Prop Test: Acme #540 vs. '79 Federal
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Printed Date: April-20-2024 at 8:23am
Topic: Prop Test: Acme #540 vs. '79 Federal
Posted By: Keith
Subject: Prop Test: Acme #540 vs. '79 Federal
Date Posted: July-12-2004 at 3:48pm
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For those of you who wondered how a new prop would improve your boat's performance, take a moment to read my review of the Acme #540 as I compare it to my stock 1979 Federal Propeller.
With the same surface area of a 4-blade and the top-end of a 3-blade, the #540 is the perfect solution for older Correct Crafts and, I can tell you, it had an unbelievable impact on the performance of my '79 Mustang. /articles/ACME_540_Prop.asp - Read the complete review. ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Replies:
Posted By: 64 Skier
Date Posted: July-13-2004 at 3:43am
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Keith,
Why not the 4 Blade? Did your 12rh14 run 30 mph at 3000 RPM? ------------- 64 Skier 66" HO VTX and 67" HO Triumph http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1071&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1971&yrend=1975 - 71CC |
Posted By: SS 201
Date Posted: July-13-2004 at 10:00am
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To be fair the old federal had none and actually near +2 rake. The newer props use at least - 4- 9 degrees of rake, moving the blade back toward the rudder. The newer props pull up the bow allowing more air for lift, of course giving the hull much more hole shot, hull control and in some cases more speed.
I had the privilege of testing the proto OJ 4 blade in 1996 and it made such a impact CC put them on all there boats for quite a few years. They were the first to introduce them on tournment type tow boats. OJ makes CNC,Cast, SS blades. In essence any prop manufacture can make a difference in performance, boat manufactures use the prop that work best for their product, generally speaking. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: July-13-2004 at 5:08pm
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I have a 1980 Ski Nautique and it has 13x13 RH 1" prop, I am using it for wakeboarding at 20-22 mph
What would be the best prop for my boat ?. Thanks |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: July-13-2004 at 5:17pm
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64 Skier,
I was ready to test the 4-blade but Bill Weeks from Acme advised me to try the 3-blade instead. He told me their new 3-blades outperformed their 4-blades in every way. I don't understand the technology that well but from what I understand four blades give you added surface area. Apparently because of new manufacturing technology, the Acme 3-blade I tested (#540) has as much surface area as the comprable 4-blade (#208) with out the added drag. I would agree with SS 201 that a new prop from any manufacture would make a big difference in performance. I intended on testing an OJ 4-balde as well but I guess their 13" RH are back ordered for the rest of the season. -Keith ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: July-13-2004 at 5:27pm
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Martin,
Acme recommends the #540 for Skiing and the #542 for Wakebording (see quote from Bill Weeks in http://www.correctcraftfan.com/articles/featured_product.asp - review article ). Both are 13" RH. The #540 has 12 pitch and the #542 has a 11.5 pitch. You also can use the 4-blade #208 if you like (see comments above about Acme 3-blade vs. 4-blade). OJ lists the Force 4-blade 1" bore 13 X 13 RH for Ski Nautiques With 1:1 Transmissions (they do not specify wakeboarding or skiing). All of these props are available through http://www.skidim.com - SKIDIM.com . The #542 is not listed on their site but available when ording by phone. Mention CorrectCraftFan.com and get 10% off your order. ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: July-13-2004 at 5:32pm
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Do you know what difference would 14x14 make vs 13x13
Thanks |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-13-2004 at 7:17pm
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While we are on the subject of props I would like to ask a question?
On a Nautique-Ski , 1992 , is there a better prop (than the stock one) for slalom skiing ? Is there a better prop for lets say barefooting? I am currently running the stock prop and find it does a great job, 2200 rpm gets me about 22 mph. Thanks guys! Hudson |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-13-2004 at 7:49pm
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Hi Keith,
I just read your review of the ACME540 prop. Sounds like you're in heaven. If I decided to go with this prop is there an increase in rear wake size ? Basically I only use the boat for Slalom and footing, and would like to keep the wake as flat as possible. Thanks |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: July-14-2004 at 12:55am
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Hi HudsonSpeeder,
My experience is that the wake size was, in fact, smaller. The new prop raised the stern more at slalom speeds which resulted in a slightly smaller wake. -Keith ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-14-2004 at 1:22am
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Thats very interesting Keith, now how do I make sure I order the right prop for my specific Nautique? Are you aware of any dealers in Canada?
