Re-prop the boat

(kamighazi) · (kamighazi) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 03-05-2009, 11:46 AM

So I read the ad\article on wakeboardingmag.com about dialing in your prop for what we do best.
(for some reason they just yanked the article, have no idea why)

Anyway, there were saying how these factory props aren't as dialed for big ballast haulers like some of us. Nothing I didn't really know. But they did say you can contact Acme and OJ, toss them your specs, ballast+peeps, etc. and they can help you dial your prop. So I did.

(fyi - 01 supra launch 315ph, DD 1:1, always sacked out to 2700lbs, usually 3-4 peeps avg 160lbs)

The response i got kind of surprised me. I run a OJ 4 blade 13x13. Acme suggested their 913-13.00X10.50VL3B 1.00 .080 cup three blade nibral propeller. I had no idea a 3 blade would shove me out of the hole better!

Has anyone made this kind of switch? This kind of goes against my logic. But does it work well? Can you tell a difference after you did the swap?

Thanks guys

(Message edited by kamighazi on March 05, 2009)

(Message edited by kamighazi on March 05, 2009)

(rio_sanger) · (rio_sanger) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 03-05-2009, 12:07 PM

Yes, it's true for the 1:1 transmissions.

My boat came with a 13x14 - 4 blade, and I switched to a 13x12 - 3 blade.
I gained holeshot, lost maybe 1 mph top end, and it is much smoother.

(rallyart) · (rallyart) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 03-05-2009, 1:46 PM

Look at the surface area of that 3 blade and your 4 blade from behind. You'll see little difference. That's the push surface.
I went from a 12.5 to a 10.5 pitch and only lost .5 mph but picked up on hole shot and made it easier to maintain speed. (Not that any of that was bad before)
I think there is an advantage to 4 blade when the pitch gets up over 14 because of the blade angle.

(wakebrdr38) · (wakebrdr38) **Join Date: Sep 2006** 03-05-2009, 6:12 PM

I was a lil suprised too until I got my new 3 blade and saw how much surface area it has. They are smoother than a 4 too, so really there are only benefits if you are rockin a dd.

(spencerwm) · (spencerwm) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 03-05-2009, 6:24 PM

Acme has improved their 3 blade props so much in the past couple years that I am not surprised. Did you talk to Jim at Acme? He is the man.

(ej_ojprop) · (ej_ojprop) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 03-06-2009, 3:53 AM

We, OJ PROPS, offer a 13 X 11 LC XMP 3-blade for your application. Yes, the larger blade area 3-blades do provide good low end.

Eric

(michaelspsp) · (michaelspsp) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 03-06-2009, 6:16 AM

Eric, i have the 4 blade XMP on my x-star. can you explain when you would need a 3 blade?
thanks

(4x4chevyguy) · (4x4chevyguy) **Join Date: Oct 2008** 03-06-2009, 9:08 AM

go with the Acme 537 or 911 best one for the boat. will lost top end boat will have lower end.Jim at acme told me is good for boat with lots of ballast. used are a few time and work good.

(michaelspsp) · (michaelspsp) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 03-06-2009, 11:04 AM

thats exactly what my OJ 4 blade 14.25 x 14 prop did on my x-star. thats why i asked eric what the difference is.....

(ej_ojprop) · (ej_ojprop) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 03-09-2009, 3:54 AM

Michael - The 3-blades perform better on 1:1 trans. With the gear reduction transmissions the 4-blades seem to work better. So, I would not suggest a 4-blade for your application.

(joesell) · (joesell) **Join Date: Apr 2001** 03-09-2009, 3:53 PM

I'm also thinking of re-proping my boat. I really don't care what brand, but I want stainless steel. With the lakes around here, I've had bad experiences with nibral.

I have a 01' Mobius V, 320 hp. We run about 3000# ballast, with 5-6 people.

We do a lot surfing at 10.5mph full ballast.
We also run a hydofoil. No ballast, 28mph.

My boat goes 45mph now, but I don't really care about that. Spend 95% of the time going under 30mph.

Any suggestions?