Prop Update

[nch20skier]

I have a '96 Sport with a GT 40 /1.23 trans that I am considering upgrading/replacing the orginal prop (needs to be reconditioned and to be kept as a spare). The boat is used for both skiing and footin.
Any recommendations or suggestions?

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Prop Update

What is your primary use?

[Mikeski]

RE: Prop Update

If I am not mistaken the stocker is an OJ Legend 3 blade 14x16 right?

Acme would probably recommend the 422, but I would suggest you look for something with a slightly taller pitch if you are going to be footing.

[dba4life]

RE: Prop Update

422 is a very nice prop. I have one on my 94 Sport. I also have a 654. Runs higher RPM's and great holeshot. Even with running weight I end up going with the 422. Sometimes I get a little heavy on the throttle and it keeps me in a safer RPM zone vs the 654. For wakeboarding you can't beat getting out of the hole with that 654 though.

[TRBenj]

RE: Prop Update

I would call Acme and get their recommendation. My bet is that they'll recommend the 470 (12.5x15 3-blade). It outperforms the 422 out of the hole as well as on the top end. It will turn a little more RPM than the stock prop, but you'll see better all around performance.

[Mikeski]

RE: Prop Update

Did you guys recommending the flatter props read where he said he was a barefooter/skier (TRJ, dba)??? He is not loading this boat down with weight for wakeboarding.

Definately do not run anything with less pitch than a 422, or you will lose some of the performance you enjoy. In your shoes I might also consider a stainless 3 blade OJ 14x18 if there are no rocks in your path.

[TRBenj]

RE: Prop Update

Mike, I too am a skier and barefooter- not a wakeboarder. Even with the lower pitch, the 470 has better midrange and more top end than the 422 or OJ Legend 4-blade (14x16). The better holeshot is a bonus.

I would not recommend a SS prop- Acme all the way.

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Prop Update

A larger prop 14 x 16 vs 13.5 x 15.5 or similar will creat a softer wake. I learned this during the summer skiing with some of the MC engineers. Not sure if that will help you, but its some info none the less.

I have a 422 and its about 200rpm difference from the stock 4 blade oj. I actually prefer the stock oj on my 99 ski. The wake feels a little softer, and I feel like I can get free of the boat easier. I am sure with some adjustments to my PP that I could get a similiar feeling with the acme, but it was easier to change props and ski.

Jeff

[Mikeski]

RE: Prop Update

Acme came out with a few new props this year with increased cup and bigger blade surfaces. I have always preferred my boat's performance using a prop with more cup over the stock prop. You might want to check with the Acme folks and see if they have anything new. They have a couple real guys that have lots of good knowledge that are only a phone call away. Call their tech support and see what they recommend.

[TRBenj]

RE: Prop Update

As of a month ago, Acme's recommendation for the Ski Nautique (both my '90 and my dad's '03) was the 470. I would think the recommendation would be the same for all the direct drives, but it wouldnt hurt to call them.

There is a good chance that for next year they will be offering a RH version of the 3-blade prop they are currently using on the Mastercraft 1.26:1 powerslot. I believe it is slightly larger in diameter than the 470 with the same pitch and less cup. I would like to include this prop in a comparison test that I am planning for next spring against the other Acme's (422, 470, 612) and OJ's (428 XMP and Legend 4-blade).

Of the props Ive tried, I would rank them:

1. Acme 470
2. Acme 422
3. OJ Legend 4-blade
4. Federal 3-blade

We didnt notice much of a difference in wake characteristics or pull (hard vs. soft) between any of the props- but I havent run them all back to back. I expect to have more info in the spring.

[M3Fan]

RE: Prop Update

Not to step on any toes, but if TR does the test for the 90-96 hull, I'm ready to do the same with the TSC1 hull. I have a 612, 422, and Legend 4 blade ready for testing in the spring. I'll be happy to do a full writeup (look at my bearing DYI on this site... I'm not fooling around here) in the spring with 0-36MPH, Top Speed (GPS and RPMS), and wake "feel" at long line lengths with these three props but if OJ and ACME want to send us any other props to test, I'll be glad to do it.

That said, between the 422 and OJ, I notice the 422 is tougher for the motor to spin, and feels softer all around. It's noticeably smoother, but that's about the only major advantage I'd give it relative to the 4 blade Legend. Just before putting the boat away, I was running 44.5 MPH at just over 4800 RPM with the 422.

[TRBenj]

Re: RE: Prop Update

if TR does the test for the 90-96 hull, I'm ready to do the same with the TSC1 hull.

Ill probably get some numbers on the TSC2 hull as well.

[nch20skier]

RE: Re: RE: Prop Update

I have confirmed the existing prop is a OJ 14 x 16. Funny how 1 blade is rough and the other two are not......

[nch20skier]

Acme Recommendations

Please see what Acme said..........

I see from this E mail that you are in fact using the boat for barefoot. Then I strongly suggest the Acme 1442.
I have a few different propellers for your 1996 Nautique. The Acme 422 12.5 RH 15.5 four blade nibral 1" bore .105 cup. This propeller sells for $419.00. However if you are into barefoot then I am suggesting the Acme 1442 13.25 RH 15 three blade nibral 1" bore .090 cup. This propeller will give you a stronger hole shot + an increase in your top end speed. The 1442 sells for $421.00. With either of the Acme propellers you will find a new smoothness & much stronger pull & holding power.

[Mikeski]

RE: Acme Recommendations

This is one of the newer props as I expected they would have available for your boat. The only thing that surprises me is that they reduced the cup? Anyway, I would heed their recommendation. General consensus has been that the recent three blade props are better on direct drives. Buy it from somewhere that will let you exchange it if you don't like it. I have had good results with props from board it up.