Just got a Skater!

[Propster]

Just bought Ron's (Alaskastreamin) 21 Skater. Thanks Ron! Just got it off the barge today. The pics did not do it justice. The boat is just beautiful up close. Just need a motor now!

[Propster]

Another

[Propster]

Rear

[outboards4life]

congratulations. good luck in your search for an engine. I hope you enjoy it for many years.
Travis:cool:

[Propster]

Wildman is sending it out tomorrow! Should work great on the back of the Skater.

[skatermike24]

Have fun and be safe!!!

[LakeTrash]

Boat from Alaska - motor from Florida.

Should be a great combination - have fun.

LT

[SKATER241]

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!:D CONGRATS ON THE NEW BOAT.GET HER RIGGED AND GET SOME SEAT TIME UNDER YOUR BELT BEFORE PUSHING IT TOO HARD.THESE BOATS TAKE SOME GETTING USED TO BUT AS THE SAYING GOES"ONCE YOU GO CAT YOU'LL NEVER GO BACK"OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

[blkmtrfan]

Way cool, and a 300 to boot :cool: :cool: , did you sell the daytona of just get the 300 coming anyway? can't wait to see that combo running, good luck getting all the rigging done quickly

[jerry]

now that you posted pics of this nice looking boat , drive over to at100plus's house and stick a dull fork in his eye !! hahahaha

[at100plus]

AHHHHHH! I have Skater envy.

You're going to love it, especially with that motor!

I need to find one again.

[Propster]

Yep, sold the Daytona to get the Skater

[Propster]

Sold the Cobra to get the engine,


Skater241, I plan to get a lot of seat time in the baby Skater before I open it up. I have spoken to Ron and Banjo a lot about the handling quirks of the 21. The Daytona was great up to 90, then it got very light. Too much aero lift. It also did pretty good up to 2 foot chop, I wanted a bigger boat that can rock over moderate water. The Skater should do that pretty well once I get used to it.

[mendo]

I got a chance to ride in that boat right before Ron sold it.
We went out through the channel and visited some great Islands near Sitka. We went quite a ways in a hurry!!! That boat is real stable and I was VERY impressed with it. On one of our over 90mph passes we went over some 3' rollers from a large boat wake at a 45 degree angle and it sliced right through with no spooky twisty quirks that a V-hull would experience.

I think you will enjoy the boat!!!

Have fun!!

[AlaskaStreamin]

Hey NICE pictures!!! I can't believe I've missed this thread till just now.:eek: :confused:

You know, I have to admit, the more you drive this boat, the more you like it.
I'll be in Gig Harbor mid to the end of Oct for a week. Don't winterize it before then. I want a ride!!!!:D

[Propster]

No problem Ron, anytime. I want a ride in your new boat too! I replaced the jackplate slides and re-routed the fuel lines. I don't know how some of you guys replaced the L&S jackplate slides with the engine attached. I had a hard time getting the two halves back together with the new slides in place. Nice tight fit. Should be running it some more this weekend if it would stop raining for more than 20 minutes.

[mendo]

Hey Propster, my brother lives up in Everett!!

He has a 24' bayliner fully rigged for fishing and goes out often. I will tell him to start looking for the great looking Skater. When will you have it going and where do you usually go?

[time warp]

We could have used another outboard boat at Powerboats Northwest Poker run last Saturday, as it was we only had 9 300x's.
There are some pics on www.nwoffshore.com in the general discussion area under Powerboats N.W. Poker Run.

We have another Poker run in Silverdale January 1st, it's a good time.

Caleb

[Propster]

I plan to run it between Everett and Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound and up in the San Juans. I tried to launch at 14th street in Everett yesterday to run it in the Sound. It was a total zoo. Never say that many boats there. Way too busy for my first time in salt water. Silvers are running or something.

Ran it all day today on Lake Washington. The lake is abot 25 miles long by 5 miles wide. Ran great all day. Got 91.4 on the gps with two people in the boat and 30 gallons of fuel.. Very close to the speedo reading. Ran out of prop. 6300 rpm and I was on the limiter.

Caleb, I only have a 300, not a 300x. I am going to sell it o get a 300x though. Need some more rpms. Wish I would have gotten some pics tody, great fun.

[at100plus]

Where's the pics Propster?

[mendo]

I used to live right at the north end of Lake Washington, just off of Juanita Drive. I got a little cabin on the north end of Camano Island. Last year I borrowed my Dad's boat (I live in CA now and did not want to tow) and took it up through deception pass to Friday harbor for lunch. Was a great day!!!! Thanks, hope to see you up there some day.

