Nautique 200 prop Q

[Jwakes]

Hey planet-
here’s a pretty technical question maybe someone can help with. I have a 2021 nautique 200 with the ZR4 6.0 engine. I just had it out for the first time as it is used and it was topping out at 40mph. (5600 rpm) I barefoot as well as slalom so I took it in and they said I needed a different prop. The prop that was on it was a 12.5 X 14.25 acme (1868). I also noticed the little micro tuner rudder was loose. (Prob on purpose maybe for slalom course skiers I was told) I replaced it with a 12.5x15.5 acme. Now it tops out at 43mph at 4700 rpm. Both tests done with just half a tank and me driving. So I gained 3mph and lost quite bit of hole shot. So my question is… is there a way to get both? 40mph seems somewhat weak for a 400hp engine but I had to switch props to just get to 43mph. Does anyone think the loose rudder tuner would slow it down? Or is this just the way it is with the 200?

[Rednucleus]

The rudder tuner should not be loose; slalom skiers set it to give a constant resisance feel which helps give a straight line in the course

[Jonny Quest]

I have a Ski 206 with the 6.0 engine. I run at 4,400 feet of elevation and my prop is an ACME 442. I'm not surprised that you are turning 5,600 RPMs with that 1868. That is not enough pitch, in my opinion. That 1868 is what I would run on a GT40 engine at 5,000+ feet of elevation...not at sea level in a 6.0 engine. If you want hole-shot, then the ACME 654 is a nice prop. For top speed, I would consider the ACME 442.

JQ

[Jwakes]

Thanks guys- so is 43mph top speed on this boat you think with this engine? I don’t mind giving up so
s hole shot but 43 is what my 2002 310hp pro star gave me.. and it had the same hole shot.

[jpwhit]

The 200 has a very high drag hull with lots of reverse chines and such. That's what make the hull track so well in the slalom course, have a really nice slalom wakes, and have very little spray to bother the skier at short line lengths. So, it's a difficult boat to make go very fast.

That boat shouldn't have come with an 1868 prop unless it was maybe setup for use at high altitude. The Acme 654 should be the standard prop that is approved for tournament slalom use and IMO is the best prop for the boat. The Acme 422 will yield the highest top speed, and 43 mph is all you'll be able to get with the 6L engine. The 6.2L engine can do more and is my favorite engine in that hull. But of course, it's also the most expensive engine option by quite a big margin.

The 196 is probably the best hull if you want good slalom wake and more top speed for barefooting. Much lower drag hull than the 200. But the low spray characteristic of the 200 hull may also be a real plus for barefooting.

[Michael Crouse]

Just as jpwhit stated the 200 hull has a lot of drag.
I have a 2000 ski that has a 6.0 409 in it. I use a ACME 668 and get about 48 to 49 with or without a crew. My 422 gave me 50-51 but I lost it to rock strike in low water situation

[Jwakes]

Awesome- thanks guys. I have the 422 in there now. I mainly slalom and it’s hole shot is moderate at best. Wakes seem fine at all speeds… maybe slightly larger bump at 22off.
appreciate the insight. What sort of top speed could I get from the big boy engine?