New prop/ballast for R21

[BurnMac42]

I've been reading some of the threads on the R21/Z1 and can't come to a definitive decision for upgrading the prop/ballast for these hulls. I have a 2017 R21 w/ Raptor 400. The stock prop is 537. I read a thread where one dude bought the 1433 as an upgrade for his R21. Not sure if he had any ballast upgrades though....

So I saw on another group someone is selling a brand new 1235 w/weekend saver kit and I was wondering if the 1235 would be a good upgrade for the R21? I know the answer depends so here are my ideas on upgrading this Spring:

1. Looking at adding some lead to the rear. I was thinking 200 lbs each corner? Should that be about right for this hull?

2. A prop to go along with the additional weight. I don't care about top speed so what I'm looking to get out of a prop is one that can handle a heavy boat and reduce wear and tear on the motor via lower RPM's as much as possible.

Our typical crew size is 3-4 adults with anywhere from 4-6 kids (all fairly small right now but are obviously growing like weeds)....

Elevation is roughly 800-900ft MSL here in Ohio where we do most of our boating and we take the boat to Tennessee to both Norris and Dale Hollow over the summer for a week at a time...

Educate me experts!

[boardman74]

1235 is a great option. Thats always been the go to on these boats.

[freeheel4life]

1235 would be an upgrade over the 537. We all seem to like the 2419 at our shop but we are higher in elevation and like lots of surf weight. So for its my favorite prop, but I'm sure others will chime in.
As far as lead goes, I wouldn't hesitate to do what you are planning. Wouldn't hesitate to even bump it up to 250 or 300 after repropping

[Jetdriver]

1235 is a solid performer. Still leaves ya some speed as well. The 2419 is overkill for that boat unless you’re at really high elevation. A buddy of mine with an RZ2 with tons of ballast has that prop and it’s a tractor. He’s currently looking for a 1235 as well. If all you’re looking to do is surf and don’t care about having a decent cruising speed then the 2419 is a good choice. I’m in Denver at 5800’ and boat on 7500’ elevation lakes as well. I’ve got a heavily ballasted 22VE running a 1235.

[BurnMac42]

1235 would be an upgrade over the 537. We all seem to like the 2419 at our shop but we are higher in elevation and like lots of surf weight. So for its my favorite prop, but I'm sure others will chime in.
As far as lead goes, I wouldn't hesitate to do what you are planning. Wouldn't hesitate to even bump it up to 250 or 300 after repropping

Along those lines I have always wondered..do guys pull their lead everytime they pull the boat out of the water or do they leave it in for the season? Any concerns with mildew under the bags if left or ruining the carpet from being covered in lead all season?

[boardman74]

Main concern to me is not exceeding your trailer capacity or lift capacity if you store that way.

Another concern is tow vehicle capacity. Against advise and common sense many people tow these boats at or in excess of their vehicles rated tow capacities. Amazing to me the number of people I see towing with midsize SUV's.

[jslayde1]

Trailer was a concern for me as well with all the lead. I would pull about half or a little more out and throw it in the bed of the pickup (F250). The boat definitely pulls/handles better without the lead in it...

I have some lead under the bags that I leave there and it does get a little slimy. I usually pull them out every so often to clean/air out. For what its worth...

[BurnMac42]

Thanks for the input guys.....I have a 2007 Toyota Tundra so not worried about the tow capacity with a few extra hundred pounds but how would I know if the weight is going to exceed my boatmate?

The lead I get I planned on putting under the bags in the rear compartments....honestly the idea of hauling 4-600 lbs of lead out of the rear after every trip is not appealing...

[Langwell]

I called acme on a z3 and they suggested 2773

[freeheel4life]

Thanks for the input guys.....I have a 2007 Toyota Tundra so not worried about the tow capacity with a few extra hundred pounds but how would I know if the weight is going to exceed my boatmate?

The lead I get I planned on putting under the bags in the rear compartments....honestly the idea of hauling 4-600 lbs of lead out of the rear after every trip is not appealing...

We often leave the 400lbs(200 per side) in the boat while traveling to and from the shop . We always try to fold up rear bags as moisture gets trapped under there regardless of lead or no lead. Once the bags are up it is lead out. Our boat is a shop boat that gets demo'd by others so nothing stays in the boats in between trips minus a 4 pack of orange vests and small box that holds paddle, throw cushion, horn, and extinguisher.
IF you wanted to see what your trailer is rated for I would just call Boatmate in Tennessee or email the.. they are super helpful. I always talk to Mike when I call.
The way I see it, there has to be an engineered window for gear. Not sure how much it is thoug.

[JohnnieMo]

Thanks for the input guys.....I have a 2007 Toyota Tundra so not worried about the tow capacity with a few extra hundred pounds but how would I know if the weight is going to exceed my boatmate?

The lead I get I planned on putting under the bags in the rear compartments....honestly the idea of hauling 4-600 lbs of lead out of the rear after every trip is not appealing...

This is a concern for me as well. The trailer on my 2013 is a Boatmate and they are rated at 3500lb axles. I have fairly routinely loaded up my trailer to 7000lb, so any lead would need to be offset my less "luggage" for long trips. I've been towing with an Avalanche for years, and that was a max weight situation as well. Now that I have a Duramax, I can load it up more and spare the boat and trailer.

Your trailer with have a placard with max weight ratings. Take a read on it.

As for propeller, I did a lot of figuring and some testing on this with my Z1. I ultimately chose the 1235. In testing, it could surf with over 3000lbs of ballast, a bunch of people, and around 3000RPM. It also could pull a 3 kid tube, with 10 people on the boat, and I think that is an even more challenging undertaking than surfing. My boat is a touch smaller than yours, but I also have the smaller 343 engine.

I did briefly look at the 1873 (14.50 12.000 0.150 cup) but decided it was unwarranted.

[BurnMac42]

We often leave the 400lbs(200 per side) in the boat while traveling to and from the shop . We always try to fold up rear bags as moisture gets trapped under there regardless of lead or no lead. Once the bags are up it is lead out. Our boat is a shop boat that gets demo'd by others so nothing stays in the boats in between trips minus a 4 pack of orange vests and small box that holds paddle, throw cushion, horn, and extinguisher.
IF you wanted to see what your trailer is rated for I would just call Boatmate in Tennessee or email the.. they are super helpful. I always talk to Mike when I call.
The way I see it, there has to be an engineered window for gear. Not sure how much it is thoug.

Do you feel the 200 a side is a good amount for the Z1/R21 hull?