[blkmtrfan]

I spend a bunch of time out there with my wife and kids, but ususally in my cruiser (stay the whole week end). The Activator ususally gets used on the lake or over east on the river.

But I just sold my 25' cruiser and am getting real close to getting a 32' which I am hoping is big enough to tow the Activator :D

That way I can still have my sport boat when I take the whole crew out ;)

[AlaskaStreamin]

Soooooooooooooooooooo,.........Are you getting used to it??

[Propster]

Between the rain and working the bugs out with the fuel system and the old Land & Sea jackplate, took me a while to get some good high speed seat time.

Like most 21 Skater owners, I like the boat more and more every time I drive it. New impressions. It used to make me real nervous when the boat leaned the wrong way on slow turns and the way one sponson whould get on step before the other. The porpoise was a little un-nerving too untill I figured out how to manage it. Now, the little quirks just make me smile. Only true tunnels do this. Bottom line, the thing rides like a cadillac and rocks over 70.

Should have bought a 300X though. 21 Skaters need lots of bottom end to get on step and through the mid range, then they need some rpms for top speed. I have seen just over 90 on the gps and the boat is dead solid, no drama whatsoever. I want to see what it feels like at 100 mph.

[blkmtrfan]

Propster a 300x or send your 300 to Simon, don't AlaskaStreamin's motor put out 350hp or so?

So Ron what was the fastest you had it going with the Simon motor? :D

[beer30]

Skater are just FANTASTIC, you can't say enough about them. Took another V-Owner for a ride Sunday, he has a 25 ft.Baja, couldn't get over the ride. Left saying that the Skater rode 2 times better in chop ( 2 footers) then his boat. I didn't even think it was rough. Chuck.:D

[skaterjim]

beautiful boat have fun

[Propster]

Chuck, how do you like the 300x on your boat? What kind and size prop are you running? What is max rpm? I am considering selling my 300 and getting a 300x.

[beer30]

Running a Mazco 14.5 x 30 RE3, have seen 6600. But was starving for fuel. Also the slip on the RE3 is running around 14.5 to 15 %. When it ran 6600, I got 99.8. Going to send the RE3 down to Performance, Tim says there are a couple of tricks, he does with Mazcos. Also he wants to check the pitch and make sure it is a 30"; if not that big , slip #'s don't look as bad. Even so he has somethings he wants to do. Also got a 14.5 x 30 Merc. Chopper a4 cut. Never seem to be able to get my wife and little girl out of the boat lately to really ring this one out. Just bought a 14.5 X 28 Dr 4 blade from Performance, for when I have more then just us in the boat. Going to try that this weekend, for the first time. Chuck.:)

[at100plus]

Chuck get the Performance Propellers, you won't regret it.

[beer30]

Mike, got the prop Tuesday, looking forward to trying it this weekend.Chuck.

P.S. Really wanted it for when I had a load in the boat, which seems to be all the time.
:D

[at100plus]

Spinelli DR or a Performance Propellers???

Don't call your wife a load, that's not nice!;)

[Mark75H]

90+ mph without racing jackets or helmets?:eek:

[EASY MONEY]

just woundering what did you give for the moter ,what year ,X or promax? thanks

[Propster]

Mark 75H - My buddy and I had lifejackets on and the killswitches were connected. 90 in a Skater in 1-2 foot chop is like 60 in a jetboat on glass. They are so solid in the water, I can let go of the wheel and it just goes straight (not that I make a habit of it). If the water were bigger or if I was going faster, I would certainly wear more safety equipment.

Easy Money - The motor is a 2000 300 Pro-Max (not an X) with 100 hours that I purchased from Wildman last month. Motor has the new style graphics, so it looks like the X. Looks and runs like new. I paid 11,000 plus shipping.

[EASY MONEY]

THANKS FOR REPLY I HAVE THE SAME YEAR MOTER THAT IAM POSTING TODAY TO SELL

[Mark75H]

Life jacket or "racing jacket"? Without leg straps to keep the jacket on it isn't going to help you in the water.

Its not the ride that you know will be dangerous at speed that is most likely to hurt you ..... its the one that you don't suspect, the 'hole' or wake that you don't see until too late.

$11,000 for a motor, $80 for saftey gear. I bet you can do better than that.

[at100plus]

Where can you get a Helmet, helmet restraints, and a Lifeline for $80???

