Do I have the correct prop?

[Krystee]

I have a 1986 Sea Ray Sorrento. I am trying to find out if I have the correct prop on the boat for skiing and tubing. It is a 14 X 20, 4 blade. Could anyone tell me if this is correct? We seem to be dragging when pulling out a slalom skier.
Thanks!

 

[dwna1a]

Can you post some more info, motor size, length of your boat?

 

[Krystee]

Can you post some more info, motor size, length of your boat?

The boat is 23 feet with a mercruiser 240.

 

[blaster]

How many RPM'S when you run wide open? You should be at least 4200 RPM and if not you may be over propped. You say you have a mercury 240, can you be more specific? I assume you have an I/O with and alpha one drive? Do you know the gear ratio? Is the boat bottom clean?

 

[SteveRuss]

I'd say that if you are within RPM range at WOT for that motor then that is all you are going to get as far as prop performance. The four blade is what you want for skiing. It might just be that the weight of the boat and horsepower of the engine are what is holding you back. You can tube and ski from just about any sportboat but a 1986 Sorrento is not exactly a world class ski boat.

 

[dwna1a]

The book I have here says it should have a 14x19. That said, go to the Black Dog web site type in the info they need and see what they recommend for your boat and plans for your boat. You will need to know WOT RPMs so be sure to have all the info on hand