Wakesurfing with SAN 210...prop rotation

[xrichard]

I've read a number of places that the RH prop rotation of the pre-2006 SAN 210 gives a better surf wake on the right side of the boat. Which means if I'm regular, I'm better off with an 06 (LH) rotation prop to get the best wake on the left side of the boat.

Is this true?

It doesn't make sense to me. It seems to me that a RH rotation will lift the right side of the boat and push down the left side of the boat...which, all else equal, should give a better surf wake on the left side of the boat.

Any thoughts? It might make a difference on which boat I buy.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Wakesurfing with SAN 210...prop rotation

Simply put, RH better for starboard, LH better for port. However, you can dial in your ballast so you can really disregard it.
My boat is a RH rotation. Currently, my port side is ridiculously big and well shaped. I have a buddy with the twin to my boat and we are within 50-75lbs of each other in ballast. My wave is way way better on the port, and his is slightly better on the starboard side. My guess is weight density, as his is in Leadfoot plates, and mine is birdshot in gallon jugs.
I did get to ride an 08 210 recently with the LH, and thought the wave was fantastic on both sides.

[helenewbold]

RE: Wakesurfing with SAN 210...prop rotation

Agree with WakeSlayer's comments. I had concerns before I recently purchased an 08 210 (LH rotation) because I am goofy foot and therefore prefer the starboard side of the wake. I came from surfing my buddy's 06 211 which was RH rotation and did throw a better wave on the starboard side. I am able to surf the starboard side of my 210 with stock ballast (port empty) and just one passenger + driver. It only improves from there...more people, lead, ballast, etc. I say don't let the prop rotation influence your boat choice too heavily.

Just to help you understand the physics...RH rotation means the prop is moving in a clockwise direction when viewing from behind the boat which makes the boat tilt to the right forcing the starboard side deeper into the water. Hope this helps!

[xrichard]

RE: Wakesurfing with SAN 210...prop rotation

Thanks for the comments. But...if the prop turns clockwise looking from the rear (e.g. RH rotation), that should lift the right side of the boat because the blades of the prop are moving down on the right side of the boat and up on the left side. If they are moving down on the right side, that creates and equal and opposite reaction...namely, lifting the right side of the boat up.

There's a good illustration on this link (6th illustration on the page) showing that a RH rotation lifts the right side of the boat and pushes down the left side of the boat:

http://www.boatfix.com/how/props.html

From that page: "The illustration below shows ... effects of clockwise (Right Hand) propeller rotation. ... the effect of propeller torque, causing the boat to roll over to the port side.

I'm not disputing that RH is better for a starboard surf wake and LH for port side. That certainly seems to be the experience of people who have posted here and on WW. But, it simply doesn't make sense to me that this would be the case. Any idea why this is the case given that a RH rotation should lift the right side of the boat and LH should lift the left side of the boat?

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Wakesurfing with SAN 210...prop rotation

You do realize that that particular illustration is regarding a twin outboard set up, correct?
Not applicable here, at all.

[xrichard]

RE: Wakesurfing with SAN 210...prop rotation

Actually, it is applicable...it illustrates the torque effect of propeller rotation on the boat. One outboard, two outboards, three outboards...the torque effect is no different than the torque effect of an inboard.

If a propeller spins through the water in a clockwise direction, the boat to which it is attached wants to spin in a counter clockwise direction. The same thing occurs with airplane propellers and helicoptor rotors (which is why, for example, a helicopter has a tail rotor pulling the body of the helicopter in the direction opposite the rotation of the main rotors).

So, a RH rotation causes the boat to counter rotate (e.g. causes the right side of the boat to lift and the left side of the boat to dip). The question remains: why is a RH rotation better for a wakesurf wake on the right side of the boat and worse for the wake on the left side of the boat when the counter rotation of the boat should cause the opposite effect?

Today, a friend of mine suggested that the counterrotation of the boat isn't the dominant factor...that the dominant factor might be where/how the rooster tail is pushed at low speeds. I'm guessing he is correct. A RH rotation prop must push the rooster tail such that it creates a better wall of water on the right hand side of the boat.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Wakesurfing with SAN 210...prop rotation

Fair enough. I suppose there is some effect, but barely. The illustration you referenced is so exaggerated in comparison to a single prop inboard, that it is not a good point of reference.

As far as the original post, I would not let either rotation have a lot of influence your decision. You can make your wake do what you want with weight, and the placement of it.

[clubmyke]

interesting thread.. every boat that is set up on the native prop rotation side has a better wave imo (this is including my own and me being very attentive to detail).

it would be nice for manufactures to choice of prop rotation.

[xrichard]

Yeah, it seems that RH rotation = better wake on the right hand and vice versa for LH. It just didn't make much sense to me, but my friend's comment that it must have to do with how the prop is directing the wash/rooster tail makes sense.

In my experience, though, I think wakeslayer is right: it's a small difference that can be overcome with weight.

Great idea, clubmyke...I wish the could be ordered with different rotations. But I'm sure it wouldn't be worth the additional management headach for the manufacturers.

I'm leaning toward an 06 to get the PCM v-drive...but the condition of the boat will be the driving factor whether I end up getting an 06 or earlier..