[Mark75H]

all he said he was using was $80 worth of stuff, "life jackets"

I was trying to say if one can afford a nice rig, one can afford more than $80 worth of "life jackets"; ... not that the proper gear costs $80

[Dave S]

Hey Sam it's a Skater not a Skateboard.:rolleyes: The chance of a crash are less than a head on in a car that you drive every day to work. Thats why I stay home and hide.;) Are you coming to cambridge???? Should be FUN.:)

[Mark75H]

So, SUV's and big trucks shouldn't need air bags or seat belts ....

[at100plus]

Maybe that boat is why he can't afford the gear. I can relate.

[Dave S]

My car got an airbag........ ME.:p You going to show up???

[Mark75H]

I'm going to catch crabs and eat them on the other side of the Bay

[Propster]

Damn, I don't have an airbag on my Harley either. I am the roll bar on that thing. Guess I shouldn't ride it anymore. Why did I get called out by the safety police, I was pissed that it only went a little over 90! That is pretty slow for this group. Never heard anything when Parker was riding wheelies at over 100 in his little river racer! I think this motor is good for 94-96 with a bigger prop and just me in the boat. I am hitting the rev limiter now, but it is comes up slow over 87 with 2 people and 30 gallons of fuel. Some of the guys running 300x's on 21 Skaters are hitting 107.

[mendo]

It is Street Vibrations in Reno right now, I am an hour from there. It is the 6th biggest bike convention in the world. There are thousands of bikes and people there right now and the weekend will be wild. Huge vendor booths, exibits and live bands. Doobie Brothers, Jackson Browne and more. Tons of custom bikes!!

I wish there was a similar event for boats!!!!!

[beer30]

Prop, I heard the same thing about Extreme down in Fla. getting one of their Skater-Copy to go 107, e-mail them and could not get any info on how ( prop make or size, what engine other then it was 300, don't know whether it was an X or a modified Pro Max.) Are you running the prop you got from Ron on your boat? What size prop is it?
Mike, I got Performance Prop ( 14.5 X 28 ). I wish the only load in the boat was my wife. Since I got the back seat back, everybody and their brother wants a ride. Maybe it time to put the Race Hatch back on. Chuck.:rolleyes:

[Propster]

Beer 30, I am running the prop Ron gave me. It is a 4 blade semi cleaver of some sort, not sure what brand. What speeds are you seeing with the 28? With the additional power and higher rpm limit of the 300x, I was thinking you could run a 26 or 28 for better accelleration and load carrying and use the higher rpm limit to top out around 100.. Right now I am hitting the rev limiter at 6300, so I have to use lots of pitch for top end, but then it suffers in accelleration. I also found that passengers in the back seat really slow it down.

Banjo on this site says he is getting 107 in his 21 Skater with a 300x. I called him a couple times about his setup. He is has a race hatch and is using some sort of 3 blade prop. He is running the engine very high and is using a hull mounted pickup. I will call him this weekend and find out more about his prop and hull mounted pickup. Here is a shot of him running in a recent poker run in the puget sound.

http://www.nwoffshore.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3584&size=big&password=&sort=1&cat=100

[beer30]

Just got the 28, will try it tomorrow morning. I was told by Mike(AT100PLUS) that Banjo was running a RE3, but I don't what size. My RE3 is 14.5 by 30, which I believe after I get it reworked will be fantastic. Got 99.8 with the motor straving for fuel over 6000 rpms. Fixed that and ran 96.3, not jack high or trimmed much with my wife on the boat. She never let's me ring the boat out with her on it.
I think your prop is a 30. If I remember right Ron got that from Mike also. And Ron had it re-hubbed.
Also I put a External motor pickup on my boat too. Works great running 90, I get between 14 to 20 lbs. of pressure depending on water chop. Took my race hatch off but I believe it's good for 2-3 mph's. Might have to go back on for major speed runs ( sorry Tracy).;) :D :cool: Chuck.

[AlaskaStreamin]

Chuck is correct David. It is a 14 1/2 x 30" Performance prop. It was the best all around prop that was safe. Remember Banjo has broken two lower units this year running a 3 blade at those heights. He is also running a 29 SRX I sold with the Virage. He met the new owner and borrowed it last year.
Banjo says the boat gets real "hairy" over 100 at the heights he's running. The back of the boats starts to walk around and it's crabbing sideways at the 104 - 106mph speeds. He knows he is on the ragged edge and the chances of a full on skeg failure and barrol roll are a likely chance. He races motocross and likes living on the edge.
His advice to me was to run the four blade and keep the motor at the heights to where the stock water intakes would give pressure. I wanted absolute reliability and the extra 10 mph wasn't worth it to me.
Hope this helps some.

