What type of prop?

[giers]

Realizing that I have owned my boat for two seasons, this may be a stupid question but here it goes.

It appears to me that I am a little sluggish coming out of the hole when guys myself try to either ski or wakeboard. I am about 6 feet tall and weigh about 260. I enjoying water skiing and I am planning on buying a Skyski and would like to get out of the water a little faster. Here is the question: Would switching to a 4 blade prop from a 3 blade help?

Thanks

[talltigeguy]

Yes, generally speaking, 4 blade props give better hole shot and 3 blades are better for holding speed at skiing speeds. That seems to be the conventional wisdom.

Having said that, it may not be true anymore. With advances in prop design, and the ability to make perfect props without having to hammer on them with CNC technology, some argue the conventional wisdom no longer sticks.

I would call ACME and ask to speak to Bill. He knows this stuff like the back of his hand. Be prepared to tell him which engine you have, if you have a gear reduction transmission or Vdrive and your elevation. Also explain your plans for ballast and whether you need more hole shot or top end. There is always a trade off between top end and hole shot.

You don't need a lot of hole shot for a skyski, but you want a very fast hole shot for your slaloming.

[R&T Babich]

... Would switching to a 4 blade prop from a 3 blade help? ...

Same thing happened with ours and changing to a new prop made a big difference. You will probably need to stay with a 3 blade. What prop do you have now? You will need to determine the drive ratio of the V-drive or trans. I think the ones painted black are 1:1 and the blues ones are 1:1.46. Ours is blue and we use a 4 blade prop. The factory prop was an OJ 14"-18 and we changed to an Acme #537, 13.5”-16. The 537 was not available until 2003 and was standard that year. One step lower pitch was a noticeable difference. There are several lower pitched props in the 3 & 4 blade series. Changing the prop to a different pitch is like changing the gears in a car differential.

[chpthril]

Your Direct Drive will have a 1:1 gear ratio for sure. I would recommend something like the ACME 653 or 525 3-blades. They are both 13.0 x 11.5, but the 653 has a .060 cup and the 525 has a .080 cup.

It never hurts to contact ACME and get their recommendation based on the boats engine, how you intend to use it, the current props short comings and the elivation of the lake(s) you boat in.