New prop causing to high of rpm

[Byates918]

I have a 2002 air nautique (direct drive) with the pcm Excalibur 330. Anyways I destroyed an underwater log last weekend and also my prop. The prop is an acme 1868. It has always ran good for me. I could max the boat out at about 39 without going over the 5000 rpm rev limiter. Well I removed my stock ballast tanks and ordered custom WakeMAKERS ballast bags to replace them. They Will give me around 450 pounds on each side of the boat compared to the 200 pounds each for the stock ballast. So I upgraded props to the prop that WakeMAKERS suggested. The acme 480. Well I just installed it and took the boat for spin. I am getting way to much rpms. I can hear the engine is much louder, and the boat actually kills acceleration at around 30 mph. Even at 25 mph the boat is over 4K rpm. This can’t be good for my boat. Has anyone else used this prop and experienced the same issue? Do I need to contact WakeMAKERS and try to exchange it?

[MTRBTR]

I would. I don’t know why wakemakers and frankly a lot of prop makers do that. I think they over pitch you. For what you are doing that 1868 is just fine. I had one on my 97 sport and it was good for surfing and boarding but it made the boat scream at slalom speeds. I can’t imagine what that 480 is doing to you. Very poor recommendation on Wakemakers part.

[Evening Shade]

I would call Acme or OJ Props and get their recommendation. Then I would call Wakemakers and see if they will let you exchange your prop for the one Acme or OJ recommends.

Years ago I ordered a lower pitch prop for my Malibu. I spoke to Eric at OJ props and he recommended a prop that would accomplish my goal, but keep me from hitting the rev limiter. He asked me which model Malibu I had and which engine I had. He gave me an answer immediately. He didn't have to look it up or think about it. That's how in tune to prop recommendations they are and his recommendation was spot on!