Repropping a 1980 Nautique

(luchog) · (luchog) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 02-23-2007, 5:02 AM

Next week I'll be signing the papers for a 1980 Ski nautique with a 351 engine. It needs a little cosmetic but overall the whole boat is in pretty good shape. It has the original 3 blade prop wich has some fish bites/dings. I've been searching and found 3 different ACME prop reccomended for this boat, those are.
Acme 208
Acme 540
Acme 542

Wich one should I get? is there any other?

thanks a lot!

(882001) · (882001) **Join Date: Nov 2003** 02-23-2007, 5:23 AM

is the prop thats on it a 13 x 13? if it is than a 542 would be good but if its one of those goofy sizes like 12x14 i dont think the 542 will fit. not enough room between hull and shaft

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 02-23-2007, 6:02 PM

The 1980 Nautique's came with a 13x13 Federal.

(greenpinky) · (greenpinky) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 02-23-2007, 6:28 PM

From what I've read on other forums, most seem to go with the 540 for wakeboarding. Unlike the 2001, which prefer the 542 for wakeboarding, our smaller boats seem to do better with the 540. I haven't heard of anyone upgrading to the 208.

Apparently there's a noticeable difference in vibration reduction, holding speed, wake size, and 'braking' with the 540. Let's keep the responses coming. I'm re-propping mine this summer.

(greenpinky) · (greenpinky) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 02-23-2007, 6:30 PM

By the way, congrats! You're going to love it! They're built solid, and they're fun rides.

(luchog) · (luchog) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 02-23-2007, 7:30 PM

Mike, thanks a lot!!! do you have any wake pic of yours???

I think I'll go with the 540, I've read it takes away some of the steepness on the wake, wich is cool for me,

I cant wait for next thursday!!!!

(greenpinky) · (greenpinky) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 02-24-2007, 6:01 AM

No decent wake pics. I didn't have it on the water much at all last year (long story). Here's one that's unweighted. 22 mph, no ballast, 4 people in the boat, 6 foot deep river.
The wake gets MUCH bigger with even just a little weight. Try not to add the weight at the back though - gets too steep. We usually weight on either side of the doghouse.
Upload

(greenpinky) · (greenpinky) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 02-24-2007, 6:02 AM

No decent wake pics. I didn't have it on the water much at all last year (long story). Here's one that's unweighted. 22 mph, no ballast, 4 people in the boat, 6 foot deep river.
The wake gets MUCH bigger with even just a little weight. Try not to add the weight at the back though - gets too steep. We usually weight on either side of the doghouse.
Upload

(luchog) · (luchog) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 02-24-2007, 6:09 AM

is that woth the 540 prop or the stock one?

as far as weight, we tested it with 6 people and the stock prop, the wake was nice but steep, I want to fine-tune it when i get it.

(greenpinky) · (greenpinky) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 02-24-2007, 7:45 AM

Stock. I'm re-propping this summer.