[Propster]

Thanks Ron, I verified it on the prop calculator. 6300 rpm, 1.75 gear, 91.4 gps came out to 10 percent slip with a 30 prop. Seems right. The prop is totally hooked up at over 90. I wish I had the 1.62 gear or was able to rev mine higher. 95 mph would be nice.

I think the 300's are faster when they are starving for fuel, must be pig rich on the ECU. Mine was quicker when my fuel system didn't send very much pressure to the engine (it was bypassing most of the fuel back to the tanks). Wish I could get more info to see if the regular 300 pm's put out more power if the ECU is reprogrammed for more rpms and a leaner mixture.

How do you connect the external pickup to the engine? Did you use a kit?

[beer30]

I had my ECU updated this with a 04 update. The engine was sucking air with the fuel( not good). I used run my boat, come back pull the prop off and clean all the exhaust off it. Since I got that update, I don't do that anymore, engine is snappier and run just sooo much better. Only thing I need to do now is raise the idle ( running around 600 r's needs to run about 800's).
Also got the boat pick up from Rex Marine, ran areoquip hose and fittings to your flush out on the side of the motor. This is how Wildman told me to do it, works good, only thing I might change is moving the pick up closer to the bottom of the boat. Chuck.

[LakeTrash]

Some thoughts -

We are running a 300 ProMax on the 21 Liberator belonging to my Nefew. Stock it turned 6200 just like yours.

It has now had some Wayne Taylor help. Tuner, reeds and some slight interior mods along with having the heads cut to 150 psi compression.

Now it turns 6700 and does not seem to care what pitch prop is bolted on. It has the 1.61 gears. Where the additional 500 rpm came from with stock computers is a mystery.

I run a Hydromotive T4X 4 blade, 26 pitch on the Eagle. I have the same shaft in my speedmaster as the 300 does. We thought what the hell and put it on the Liberator. Worked great all around - good holeshot - midrange and 95mph at 6700. He ordered a 28 and it pulls it just a good as the 26. Now it is at 100 at 6700. I really like the 4 blade as it makes the boat even more stable than normal.

If you are planning on buying a prop you should give them a call at Hydromotive. Really nice guys to work with.

Dennis

[Propster]

Thanks Dennis, that helps a lot. I am not hearing a lot about inexpensive mods for the 300 PM. Eveyone says SVS or 300x. If I am going to spend 2 grand to get more performance, I might as well sell my motor and buy a 300x. I am not sure if I am hitting a rev limiter. It just won't go any faster and I only have one prop to try. It actually doesn't really miss or do anything that feels or sounds like an eliectronic limiter. I think I will try a smaller prop to see what happens. I did a compression test over the weekend 121-124, definately room for improvement there.

Seems like the 21 Liberator has similar accelleration and top speed as Skater from the numbers I have seen. If I could get the same results as your nephew, I would be very happy. When you say some slight interior mods, what did you mean? I will definately give Taylor a call.

[at100plus]

Originally posted by AlaskaStreamin
Chuck is correct David. It is a 14 1/2 x 30" Performance prop. It was the best all around prop that was safe. Remember Banjo has broken two lower units this year running a 3 blade at those heights. He is also running a 29 SRX I sold with the Virage. He met the new owner and borrowed it last year.
Banjo says the boat gets real "hairy" over 100 at the heights he's running. The back of the boats starts to walk around and it's crabbing sideways at the 104 - 106mph speeds. He knows he is on the ragged edge and the chances of a full on skeg failure and barrol roll are a likely chance. He races motocross and likes living on the edge.
His advice to me was to run the four blade and keep the motor at the heights to where the stock water intakes would give pressure. I wanted absolute reliability and the extra 10 mph wasn't worth it to me.
Hope this helps some.

I second what Ron said above.

Yes Propster that is my 30 Performance Propellers that you got from Ron. You really won't get the accleration in a 21 Skater that you had in your smaller boat, but the trade off is the smallest single engine boat I know of that will do 90+ over some very choppy waters without feeling a thing.

I second what Ron says above. How different is 92 and 102 mph really? The wind is a little louder? Play it safe cause yes, the speed in those boats is all in the engine height. It's like the skeg is the only thing slowing it down, however it is also your lifeline. Break a skeg and it gets ugly from there. I ran conservative heights and always got 93 with that prop and my wife aboard. Best of 97.9 with 1/2 tanks, jacking and trimming.

