What is the best prop for wakesurfing on a Z3

[goody777]

My 2013 Z3 came with the acme 381 on it. I see a lot of people use the 1235. Is that still the best?

[chpthril]

Yes, the 1235 is still one of the most popular props for surfing. Its 14.5D x 14.25P will be a substantial upgrade to the 13.5D x 17.5D 381.

[UNSTUCK]

I have no idea which prop I have but will look. What does the prop do to make it a "surf" prop? The lakes we surf at sit between 4000 and 6000ft. Does that matter when choosing the prop you mentioned? I have a 21v with the 330hp black scorpion motor. Thanks.

[chpthril]

@ UNSTUCK,

When loaded heavy with ballast for surfing, the original props will often times cavatate (suck air so to speak) causing a shudder/vibration, hesitation like an engine miss as well as just plan sluggish to plane and poor speed holding. Upgrading to a prop with a lower pitch and often time, a larger diameter, will cure all that.

Elevation also effects the performance. The air is less dense, resulting in lower horse power. A lower pitch prop will compensate for that reduced engine power.

If you can, also look to see if your v-drive is blue or black. This and your current prop's dia and pitch, will help determine a recommended upgrade. Other things that can factor in are:

how much ballast you typically run, including the average number of peeps
how you use the boat. Do you only surf or do you wake-board, ski, barefoot, do you have a long drive to get to your usual riding spot, etc.

[UNSTUCK]

I think I have noticed the shudder/vibration you speak of. It happens a 5-10 seconds after pulling a surfer out of the water and before getting up to speed. It's made everyone look at each other, going, "what was that?".

I have the blue Walters v-drive. I'll get you the rest of the info tonight.

I only have an inch or so of clearance between my prop and hull. As it is right now the PO must have hit some rocks as the gel coat right above the prop is all gone and there is pitting in the glass. I'll put up a picture of it. I assume I should get that fixed when I do a prop change?

[turbonine]

If you can fit a 15" prop the 2315 is very popular.

[UNSTUCK]

I have a 537 prop. It says 13.5x16v. I can just get a finger between the prop and hull. So maybe 3/4" of clearance. Don't imagine I can get much bigger.

I try to fill the boat as much as possible with people. Usually 9-10. Right now I have two bags at 250 each. I plan on putting in two 1100 bags this winter. They won't fill full though. Maybe 800. Then move my old bags to the front.

We only surf and tube. I wouldn't care much if my boat never saw 30 mph. I don't think it has yet.

[UNSTUCK]

Bring this back to the top. Any thoughts?

[chpthril]

Given the altitude, id probably go with the 1617

[Wagonhound]

Given the altitude, id probably go with the 1617

I shredded my 537 on a gravel bar (2008 RZ2). I run 1600lbs of ballast plus 5-6 passengers at around 6000ft elevation. Do I go 1433 or 1617?
IMG_2611.jpg

[chpthril]

I shredded my 537 on a gravel bar (2008 RZ2). I run 1600lbs of ballast plus 5-6 passengers at around 6000ft elevation. Do I go 1433 or 1617?
[ATTACH]41536[/ATTACH]

For an RZ2, I like the 1235


Oh, and I meant elevation, not altitude i hope we are all boating at lake level

[r2d2]

2315 is awesome. Alot more pull than the 1235


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[UNSTUCK]

Given the altitude, id probably go with the 1617

Thanks for the advice. This would take my diameter up a half inch and go from 16 pitch to 13.75 pitch. Any idea if I would see much change in fuel consumption? Also, with the larger diameter prop, how close is to close to the hull? I'm sure this prop would put me to about a half inch clearance. What is this "prop burn" I've heard about?
Thanks.

[chpthril]

yes to .5" more dia but only .25 closer to hull and trailer. I dont think thats too close, but getting close. Prop burn is a pretty close description. Eddies off the tips of the prop create a low area. Within these low pressure areas, the water actually boils. this is most easily seen on a painted aluminum prop that has a nick. The paint around the nick is gone due to boiling off.

[UNSTUCK]

Interesting. And any idea what I should expect out of my fuel consumption? Can I order one of these props through you or go through Acme?