What Prop ? - 2005 195XT Wakeboard Edition w/ Alpha One (4.3)-gctid348736

I would also recommend the High 5 prop, which is a 5 bladed stainless steel prop sold by Merc. These props are very expensive, retail for close to $1000 here in Canada. The boat would have most likely been sold new with a 3 bladed aluminum prop, which will NOT perform like the high 5, especially when pulling up slalom skiers. I would recommend that you try to find out what is on your boat now, what material (stainless or aluminum), how many blades (3, 4 or 5) and what pitch (17, 19, 21, etc.). From there we can help recommend where to go for the performance that you want.

If you can find a good prop shop they will be able to recommend a prop for you and some will even let you test drive the new prop and then exchange it if you want to try a different one.

If you are revving too high then sounds like you are under pitched. Funny it would struggle to pull a skier up if it is under pitched though.

You can find some good rules of thumb on the internet on how much your WOT changes when changing pitch (ie xxx rpm per y inch pitch change). I used them when sorting out my boat and they worked pretty well.

If you switch to a high five you will experience a way better hole shot than the same pitch on a 3 blade. I lost only 1-2 mph on the top end but the change in hole shot was amazing.

If you have the luxury of time, 5 highs show up on Vancouver CraigsList every now and then.

Good luck! Maybe see you at Belcarra.

[Guest]

Thank you both (nmuir & Danny) for your input. I managed a short ride on the boat before buying it.... it was cold and raining here in Vancouver so only stayed out 15 minutes. With the wrong prop on (don't have prop specs as boat is stored elsewhere, but will check). Boat seemed to run OK - got planing quickly, warning beeped at 5000 RPM. Only thing is, previous owner did mention that boat may struggle to pull a good sized adult out of the water (skiing). I wanted to know what prop these boats came with, but both your endorsements of the high five got me to look into that prop and I think I'll go that route once I figure out what pitch I need, and where to pick one up here in Vancouver.

nmuir wrote:
Had a chance to try it yet? Might be good to post current performance, current prop, etc.

I have a 20' searay with a 4.3 and it was transformed when I changed to a 21P High Five prop. Great for skiiing (pulls up slalom ski starts fine) and still tops out at 44 mph.

We mainly drag double skiers, single slalom, wakeboarders and tubes.

I have the high five 19" which is great.

I just loose a bit in top end speed.

However I would love to try the 21" except they cost an absolute fortune in Australia.

Had a chance to try it yet? Might be good to post current performance, current prop, etc.

I have a 20' searay with a 4.3 and it was transformed when I changed to a 21P High Five prop. Great for skiiing (pulls up slalom ski starts fine) and still tops out at 44 mph.

[Guest]

Greetings to all! I just picked up one of these boats, but was told by the previous owner that the prop on it was not a match for the boat. Can anyone tell me what type of prop these would have come with (factory)? Is there a particular prop you might suggest that would suit tubing and waterskiing, while keeping the rpm at 4800 (which I understand is recommended Max rpm for these engines)?

Your input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks... & cheers!