Chuck you should be happy with those high 90s numbers. Run it real low on fuel with the hatch and you'll break 100. I'm thinking maybe you should have gone with a 29 or 30 pitch on that Perf. Prop. but since you can spare the RPMs, that thing might be the ticket. Should accelerate pretty well too. If anything you can send it back for a free rework to a 29. Mack had a 30 first on his (same setup as my boat) and he got another one in a 29, and seemed to like the 29 better.

Be careful with that external low water pickup, when you start to feel the back end slide to your right, let off the gas, that means you're starting to jack too high.

With my 2.5 and CLE, it didn't give any warning, just blew out. The 300/Sportmaster is much more forgiving.

[northeastcat]

What do these performance props look like ? I run a Lightening ET on my tunnel and I have tried many props and this seems to be the best all around prop for me .

[at100plus]

They look just like a Lightning ET but with 4 blades.

[beer30]

All I can say is WOW. I have never been on a boat with a 4 blade prop. Been on 23 footer with a 454 and a Bravo 3 ( dual props). The Skater jumped on plane like a track car. Took off, went though the lower rpm range like a raped date. I only ran it in an area about 1/2 to 3/4 mile long ( Mike, I used the straight away between Ocean Yachts and Lower Bank). Prop needs to be stretched out a little farther ( 29 to 29.5). Hit limiter on 2nd trip back up the river.
Also had the boat running super nice when the alarm sounded, but didn't see a problem. I had 25 lbs. of water pressure, temp. gauge said 150. Tons of oil in the tank. This happened around 6800, so I wasn't on the limiter yet. Could it be too much water pressure? I never had that kind of pressure with the 3 blades only got 14 to 19 lbs. normally. Also the river was smooth as glass. Also best speed in that distance was 94.6. Now it's time to send my Mazco 3 blade to Tim for tune-up.Chuck.;)

[at100plus]

Yea, I thought you'd need some more pitch. Send that prop back first. It's a great prop.

[northeastcat]

Mike ,
Where can I find some info on Performance Props , sounds like something I might like on my rig.

[at100plus]

Bill or Tim

800-572-5527

[Ospreyproduction]

I've been following your thread and thought that I would chime in. I'm running the exact same setup as you so we should be very similar.

I recently bought a new lower unit and switched over to the fat shaft so I have had to switch some props around too. Luckily, a very good buddy of mine owns a prop shop, and have had the opportunity to run a number of props. I know that everyone says they are running the best..or fastest, and their prop is the one you should be running but here is what I have learned.

I had a couple of 4 blades, one 14.5x30 4 blade spinelli that I love, runs the boat at a top speed of 92-93 but it's great out of the hole,
and handles a load pretty well. The boat loves it. It's a great all around prop but I can't switch it over to a fat shaft. I'll be listing it for sale soon because of that.

Mercury Lightning ET 3 blade that took the boat up to 100 but it was absolutely terrible out of the hole. Seemed loose in the turns

Hoss 3 blade 14.5x30....thinned and pushed to a 31. Top speed prop at 104mph, light on fuel and one person in the boat. OK out of the hole but hated extra fuel or passengers. Sold it because I usually have more than one person in the boat.

I bought a Tim Hackney 4 blade "cleaper" (now converted to a fat shaft) that is great out of the hole, runs the boat well with a load, handles well but runs out of gas at about 90 now and that's after it was thinned. It does have great "pull" up to the 90 mark but that's where it puts on the brakes. I still like it because its a great prop for multiple people in the boat.

I have for the first time run a 3 blade cleaver. WOW!!! now that was an eye opener!! I must say that I was not a believer in the cleaver, but I have most certainly changed my mind. I ran a Mercury 3 blade 28 because it was all I could get my hands on...it was still amazing. I needed a 30 and now have one. The motor loves it, the boat loves it and I now have a 30 in hand ready to run. I believe that the 30 cleaver is going to be the bomb on the 21. Not great for more than two people and crappy out of the hole, but the rest of the ride makes up for it!

Good luck.

Just my .02 / opinion.....trying to help....surely someone will dissagree.

Seems like that's some peoples point in life.

[northeastcat]

Ospreyproduction , have you tried a ET copy ? I have never tried a true ET on my boat but the ET copy I run has out performed everything I have tried. I had no luck with cleavers and am surprised that you like them so much, but I am also not running as much power as you are too so that is probably why I feel that way. Try an ET copy if you can . Mine was cut by Aquaholic here on S&F.

