Slow out of the hole - model 236 - 2007 boat

[chagrin 236 nautique]

Hello - I am new to the forum but have a question on our propeller. We bought a used 2007 - 236 model with the ZR-6 6L. We love the boat - great shape, the engine only has 175 hours. Spent all summer learning how to drive the boat but feel that it is slow out of the hole when skiing or quick acceleration. We have found that the boat likes all the weight in the bow to help it get up and go for skiing - and once it is going it moves along just fine. It is also great for surfing.

Getting the boat winterized this past weekend I had them check the prop for me - it is a 13.5 x 17.5 pitch. Prop has one small ding in it. Is that the correct prop for what we are trying to do? Any feedback would be great appreciated!

[MN Ryan]

My gut tells me that it's a bit too much prop for that setup. I have a 17.5" as a backup for my 211, but it's a bit steep, and it runs better with a shallower pitch (15.5" right now).

Wakemakers prop selector suggests an Acme 1941 (14.5" x 15.5") as an all-around prop or a 1235 (14.5" x 14.25") for wakeboarding or surfing.

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[bturner]

I agree with the above. If you're going to drop that kind of cash you may want to call Acme directly and talk to someone in person to get their recommendation. Eric at OJ is kind of known as the prop whisperer and will pick up the phone to talk to customers about prop selection. I've gone with Eric's recommendations on a couple boats and he's been spot on. Here's a bit on Eric and OJ.....

https://www.ojprops.com/interview-with-eric-johnson/

The right prop can really make a difference and believe it or not boat manufactures don't always get it right. That and technology changes and the best prop today might not be the best selection a couple years later. Sounds to me like there's a better option for you out there.

[chagrin 236 nautique]

Great information guys - I will certainly reach out to the "Prop Whisper" - now I just have to convince my wife on why we need a new prop!

[MN Ryan]

...I just have to convince my wife on why we need a new prop!

Let her drive in a sketchy area. That got me a new prop this year. Then, it happened again.

My prop budget got annihilated this summer thanks to our drought.



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[philb]

Someone put the 13.5 x 17.5 for top end speed.
I would go with the ACME 1235, it'll jump out of the hole and should still do about 38-9mph speed.

[XBIGPUN66]

We had the 1235 on our old 2004 210 I think. We had 5k ballast and it was great out of the hole.

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[shag]

The pitch on that prop is definitely affecting your out of the hole issue. 17.5 pitch is significant... That boat probably will do over 50 with that prop! lol. A pitch more around 13 or 14 would be better... The 1235 is the all around prop for that boat I believe... Like others have said, call and get a recommendation.

[chagrin 236 nautique]

I appreciate the feedback - I have never opened it all the way up - kind of afraid to - Do folks push these boats that hard? We are new to the boat and I don't want to break it?

[MN Ryan]

My 211 actually goes a little faster with a lower pitch prop because the 17.5" doesn't let the motor rev enough.

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[MN Ryan]

I have never opened it all the way up - kind of afraid to - Do folks push these boats that hard?

We're talking about well-established automotive V8s here. As long as you're not over-revving the motor or running for extended periods at WOT, I wouldn't worry (check your manual--I believe 5200-5300 rpms is the redline for the ZR6). The manual also suggests a max. cruising rpm of about 4000 rpm. I don't run at WOT all day, but I'm sure not afraid to open it up.

Last summer, I test drove a MC X-2, and the guy wouldn't let me take it over 4000 rpms. He was very particular about his boat.

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[shag]

So where the concern would come with over revving - is if you 'prop down' to such a low pitch that your top speed is limited. You could possibly over rev the engine. Possibly. I have a little lower pitch prop since I am on a private lake, and mostly just wake and surf. I don't have the need to travel a long distance over water so that may be something to take into consideration with a new prop. I have the stock 343 in a 2008 SAN 230 (essentially what the OP has for a boat) and i have no problems getting out of the hole with full ballast and extra weight. I can't remember what my prop is off the top of my head, but my top speed is a few mph slower and I am ok with that.

[MN Ryan]

Let us know what you end up with and your results, @chagrin 236 nautique!

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[chagrin 236 nautique]

Sure will - we are just putting the boat away for the season - so the propeller has been added to the Christmas list! My kids have added a new nautique to that holiday list as well and said they don't care if they don't go to college! Report in the spring!