What prop to get ???

[Mazza]

I have a SN 196 from 2000 with the GT40 engine.

we use it mainly for wakeboarding and load it up with a lot of ballast.

The current prop is starting to look rather worn and thin, with lots of small chips etc. i don`t have the numbers for it. but it is a four blade.(will get the details of the current prop ASAP) I have and OJ 3 blade 14x16 prop as a spare, but thought i might get the opinion of this super community on what would be the best prop.

As i said we only wakeboard. and we fill her up with fat sacks. we have 2x 125L 1x250L and 1x 500L fast sack couch. so approx 1000L of ballast, + 2-3 people in the boat.

she makes a decent wake, and aldo she is rather heavy when it is fill up, she does not have any problem. pulling along. we go at the speed of approx 33-34 km/t and she pulls approx 2850-2950 rpm.

Top speed is not something I care about, but if you could recommend a prop that gives better hole shot and / or lowers the RPM it would be greatly appreciated.

[TRBenj]

You may want to let us know what year your boat is? You say you have a 196, but Correct Craft didnt give the Ski Nautique that moniker until 2003. The last year for the GT40 was 2002, so Im not sure what you may have.

Anything thats a TSC (1997) or newer may have a tough time fitting the 14" diameter prop on there.

If you only wakeboard with ballast and are OK with giving up some holeshot, then you will be going to a prop with LESS pitch in order to improve holeshot and speed holding, which will turn MORE RPM's at all speeds, FYI.

[Mazza]

Year 2000, 75th year anniversarry

It´s a year 2000. as mentioned in the first line. has 75th anniversary stickers all over it.

the spare prop is from a 1994 ski nautique, that burned to the waterline, i have never fitted the prop as i have not had the need. but it is in excelent shape.

but as i understand that will not fit my boat ??

as i understand it, i can’t get both. so if i want better holeshot and speed holding i need to get a prop with less pitch?

if i want to have a lower rpm at wake speed, i need a prop with more pitch ?

what prop would you guys recommend, for both options ??

Anyway thanks for an excellent page, which has helped my a lot in keeping my old boat going.

just passed 2700 Hours this season.

[TRBenj]

You have a "Ski Nautique" then, not a "196".

The 14x16 stands a good chance of bolting up just fine, but theres also a good chance that it will leave insufficient clearance to the hull. The TSC boats have the tightest fit in this regard, and only came with props in the 12.5-13" diameter range for that reason. Things actually opened back up with the TSC2 when they added a longer tunnel on the keel.

Youre correct on your assertions above... improved speed holding and holeshot comes with greater revs, and thus less pitch. This is what you'll want to do if you wakeboard exclusively- especially if you add ballast. Good props to try would include the Acme 470 and 654. Both are 12.5x15.

Turning a lower RPM at wakeboarding speed would not be recommended, especially if youre not happy with the current prop's ability to hold speed. Your boat's original prop would have been a 13x16 4-blade OJ. The common upgrade prop for that hull/engine combo is the Acme 422 (12.5x15.5), which will run very similar RPM's to the original wheel. It will also likely give the best all around performance, as it matches the WOT RPM's to the engine's powerband quite nicely. There are a few larger props out there that would cut RPM's a bit (Acme 1490 and 1492, OJ 428 and 430)... but I would be hard pressed to recommend them on a stock boat for anything but slalom skiing.

[Mazza]

Ok thanks for the clearing up my naming of the model. Just a ski Nautique it is ;-)

And thanks for the quick replies, i will be looking for Acme 470 and 654 then.

this site is a must to look at if you own a nautique, again thank you for the quick reply and expert advice.