Prop Advice Please! :) Sx 18
 

I just bought a 2004 SX 18 with the 3.0 Mercruiser and Alpha One Stern Drive with 2.0 gear ratio. Unfortunately the prop has seen better days and needs to be replaced. We have alot of 200 plus pounders in our group so we def could use some good acceleration outta the whole to get up on ski's and wakeboard. Any suggestions anyone? Thanks in advance!!!!

Jack

Re: Prop Advice Please! :) Sx 18
 

Just based on the information you provided i would suggest a 17" pitch 3 blade or an 18" pitch 4 blade to help out that little 3.0 deal with all those "200 plus pounders". ;)

Just curious but what pitch prop is on the boat now? Your WOT rpm range for that 3.0 is 4400-4800. Using either of the props i mentioned will have you close or slightly over the 4800 which will be okay as long as you dont run it in that range consistently.

Re: Prop Advice Please! :) Sx 18
 

On the inside of hub where the nut is there some numbers and then a - 19 - L on it. So im assuming that means its 19 inch pitch rotating left? I'm a newbie to all this and to be honest i havn't taken the boat out on the water yet so i couldn't tell you the WOT rpm's. I just know i need some good acceleration since my father has a similar boat (2004 bayliner 175) with same engine and it had a 3 blade that couldn't get us up on a wakeboard or ski's. Thanks for the advice though!

Re: Prop Advice Please! :) Sx 18
 

Unfortunately the 3.0 can only do so much and you might be asking a lot out of it if you carry 2-3-4 heavier people in the boat and then try to tow one on a wakeboard behind it at the same time.

Another idea which will definitely help get her on plane & keep her there longer is Smart Tabs. Lots of our members have installed them, cost is under $150 and its a DYI job that takes about 30-45mins. Do a site search here for "Smart Tabs" or have a look at this Nauticus website link. Your boat will take the Smart Tabs SX with the 60# actuator arms.

Re: Prop Advice Please! :) Sx 18
 

Also, moving weight to the front of the boat will help it plane as well.

Re: Prop Advice Please! :) Sx 18
 

Hello
I changed the original 14,25 x 21 Black Max to a 14 x 20 Alpha 4. The acceleration is a little bit better and the top speed ist nearly the same if we are loaded by about 350 KG. If i´m riding alone i will reach 42 Mph at 4700 rpm, the Black max made 4800 rpm at 41 Mph. I´m very happy with the Alpha 4