Thanks, Hudson |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: July-14-2004 at 1:10pm
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What year and model Nautique do you have? What engine and transmission ratio does it have?
-Keith ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-14-2004 at 5:46pm
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Hi Keith,
Thanks for the info. I will have to check for the engine and transmission ratio. Since I am new to the Nautique is there a simple way to check for this info on the boat ? Thanks Hudson |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-14-2004 at 11:53pm
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Hi Keith,
Just went through my Nautique docs and this is the info I have. Model: 1992 Nautique Ski 19.6 Motor: PCM PLP-PR-R12PT, ser:322134 285HP Transmission: PCM 40, ser 040-12536 with cooler, RATIO 1.23/1 Present Prop: Brass 14RH16 I Hope this is enough info. Thanks for your assistance. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: July-15-2004 at 12:36pm
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Hi Keith,
What prop would you suggest for 1980 Ski Nautique with Ford 351, trans 1:1 and current prop 13x13. I got told that the ACME 542 would make my engine rev to much. Thanks |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: July-15-2004 at 4:49pm
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Martin,
The Acme #542 is recommend for Wakeboarding (slower speeds) while the Acme #540 is recommend for skiing. However, all of the following replacement props are recommended for your boat:
All are available from http://www.skidim.com/Offers/CCFAN.asp - www.SKIDIM.com (shop through this link and get 10% off your order). -Keith ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: July-15-2004 at 4:54pm
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HudsonSpeeder,
You should get either:
OJ doesn't list a specific prop for your boat but you can call technical support at SKIDIM.com (803-345-0996) and they can help you find the right prop. -Keith ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-16-2004 at 5:27pm
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Thanks for all your help Keith. I just ordered the #612 prop and puller kit. Acme Marine assured me that this is the prop to get for Slalom skiing. I should get it early next week so I will let you know how it goes.
Thanks  ------------- ___________________ Nautique 1992 |
Posted By: Zigzag
Date Posted: July-19-2004 at 8:46pm
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Keith
I have 76 Ski Tique that used a 12 X 14 when new. Around 88 switched to a 12 X 13 and had good results with acceleration/response. Wondering if this Acme prop would do even better. I have about 3/4" of clearance with the old prop when measuring straight down from the hull and 1" when measuring parallel with the blades. I read your review and your advice about clearance. I guess I was wondering if your clearance to hull was this close with your Mustang? Thanks Tim |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-22-2004 at 7:53pm
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Hi Keith,
Just received my prop. Just a question for the installation , the instructions say to screw on the "puller nut" and then hit it with a hammer. Is the shaft actually going to move? The shaft moves into the tranny ? I'm not familiar with direct shaft so it seems wierd. Thanks ------------- ___________________ Nautique 1992 |
Posted By: Rick
Date Posted: July-23-2004 at 2:29pm
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The TAP with the hammer is to loosen the prop after the puller is tightened. Use a TAP don't wail on it. If the tap doesn't cause the prop to pop off, retighten the puller again and tap it again.To tighten the puller put a 2X4 between the prop and the hullto keep the propshaft from turning. Heres where it gets wierd. In the prop pulling kit there is some graese.If not use the waterproof grease you have for thr trailer bearings.When installing the new prop put a thin layer of grease on the shaft before putting the prop back on. That will make it easier to remove it the next time. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=250&yrstart=1996&yrend=2000%20" rel="nofollow - 2000 Ski |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-25-2004 at 11:49pm
