Prop Change

X-Star · Soul Rider Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 253

I was curious how many people out there have changed their props on their boats. I have a 2002 X-Star with the 330hp LTR but with all the weight that I want in the boat while riding, it lags a little off the line. I also wanted to know what degree props you guys have changed to and if it helps the v-drive plane a little faster because you can get up to speed faster.

John Jared · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 726 City: Round Lake, IL

X-Star, I just got a new Acme 381 prop on my 02 X-Star. It's a 13.5x17.5 prop and it is awesome. The handling is better, out of the hole is better under load. It has made my RPM's rise from like 2550 to 3000 at 23mph. Not a big deal to me and I haven't really noticed and difference in overall gas consumption. You almost have to see/drive it to believe the difference.

X-Star · Soul Rider Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 253

I didn' think it could make that much of a difference. I know that we arn't supposed to go past 5000RPM. Do you have to watch your RPM's now when you drive or does the boat limit that without you having to deal with it? And how much top end did you loose? What is your top speed with the new prop?

John Jared · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 726 City: Round Lake, IL

It has an RPM limiter. The top end went down to 41mph when the limiter kicks in. I don't ever drive that fast anyway so that's not a problem. I can be loaded down with factory plus another 2k and it pulls out quick. This weekend we'll have about 10 people in the boat, factory ballast and probably another 1k in sacs. I had my boat loaded once like that last year and it took forever to get up. This will really show the difference.

X-Star · Soul Rider Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 253

Thats awsome. I think I'll have to do that. How much did your prop cost? I did a quick "google" search and found one for a little over $300. I wonder why you dont hear about more people changeing their props if it helps so much.

Any body else out there change their props?

John Jared · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 726 City: Round Lake, IL

I got mine for 350

Ralph · Posted: Apr 26, 2003 11:32 am Post subject:

IMHO prop selection is the most important part of the drive train. We push 2k of ballast + 3 peeps with a 130hp I/O. With the standard prop it struggles with 6-7 peeps in the boat. With it pitched down top speed in our boat is only 30mph but we don't board above 24mph.

John Jared · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 726 City: Round Lake, IL

Well it did even better today. At 4700RPM I can go 44mph. Today I ran stock ballast plus about another 400 on each side in the lockers so that's about 1600 total ballast and 4 people. we ran hard for about 6 hours and got 2.9gph. Last year I was getting right on 3gph so no increase in gas Very Happy

Mariognarly · Addict Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 853

Where did you get your prop from? Or where would be a good place to go buy one? Are there any companies that make wakeboard specific props?

X-Star · Soul Rider Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 253

Hey John Jared, What prop did you have stock? I'm assuming that it's a 14X18. My boat is at the dealer so I can't find out what mine is but according to Acme props, you probobly have the 14X18. I called Acme prop company and he told me that there is't much of a change from the 14X18 to the 13.5X17.5 that you got. He suggested to go to an Acme 537 13.5 X 16 . And what engine option did you get? All of his suggestions were for the LTR engine which is what I have.

Mariognarly, I haven't found any good deals yet but, you can probobly get one from your local boat store. If I were you, I would call Acme directly like I did and find out from them what prop they suggest. You don't want to have a problem with the knuckle guys in you boat shop sell you the wrong prop. Then you can order it from anywhere. The guy to talk to at Acme is Jim. He's a real nice guy and you can get their number off of thier web site. http://www.acmemarine.com

John Jared · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 726 City: Round Lake, IL

I have the 310 engine and it had the OJ 14x20 prop. I now have the Acme 381 and like I said before I love it. I wouldn't go down any further. I have had it weighted down and it performs well. I haven't seen any increase in the amount of gas I use in an hour. I know someone that went down the the 13.5x16 and it was too much for him. He got the 381 and recommended it to me along with my local dealer and the guys at Acme.

Mariognarly · Addict Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 853

Thanks X-Star.

MrBlean · Posted: May 19, 2003 7:42 am Post subject:

X-Star

Have just replaced the stock 13x13, 3-blader nibral on my 330 hp M/Craft 205 with an equivalent 4-blader. Have yet to use for first time so will advise of difference it makes. Exclamation