Prop ? regarding wakeboard speed v. RPM

[Miljack]

I have a question regarding prop setup when pulling wakeboarders and using stock ballast, and if using extra weight how much weight necessitates going down a prop size?

Our boat setup;
99 Pro Air
Stock ballast only for now
Python engine (430hp)
stock size prop- 14" x 18 cupped OJ legend 4 blade prop, 1 1/8" shaft

At wake boarding speeds (20-25 mph) I'm seeing 2500 rpm-2700 rpm, and the boat will hold those speeds, but you have to pay attention and really work the throttle.

Questions;

1. Would Perfect Pass fix this?
2. If going down a prop size,what kind of RPM increase should I see?
3. How much extra weight could we carry without having to go to yet another smaller prop?

I think our engine pulls really well, but at that 2500rpm threshold, it wants to start pulling much harder. I was thinking if I were running more like 2800-3000 rpm at this speed that the engine would alreay be more in the "meat" of its powerband.

comments?
Jack

[bkhallpass]

Jack,

I'm sure different props will bring different characteristics, but
with 430 hp, I suspect you could run just about any prop.

I think the issue you are seeing has little to do with the prop, power
band, or RPMs. At wakeboarding speeds, it pretty common to "pay
attention and really work the throttle." At these speeds, the boat
is barely planing. Hitting a wake, small roller, or even water
turbulence, slows the boat just enough that it wants to come
off plane. You can see a five or six mph drop in speed, even
if you're at the same RPMs. Thus, you have to work the throttle
constantly.

The perfect pass resolves this problem, and (particularly if
you ask your wife or girlfriend to drive for you) really eliminates arguments with the driver over maintaining constant speed. In addition,
I've found I'm just less tired after pulling boarders all day if using
the perfect pass.

In your same position, I'd put my money into perfect pass before
I spent money on another prop. I guarantee you'll love the PP.

BKH

[Daryl]

bkhallpass has the nail on the head - get PP and then re-evaluate to see if you require a new prop.

go find someone that has PP installed on their boat and ask for a demo - if you have never seen PP in action - you will be amazed!

[ag4ever]

PP all the way. It does not matter if you have a 1000 HP engine with a 13 X 13 prop, you will always have to adjust the throttle some to maintain a constant speed. It is a matter of variable resistance to the boat going thru the water. You need more power at some times, and then you need to back off at others.

I got PP with my boat, and did not know what it really was at the time. Now I truly love it and will never buy another boat with out it. My neighbor has a 'bu without PP, and when I drive it i am tempted to just buy him one so i won't have to drive his boat with out it. If it did not cost so much I probably would have already. It is that good and that desirable.

[steelerguy]

From My expierence @ 3000 rpm you will blow through Gas FAST.... get perfect pass and you will reap the saving..... In gas

[Miljack]

Thanks for the advice. I'll start looking at the PP setups.

Next question, I've been told that the Pro Air hull can be tricky for the PP paddle wheel to work properly. Anyone with Pro air that has one setup? Where is the paddle wheel mounted?

thanks,
Jack

[Laptom]

Ask PerfectPass for that. I believe they put the paddle wheel in front of the chimes. So it's a bit further up front then normal, but it should be no problem. I even think I have a picture from a Pro-Air with a PP-paddle wheel.