'91 Sunsetter prop selection

[dtrost27]

So I've got a '91 Sunsetter 350 mag ski with Borg Warner velvet drive 1:1. We use it for wakeboarding mostly. I bought the acme 3 blade prop #543, it's 13x11.5. I just didn't see the difference I was looking for. The guy at SkiDim said that would be the best prop for us. Any opinions on the matter? Would a 4 blade be better or maybe a lower pitch? We're not running any ballast yet but plan to get some bags this winter. Thanks

[martinarcher]

I'm running the same prop on essentially the same boat. We have had up to 1600lbs in the boat while surfing and it does OK. Wakeboarding we run 400lbs of ballast in the locker and sometimes our wedge and it pulls OK as well. I am with you though, I think the prop could be better. I had a 4 blade OJ on the Skier I had previously and I thought it was a better match for the boat. I know the slalom starts were better on the Skier (faster out of the hole), but that was a lighter boat as well. I would be curious to see how a 4 blade would do on the Sunsetter.

[dtrost27]

How did you get a wedge for that old of a boat? I might send back the prop and try the 13x10.5 3 blade. I'll let you know how it works. Thanks

[martinarcher]

Cool. Keep me posted on how it works. I debated trying the 10.5, but am worried about my top speed. Right now I'm right at 40mph and slalom skiing and barefooting I hate to loose anything else. I wonder if a 4 blade would be a better route. I know most places will let you ship props back until your happy as long as they aren't dinged or damaged which is awful nice.

The wedge was a custom project by the previous owner (member rugger). He made a custom stainless floating wedge and re-enforced the transom when he restored the boat. Pics can be seen here...

https://picasaweb.google.com/103899927922715396516/MalibuCustomFloatingWedgeFor87

[dtrost27]

How did he know what angle to set the wedge at? I imagine if you got that even the slightest bit off it would not work right. I'm very intrigued by this. SkiDim said they would take the prop back if I didn't like it and wanted to try a new one. They are great people.

[Levi900RR]

wakeprops.com

Give them a call. They will listen to what boat you have, what you use it for, and reccomend the best prop. They will also let you trade props out until you are happy. I wen't from the stock 3 blade on my Skier to an Acme 209 and I couldn't be happier. I have a TON more pull out of the hole. I run a little higher RPM's at wakeboard and Surf speed so my enging runs way smoother. I feel like I haven't lost much on top end but I haven't done a GPS top speed run yet.