High Altitude prop for SN200

[High altitude]

It looks like I'm finally going to upgrade from my '99 SN to a used 200. My lake is at 6900 ft so I definitely will be getting one with the ZR409. What would be the best prop for the 200 at that altitude. We usually use it in our course which is 2200 ft long. I tow some pretty big dudes and need the ability to pull at 36 MPH, but usually will be skiing from 28-34 MPH depending on who is behind the boat. I don't barefoot but would like to still get 40 MPH because I have a neighbor I occasionally will pull.

I thought maybe the original 1868 prop would be good because it turned about 450 RPMs more than a 422 (which seems to be a sea-level standard for the 6.0's). Is there another option that might work better? I need to make-up for the 20% HP decrease on the holeshot but would prefer not be turning super high RPMs at 34 MPH where it will be super loud in the cockpit. Could I recup an 1868 so it turns less at higher speeds?

Also, did Nautique change the insulation in the motor box between 2010 and 2013? I have read stories of the 2010's being loud but wasn't sure if they fixed this via a re-prop, motor insulation or both. Any significant changes between the years? I know the 2010s had Linc 1.0, and in 2013 I believe they integrated the ZO into the Linc 2.0. Other than that I haven't seen much change until 2016 with the new seats and motor options. I'm not worried about minor things such as change in radio manufacturers, battery chargers, etc.

Thanks in advance for any info you can give me. I know this site is mainly discusses wakeboarding/surfing boats and issues but I figure there are still a few 200 owners here. -Marc

[NautiqueJeff]

Some good info about this exact situation in this thread.

Looks like the 1868 may be a good choice.

[High altitude]

Jeff,
Thanks for the reply. I had searched the site pretty well already and had run across that thread as well. Other than the guy with the 206 (unknown engine) nobody ever threw out what they were running. Basically we knew that a 206 at 6500 will run well with a cupped 1868. I was hoping for somebody actually running a 200 with a 6.0L.

Any folks here that ski at Laku want to chime in?

[skiinxs]

I have a brand new 1868 still in the box that I would make you a great deal on. That prop (12.5 x14.25) will certainly turn 300 to 400 rpm's more than the stock 12.5x15.5. I'm not sure you would need to drop to that low of a pitch at altitude, as I have no experience running at altitude. The 2010 6-liter is not as strong as the last couple years, but still a very strong engine. Do you already have the boat? You are welcome to try to prop and see how it works for you, send it back if it doesn't do wht you want. You may be on the right track with adding a little cup to the 1868. This will maintain the low-pitch holeshot but bring high speed rpm's down a little. My experience with additional cup is that they add a slight bit more prop torque, meaning the boat would favor the observers side slightly more, making the boat more level with no observer or less level with two observers.

[TRBenj]

I'd try a 654 before resorting to the 1868. Find a prop shop that will let you try multiple props if you're not satisfied with the first one. Delta has done this for me in the past.

[High altitude]

Thanks all. I have an 1868 on my current SN 196 and it's the right prop for that boat.

I did talk with ACME and they suggested the 1868 as the starting point. I also have access to a 470 (a three blade version of the 1868) which would probably increase the RPMs even further. Bottom line.....I'll run a few tests and post the results on here.

More importantly, why is the 2010 6.0L engine "not as strong" as the last few years? If you have any more info on this, I would really like to know. I have not bought the boat yet but it might be between a 2010 or a 2013. Thanks!

[skiinxs]

Thanks all. I have an 1868 on my current SN 196 and it's the right prop for that boat.

I did talk with ACME and they suggested the 1868 as the starting point. I also have access to a 470 (a three blade version of the 1868) which would probably increase the RPMs even further. Bottom line.....I'll run a few tests and post the results on here.

More importantly, why is the 2010 6.0L engine "not as strong" as the last few years? If you have any more info on this, I would really like to know. I have not bought the boat yet but it might be between a 2010 or a 2013. Thanks!

Even within the same year, some engines are just stronger than others, so it could have been that, but my 2014 seemed stronger than the past few years and my 2015 was much stronger than any of the others. It seemed to me that the rev limiter was increased by a couple hundred rpms on the '15's. None of the 6 liters were weak. I was afraid that when they went to the cat's they would be weaker, but that didn't happen, they actually seemed stronger.