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How do I get more low down power? 2010 3.0

S

sledge

New member
hi, i recently purchased a new boat with merc 3.0L, 135 HP inboard (2010). i found the low down power a bit of a issue especialy when towing a slalom skier. it has the standard merc 3 blade prop. would a 4 blade aluminum with a flatter pitch help me in any way........recomendations please. many thanks deon swartz
 
Re: How do I get more low down power?

Going to a prop with less pitch is the economical route. Find a local prop shop that will let you "try before you buy" if possible. Don't be surprised to find you need a different prop for skiing vs cruising.
 
Re: How do I get more low down power?

chiefalen said:
You have to stay within wot rpm recommendations for the prop.
Click to expand...
Ditto! This is of great importance or you risk engine damage!
Worse case scenario being a cruising propeller used for towing skiers whereby your WOT RPM cannot be achieved!
You'll end up with one propeller for each scenario!

You must meet your WOT RPM spec for the prop that you are commonly using.... cruising for example.
This will be one propeller!

Then find one that meets WOT RPM spces for when towing skiers, tubers, etc.
This will be another propeller (lower pitch)!

See your OEM manual for this WOT RPM information!

Sorry........ there is no substitute!
 
Re: How do I get more low down power?

Uh, WOT while towing a skiier or tubers? NOT recommended unless they are super advanced at what they do. Wake boarders usually ski below 18 NMPH, you won't have a happy wake boarder trying to go WOT while he is attached to your boat. Once the skiier is out of water there isn't much drag anyway. When they are cutting just leave the throttle alone. The WOT RPMs is a range, as long as your within that range you are safe. Frankly you don't have to go WOT just keep the rpms within the safety range and no more than MAX RPM. I've been doing that for the past two years no problem.

To answer your question Sledge, go to a prop shop and tell them what you have and what you want to do, they will set you up safely. But yes I would go a four blade maybe less pitch by a couple of degrees OR smaller diameter same pitch. Your top end will suffer a bit but your hole shot will improve.
 
Re: How do I get more low down power?

"Then find one that meets WOT RPM spces for when towing skiers, tubers, etc."

Yeah, I wouldn't do that you will have some PO'd skiiers, tubers and wakeboarders!

Sledge go to your local boat dealer and tell them you need a ski prop they will set you up no problem. The OEM Mercruier prop is a middle of the road good for all but great at anything in particular prop. You can get a more specific prop and keep changing them out depending on what you will doing on the boat. I have three I use frequently. Most of us have different props to change out. With a ski prop your top end will suffer but your hole shot will improve. Keep in mind your 3.0 won't become a tug boat or anything but it should pull a single slalom skiier out without too much effort. Once you get the boat and the skiier on plane there isn't much drag to worry about, just set the throttle for where the skiier likes and don't change it until he says so.

Funny I thought my wife was the last slalom skiier! We feel so old skool out on the lake because everyone else is wakeboarding. Good on ya!
 
Re: How do I get more low down power?

The answer to his question is:

BUY A MORE POWERFULL BOAT.

I bet the boat is a 17 - 18 footer, typical, 2 grownups, 3/4 tank of gas, gear, coolers,

that alone is a struggle for a 4 cylinder motor..........

If you want to pull skiiers and tubers get a ski boat with a 300 hp V8 inboard.

This will solve all your problems.............
 
Re: How do I get more low down power?

To add to Ghost i like outboards for tubing, my 70 hp 15 footer trihull Arrowglass pulls tubers more then 30 mph .

I also have more then 4 props all different pitch.

When i am very loaded with 5 or more people i put on a 15 pitch, to get the rpms i need.

Usually i run a 17 pitch 3 people. I can run a 19 pitch but i find i don't need that upper speed it gives me.

I usually go 20-30 on the water. 3500 rpm good enough for me, leaves me 1000 rpm in reserve. More waves less speed for me, back can't take it.
 
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