Is a New Prop worth it?

[Dave-96]

I have a 1996 22v with the 315hp. I have owned it for the last two years and use it wakeboarding with the kids. I am currently running the original prop, a three blade 13x13 SS. I see the new Tige's are using an ACME CNC four blade prop. Has anyone with an older boat changed their props to the new technology CNC prop? Is it worth the $350"?

Dave

[malport]

yes it is. please for the the sake of using tige to their full potential get a new prop.

[Dave-96]

Thanks for the reponse. What can I expect as far as performance? I have trouble maintaining a consistent 16 MPH for the younger kids. The boat wants to go 18 or 14.

Has anyone changed from a 3 blade to a 4 blade? Are they that much smoother?

[Tip]

I have a 2003 22v and switched out my ACME 315, I think it's a 13x12, with an ACME 4 blade 13x12.5. As soon as I get the 315 repaired I'm switching back. Going with the higher pitch 4 blade has made the boat sluggish out of the hole, especially when I have it loaded with 7 or 8 people.

[bfrank]

I had the same stainless on my 97 tige pre2000wt, this summer i went to a 4 blade OJ 13x13 and it made a huge diffrence. The wakes got softer and smoother for slalom skiing. Sorry I dont do any wakeboarding. The four blade is the way to go!!!!!

[ken527]

My 2002 22RI 315 hp MPI came with a 4 blade ss prop.
I switched to the ACME 515 13x12 with a .080 cup. Very nice prop more power out of the hole and top speed went from 39mph to 46mph. Very very smooth ride these CNC machined props are awsome.
Not leaving well enough alone I called Jim ant ACME and asked him which prop was best for my boat and he said the 515 was a good all around prop for wake boarding and sking.
The 653 13x11 1/2 with a .060 cup would be better for wake boarding. If your 2000 ft above sea level and load your boat heavy I have a 45 gallon fuel tank and typically have 10 people on board and use it for wake boarding only. The best choice for me was the 633 13x11 1/2 with a .040 cup. This prop will yank you out of your boots! I lost about 5mph at the top end but I dont care the speed limit on most lakes 35mph I can still hit 40 mph. But it pulls the big guys up quick even when loaded.
Talk to the guys at ACME tell them how you use your boat and they will help you select the best prop. I got the best price from Rich's prop shop.
For wake boarding the 3 blade ACME prop is the way to go.
http://www.marinepropshop.com/acmeprops.html

[Dave-96]

Thanks for all the insights. I talked to Jim at ACME and his recomendation is the CNC 515 a 3 blade 13x12. He was very helpful and explained the differences of all options. Now I just need the right way to slide this into the budget. Is Ski Boat performance considered a medical expense? Maybe reduced fibration (lower stress) or mental health.

Dave

[Tip]

I'm sure you could find an procedure code for it, just don't try to file it with Medicare!

[talltigeguy]

They will fine you $10K and then assume that all of your other claims were fraudulent as well and multiply that by 10K. I'm not bitter or anything.

BTW, that's the same government that john Kerry wants to expand further into healthcare.

Sorry to hijack the thread. On a related note, I saw a boat called 'my prozac' and got a kick out of it, so I called mine 'doctor's medicine' saying it was either buy a boat or go on prozac. The boat was more costly, but a lot more effective.