dark side ballast (not as much when turning sb under port side ballast, presumably prop rotation?).

If you get the 537 now, you might be upgrading again soon

[dogbert]

I'm with Duncan on this, down pitch your prop by 1.5 or so and you'll be much happier.

[ragboy]

I think before I put on the 1235, I would agree with Chpthril. Is it worth the $500 on the few occasions? But when I damaged my prop, and so did the 1235, I wanted to slap myself for not doing it before. The boat handled and performed so much better, with or without weight. On top of that, I only lost 1 mph on the top end.

[majestic]

I Just spoke to Acme (great customer service) they said the 1235 is what I should replace the 537 with, they say I will see a definate improvement with holding speed and holeshot with weight,and only lose 1mph off the top end.

SPBFAN Check your PM

[ragboy]

Yes, you will really notice the difference. The first one I got from wakeside, but only $500 from nettles, where I got my spare.

[ragboy]

I Just spoke to Acme (great customer service) they said the 1235 is what I should replace the 537 with, they say I will see a definate improvement with holding speed and holeshot with weight,and only lose 1mph off the top end.

SPBFAN Check your PM

I apologize, just noticed you said you PM'd SPBFAN support him if he sells them, didn't know he sold props also.

[evil0ne]

I apologize, just noticed you said you PM'd SPBFAN support him if he sells them, didn't know he sold props also.

He will sell you toilet paper if you have the need .

[dogbert]

He will sell you toilet paper if you have the need .

But he won't wipe for you

(sorry, I couldn't resist)