 Just installed my new ACME #612 this weekend. Great! The hole shot has improved and the torque and throttle response has greatly improved.The only neagative thing I can see is that my boat now needs more speed before the nose (full plaining) comes down. I now need about 2 mph more than before, but for me it's not a problem since I basically use the boat for slalom skiing. The "Harmonic" puller worked like a charm getting the prop off. Worth every penny!------------- ___________________ Nautique 1992 |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: July-26-2004 at 8:11pm
Tim, I can tell you that my clearance with the #540 (13" x 12) is about what you have with your 12" x 13. The rake of the #540 is around 12 so it fits more like a 12" than a 13". I hope this helps. -Keith ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Zigzag wrote:Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: July-26-2004 at 9:40pm
| Keith- What prop would be a good replacement for my 78 ski tique with the mercruiser 198hp 305 engine. Would your new prop fit my boat, or are there differences? |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: July-28-2004 at 7:06pm
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'78 Ski Tique,
I'm no prop expert but from what I understand the Acme #540 is the recommend prop for all 1:1 transmissions (which your boat does have). Even though there are differences between your engine and the PCM 302/351, the #540 would still be the recommended prop. To be sure, you can ask Tech. Support at Discount Inboard Marine(803-345-0996)when you place your order or contact Acme direct(888-661-ACME). Please remember to enter CCFAN in the promocode or mention it when ordering over the phone to get your 10% off discount from Discount Inboard Marine ( http://www.skidim.com/Offers/CCFAN.asp - http://www.SKIDIM.com/ ). ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: Barr-acuda
Date Posted: July-29-2004 at 5:08pm
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After using my ACME 612 for a couple of weeks now I can be considered a fan. My 99 SNOB is quicker out of the water and my barefootin' son says the water isn't as turbulent as it used to be at 38 to 40 mph. ------------- 99 SNOB 69 Barracuda |
Posted By: HudsonSpeeder
Date Posted: July-29-2004 at 10:51pm
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Barr-acuda,
Thats the word I have been looking for, TURBULENT! Yes I must agree the water IS less turbulent, great for Slalom and footing!! ACME props RULE!! ------------- ___________________ Nautique 1992 |
Posted By: shum8
Date Posted: August-07-2004 at 2:39am
| OK. All this talk has gotten to me. Ordered an ACME 542 for my 77 Ski Nautique. Got it on the boat today. I am going to try this baby out tomorrow. I really hope I am not disappointed. Currently have a Federal 13 X 14. Check tomorrow night and I will post my feelings on this new prop. I should see a big difference in the fact that I am going from a 14 to an 11.5 pitch. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: August-07-2004 at 8:25pm
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Don't use a block of wood to stop the prop from turning, it will mashed the puller into the prop and distorts the leading edge.
Put another crescent wrench on the puller's 'C' portion. This lets the prop float, all the torsion is within the puller. Apply moderate torque. 'Warm' the hub with propane, and then go in the house and have a beer, then you will hear a clang when the hub finally expands and releses, and retrieve the prop. Lapping the new prop to the shaft makes removel easier next time, and eliminates odd vibrations. Deburr the keyway before lapping, else you groove the bore. |
Posted By: shum8
Date Posted: August-07-2004 at 10:47pm
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Man what a difference. Out of the hole is incredible. Less turbulence, less vibration, it holds speed a ton better and even in the turns it performs like a different boat. Of course there has got to a drawback. This thing likes gas now, alot. However, you cant have the best of both worlds. Besides Nautiques are made to pull. Wish I could compare it to a 540 and get an idea of which one would have been better for my needs. But since we wakeboard mostly, I guess the 542 is best. Final analysis, best money Ive spent on this boat yet. Bar none.
|
Posted By: Munday
Date Posted: August-17-2004 at 2:26pm
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Hi, Gottaski exzactly like that!!
Only thing I could add I like neversieze in final install, Great site here |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: August-21-2004 at 2:48pm
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Hey Munday.! Just one ?
