Good prop for R20?

[PaceWithGrace]

Hello,

When I test drove my R20, I really got the sense that it was under-propped. I don't know what prop was on it but the dealer replaced it with a 537. It's definitely better but I'm not sure if it's ideal. The thrust feels jet-like instead of "hooked up". For example, out of the hole, I can dial in more or less throttle and the rpms will come up accordingly and eventually the boat's speed will catch up. This is unlike any other boat I've driven where the speed was much more in line with the rpms (more throttle made more noise and acceleration but not really much more rpms).

The boat will be used for surf, wakeboard and slalom. And the occasional high speed run However, the current WOT speed is 40 mph (indicated, I'm assuming it's relatively accurate) at 5500 rpm... I like my engine so I won't be doing that much!

What prop do other R20 owners use? How well does it do in the various activities? What's your top speed and rpm?

(Related question: if the digital speedo is off, can it be recalibrated?)

Thx,
Severin

[chpthril]

Whats your elevation? How loaded was the boat on these tests? Would be awesome to know what prop was on it, as a 2014 I thought would have started out with a 537 from the factory.

[Z3CO23]

I run a 1617 on my RZR. Thats on a PCM 343 at 5500 to 6000 elevation in CO.

[PaceWithGrace]

Whats your elevation? How loaded was the boat on these tests? Would be awesome to know what prop was on it, as a 2014 I thought would have started out with a 537 from the factory.

I'll try to find out what prop it originally came with, but the 537 feels like an improvement all around. (Even when I demoed it with full Surf ballast, the original prop felt too short.)

For my WOT test (40 mph at 5500 rpm), I was near sea level and there were 2 smallish people on board and 1/3 tank of fuel.

PS - Acme provided a very quick response that the 537 is correct (implying that I should live with it). Hence why I'm asking others' experience. Thanks!

Severin

[PaceWithGrace]

I run a 1617 on my RZR. Thats on a PCM 343 at 5500 to 6000 elevation in CO.

Thanks. I've got the Indmar 335 and I'm basically at sea level.

So, does yours feel "jet thrust"-ish? What's your top speed, at what rpm? You surf it, right?

[Z3CO23]

Never really tested WOT on my boat to be honest. Waterways we use aren't that big and we only surf. We were down in Branson last season on Table Rock and we cruised at 30 MPH and had RPM's of 4000. To be honest I think it was too much prop for that elevation. Even cruising at the speed we did we shredded an impeller and had to put a new one in when we were down there.

[cbath]

I've got the Indmar 335 running in utah at around 5-6k elevations and have the 1235 prop on. Top speed is right around 40-42 and hole shot is great and surf is excellent.


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[PaceWithGrace]

I've got the Indmar 335 running in utah at around 5-6k elevations and have the 1235 prop on. Top speed is right around 40-42 and hole shot is great and surf is excellent.

Hi. Do you know what your rpm was at top speed?

[SBM1234]

Being at sea level you will probably like the 1433. I had that one on my 22Ve and it was really nice. Its a half inch bigger than the 537 and has 1.75" less pitch - means you will lose some top end, but be hooked up out of the hole.

[Tomp]

My 2014 z3 with the 350 motor came with a 537 that I was told and agree is a good all around crusing prop, boat did 44mph easy with that but struggled to get on plane with 3000lbs ballast and full of gear, I could live with it since it would surf ok.
You don't get on plane at surf speeds.

The 1235 was much improved for load carring but top speed dropped to 39mph
Larger diameter but less pitch.

The prop that came on my 2015 3z I forgot the number, is only good for surfing as far as I am concerned 12" pictch and 35mph, the rpm,s are to high for anything else other than idle and surfing
I am waiting on a 2247 that specs closer to the 1235, that prop was good all around with plenty of pull power.

[cbath]

Hi. Do you know what your rpm was at top speed?

Running right around 5200-5400. When we had it at Powell last September I was getting around 44 mph and right around 5500 rpm. Boat was lightly loaded though.


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[chpthril]

PS - Acme provided a very quick response that the 537 is correct (implying that I should live with it). Hence why I'm asking others' experience.

I wouldnt take it that way. There are usually 2-3 good props for a boat and there response was that the 537 is a correct prop for your boat.

Did you phrase your inquiry in the form of a question as to what would be a suitable upgrade to the 537 for what you have experienced and how you want to use the boat?

[PaceWithGrace]

I wouldnt take it that way. There are usually 2-3 good props for a boat and there response was that the 537 is a correct prop for your boat.

Did you phrase your inquiry in the form of a question as to what would be a suitable upgrade to the 537 for what you have experienced and how you want to use the boat?

I mentioned that I was over revving at WOT and I thought my top speed was too low, and what did they think, given that I want to surf/wb/slalom? They responded that the 537 is the correct prop for my boat and if I went to a higher pitch that I would lose bottom end performance.

Of course that's true, but I'm thinking there's currently enough bottom end performance that I could afford to lose a little to get more top end. There's also that "jet thrust" feel that I've only felt on this boat, possibly suggesting a different prop diameter or pitch or cupping is required?

After hearing others talk about 45 mph and lower WOT rpm than me (and still having the ability to surf) I'm wondering what prop they have.

I think the 537 is ok, but I think there might be a better choice for me. I dunno.

Thanks,
Severin

[PaceWithGrace]

The WakeMakers website recommends the 1939 (14" x 15.5") prop for all-around instead of the 537 (13.5" x 16").

Is anyone using a 1939 on their R20 or RZR? How is it working for you?

Would the 1939 hook up better than the 537 (less "jet thrust" feeling)?

[chpthril]

I mentioned that I was over revving at WOT

5500 doesnt seem to be over revving to me?

Take note, that chart you looked at is a bit general as it doesnt take things like engine, elevation, ballast, etc, into account. IMO, Going up .5" in dia and only going down .5" in pitch, is not much of an improvement. Its going to take more power to turn that larger dia prop, but the .5" drop in pitch is not enough.

I would stay the 1433 is a better choice.