Can Changing a Prop Change Wake Characteristics?

[moorednl]

I have a 99 Pro Air with a GT-40. We bought it as a cross-over thinking it would ski similar to a Sport and wakeboard like a wakeboard boat. At this point, I'm very happy with the wakeboard wake. However, I'm very disappointed with the ski wake. There is a huge rooster tail at 15' and 22' off. When you hit it, it sends your entire ski out of the water. I don't mind a little bump (I used to have an '89 Nautique) but when your whole ski comes out of the water, that's scary.

I read an article in Water Ski Magazine that said that different props could affect wake characteristics. I talked with ACME propellers and they thought that if I changed from the 12.5 X 15.5 4 blade to the 3-blade Acme 1442 (13.25 x 15 .090 cup) R 1" bore I should still have the hole shot that I need as well as improve the ski wake.

Does anyone know if there's any truth to that? Can changing props really change wake characteristics? How much?

[TRBenj]

I have a 99 Pro Air with a GT-40. We bought it as a cross-over thinking it would ski similar to a Sport and wakeboard like a wakeboard boat.

Everything Ive read would indicate that your initial expectations were misplaced. The Pro Air has a very different hull that doesnt slalom like the Sport/Air.

A prop is going to have very little effect on the wake. Something that lifts the stern slightly will plant the nose a tad and make the wake a little smaller. Something that turns fewer revs at skiing speeds will make the rooster tail a little softer. But we're not talking about drastic changes.

I assume you have the stock 13x16 OJ Legend on there now? Or do you have an Acme 422? As much as I like the 1442, I dont think that going to a slightly shorter Acme is going to help your ski wake. Something like the OJ XMP 428 might be slightly better. The 1442 would be much better out of the hole, though.

[mdvalant]

From what I hear the PRO airs have a horrible ski wake. Also what I hear is that a 3 blade may make the wake a little softer but bet it will be UN-noticable. Trade it for a Sport or regular Air and you'd have something. I have a buddy that would probably buy that pro from you. Let me know

[moorednl]

Thanks for the replies. They were very helpful. I'm not ready to sell the boat yet. I love everything else about it. Thanks for the offer though.