[iced98lx]

Hey All. I've read the stickies and have my head sort of around the concepts. I think this is where I'm at:

• We have a slow hole shot
• Extreame front end lift during that hole shot
• hard to get on, stay on plane
• Good top speed (cresting 48mph via GPS)
• Blow out during turning while tubing etc.

Now, I didn't know enough to check the WOT RPM last summer (I'm supposed to be aiming for 4400-4800 based on the sticky). I have a stainless 3 blade prop in the storage area from the previous owner and I"m going to take it in and see what the pitch is on it.

In the mean time a set of smart tabs have showed up so we'll be installing those as well. Assuming I want to go with a completely new prop to accomplish the following goals:

• Better hole shot for skiiers/tubers
• easier to get on plane/stay on plane (lower MPH required for plane)
• less blow out in hard cornering

And I could care less about top speed (we live on a small lake) I think I'm looking for 4 blade prop, somewhere in the 14 x 20 range. That led me to this one:

http://www.amazon.com/AMRM-992204-20...l+prop+14+x+20

Any thoughts or suggestions on the 14x20 4 blade I've settled on for those goals? I'm not 100% sure what is on it now so I'd like to get that measured I guess, but I also don't know how to translate the 3 blade pitch into a 4 blade pitch. What I mean by that is, if a 19 degree pitch 3 blade would achieve the holeshot characteristics I want, should I get a 20 degree 4 blade? It sounds like there are only upsides to stepping up a degree in pitch with a cupped prop, but I don't see anyone online advertising a cupped prop?

Thanks for any input!

[gahooligan]

I ordered a solas 14x19p 4 blade stainless HD Titan. I was on the fence but don't want to lose revs going to the 4 blade and want holeshot and pulling power (I currently run a 21p 3 blade aluminum that does pretty good) My final drive is a 1.47. I have a 99 shabah 202 5.7L. For what it's worth...

[iced98lx]

Thanks Gahooligan for the input, it's appreciated. I'm going to start with the trim tabs and talk with a local prop shop about options.

[iced98lx]

I did end up buying a 4 blade 20 degree prop locally today so I'll be putting it on shortly and testing it out for those who may check in.

[mikeyt]

I suspect that the 4 blade 20P prop will just what the doctor ordered... that boat / motor / smart tabs and that prop should have it nearly jumping out of the water.

[iced98lx]

Thanks for the confrimation MikeyT it's appricated. Was hoping to get it on the boat last night but just ran out of time. Hopefully tonight or it'll have to wait for friday.

[gahooligan]

So heres an update. The solas prop is amazing. Then i bent it at the ramp. Put a turning point 4 blade aluminum (same 19p) and its good but not like the solas he titan in SS. Got my Ss Titan back from propMD (looked better than new) and back to amazing but bent it again . Back to the turning point and back to decent instead of awesome.

I can only get 4200 rpm tho w the 19p (either prop) with a 5.7l shabah 202 1.47 final drive. Im thinking I need an 18 hr titan SS. I tried a turning point aluminum 4 blade in 17p but i turned 5000-5200. And lost too much top. Rocket out of the hole though and plant you back midrange.

19p titan has great hole and got me 53 top speed. Turning point alyminum 19p has less hole but still good, and about 51 on top. Good for a backup but the HR titan in SS is the hands down winner and is also much smoother. It has a bigger barrel for the exhaust to exit as well.

Highly recommend propMD to fix a bent prop. $175 to fix a 4 blade SS to better than new condition. That includes shipping both ways too!!

Just my $.02

Matt in GA

[iced98lx]

Thanks Matt, stainless isn't an option for me out of personal preference so we'll see how the aluminium 20p goes. I assume i have the 1.47 ratio as well so we'll see if ignorance is bliss

[gahooligan]

Iced... curious to see your results. My 19p should have been perfect but i was suprised i could pull top rpm... please let us know how your 20p does. Is it a turning point prop?

[Firestone]

I just tried a 4 blade 14 x 19P on my Z202 with 5.7L MAG and it was a total dog with low RPM, poor hole shot, and could only go 38 mpg gps. I moved back to my original SS 4 blade 14.25 x 17P to get 47 MPH GPS at about 5000 ft elevation. I can pop a 230lbs skiier right out of the water with 6 people in the boat with the 17P. Installed the smart tabs at the start of the month and tossed the whale tail in the trash. I was just shocked by the poor performance of the 19P based on all of your comments. I bought the boat in May and do not know the gear ratio, but would my elevation make that much difference?

Firestone - 2000 Mariah Z202 5.7L MAG Alpha I Gen II