[at100plus]

Make sure it's a Merc Lab Cleaver if you try one. I spoke to several Skater buffs, John Tiger in particular told me that the best prop he tested at Lake X on a 21 Skater for top speed was a Lab Cleaver.

I tried two Spinelli cleavers and they were HORRIBLE. PLANING WAS REALLY REALLY BAD. They did ok once it got going but took a while to get there.

I was satisfied with the all around performance of my Performance Propellers. Great planing, great handling, minimal crab or loose feeling on turns, and excellent top end.

My second favorite prop was a Spinelli DR 4 30. It ran almost as good as the Performance propellers. It was a similar design after all, (semi cleaver ET shape 4 blade). My Spinelli DR 4 seemed to give more stern lift and better acceleration but a little less top end.

[Ospreyproduction]

The Spinelli I have is the DR 4 30, but I can't put a fat shaft insert in it. Both Cleavers are Merc Lab finished props. One is a 15x28 and the other is a 15x30. Hey, I was as surprised as anyone! But they are awesome.

Northeast,
I had a true Merc ET and sold it just 2 months ago. It just didn't do it for me but I'm sure someone is happy with it. What I have learned is that every prop is a little different, even if it's "the same", they all run differently and the same goes for the hull. It doesn't surprise me at all to know that a Sanger cat reacts differently than a Skater. I had Talon before the Skater and it was totally different. It prefered a big ear chopper....go figure.

That's the only reason I chimed in on this thread. Propster and I have an identical set-up. Same motor and boat. That would be valuable to me if Propster found a prop that he loved. My guess is that I would like it too.

Anyway, good luck Propster...and if you learn anything, pass it along.

Thanks

[time warp]

Ospreyproduction,
Performance Propeller can weld a large propshaft hub into your Spinelli prop, see number above. The only bad part is that you can never go back to the small shaft with it after it's been done.
Just another option for you.

Caleb

[Propster]

Thanks Lee for your insights on several props. I usually run with one or two passengers and at least 40 gallons of fuel. I only have one prop right now. Ron said It is a 14 1/2 x 30" Performance prop. He said it worked pretty good with the 1.62 gear. Said it planed off quick. With the 1.75 gear, it takes a while for me to get on plane with any load, but works pretty well every where else. The faster I spin it, the better it bites out of the hole, with the 1.62 gear, I could spin it faster. I love the way it handles over 70, totally hooked up. Seems like the accelleration and hole shot would be better with it being a 4 blade and the 1.75 gearcase. I am starting to think the 300 PM is a torque master and doesn't like to spin up real fast. The prop works real well with just me in the boat, planes off and rocks. I would like to try a 1.62 gear to see how it works. Seems like I am spinning the motor kind of high all the time. I think I am going to switch to 1.62 gears or try a 32 pitch prop.

I would really like to try a cleaver to see how it works on the boat. None of the shops around here carry any big props to demo. Anyone ever try a 4 blade cleaver?

Still trying stuff. I will pass along anything I find as I play with different set ups.

[Ospreyproduction]

I just figured that you were running 1.62 gears. I have a set if you are interested. I popped the drive shaft on my old lower unit....turned the carrier...gouged the housing, but the gear set, and drive shaft are in perfect condition. That's why I went to the Fat Shaft.

If that's the case, you're on the money about turning a 32.

You can take your present prop and add some cup just to the blade tips and that should help you out of the hole and pull some rpms on top end so your not tapping the rev limiter. That would also keep you hooked up even more.

[RotorHead]

Propster,

I’ve been reading the last few pages of posts. Congratulations on your new boat.

Interestingly enough, I went the other way with the gear selection on my 300x. I needed the bigger rake angle on the prop for extra bow lift (it’s a Vee) so I went from the 1.62 to the 1.75 gears. As a result I went up two prop sizes from a 24 to a 28p. Now, I’m not familiar with your boat, but I fear the 1.62 might be too tall a gear for low end performance to run with the existing prop that you have. Particularly if you are already experiencing difficulty with heavier loads with the existing set up. My 2 cents. Regardless, if you are intent on trying the 1.62, I’m happy with my new set up and I have no more use for them. They have approximately 40 hours of use on them. I have no clue as to what they might be worth used like that, but it might be a cheap way to see if your theory works. The bad news is that the gears are up at my cottage north of the Toronto are. If you are interested, I’ll see if one of my buddies is going past there in the near future and try to make arrangements like that. (I’m overseas at the moment till Nov 3rd)

Good luck.