I was always hesitant to use a lube on the taper...Do you see any distortion of the keyway or key? I was thinking I wanted the taper to take most of the torque, and the keyway was there in case some slip occured.. Let us know! |
Posted By: new86owner
Date Posted: September-07-2004 at 2:50pm
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FYI,
I have read the reviews and am about to order the 542 prop for my 86 SN 2001. I found this source that has these props for $300. http://www.marinepropshop.com/acmeprops.html - http://www.marinepropshop.com/acmeprops.html |
Posted By: Rick
Date Posted: September-07-2004 at 8:35pm
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Gottaski I didn't have a propguard on my 66 trailer so I removed the prop to trailer it. I never saw an distortion of the key or keyway. By the way I also bought an 8' piece of 1/4x1/4 brass stock for 8.00 so I have a ton of extra keys just in case. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=250&yrstart=1996&yrend=2000%20" rel="nofollow - 2000 Ski |
Posted By: cinekw
Date Posted: September-14-2004 at 6:27pm
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For sale ACME #540
Bought it brand new for my 1980 Ski Nautique, used for 2 weeks and sold my boat with the original one, I am in Canada which means that I had to pay for shipping Customs TAX, so If there any Canadian SN owners that are interested in saving some money then this is a deal for you. US customers welcome Price $400 Canadian FIRM. Boat replaced with 1990 NS which needs differnt prop. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: May-27-2005 at 4:01am
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How much to ship to America 37221?
Jacob |
Posted By: ultrahots
Date Posted: August-08-2005 at 3:53am
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Do not hit the puller to hard.This is to simply pop the prop free.It should then slide off the shaft.A brass punch and a nice hammer will have the same results as a puller.I do not reccomend doing it often but in a jamb it will work.
I have an OJ 4 blade and an Acme 540 (bent up the OJ and could not wait for the repair)And the Acme is a Hands down nicer all around prop for skiing.The OJ has a very large wake at about 23 to 25mph (larger than the Acme) but that is about it. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6960&sort=&pagenum=2&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1980 Show Nautique |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: August-22-2005 at 2:27am
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Update: My 540 went with my Mustang when I sold it. Even though I primarity slalom, I found a Acme 542 on eBay for a great deal and picked it up. This prop is just as amazing at the 540. Whole shot is unreal. I'm now pulling up slalom skiers at 1/4 throttle (otherwise I'm ripping the rope out of there hands). I gained 1 mph and about 250 rmp at WOT (4,800).
Couldn't be happier. -Keith ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: August-28-2005 at 12:28am
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I am stuck on a 4 blade, but have done exhaustive research on the "net" and I am told the Acme 540 is the way to go. I have an 86 Ski Nautique, with slight engine mods (for a little more horse, ignition, carb, exhaust, etc), and pull 2 heavy bare footers without a problem. Looking for more hole shot....and to keep top speed. Boat mostly used for slalom skiing and barefooting, with some wakeboarding mixed in... Barefooters use step off ski's, cause the drag time behind the boat is very long.... Also, we pull multiple skiers often... So in essence, top speed is fine, just need more holeshot, and want to keep top speed.... I can't get over that a 3 blade has more "pop" out of the hole than the 4 blade. I almost purchased the Acme 4 blade, 13x12.5" RH 1", but am holding out..... Might get a 3 blade ACME 540... Looking for some more guidance.... Thanx, Steve |
Posted By: Ryno
Date Posted: August-08-2006 at 12:51pm
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Since we are now in the year 2006; does anyone have any recommendations for a 1971 Ski Nautique prop upgrade?
Thanks! ------------- Ryan |
Posted By: 64 Skier
Date Posted: August-09-2006 at 2:50am
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I have the 542 on my hull and it's a great prop. It runs 30 MPH at 3000 RPM's and 36 MPH at 3600 RPM's. All readings confirmed by two GPS's since I thought it was supposed to have 200 RPM's more at each of the referenced MPH sets, thus the double check with the GPS units.
Pulls a 240 slalom skiier on a 67" " HO Truth" with less than 1/2 throttle....and that's a big ole boy on a little bitty ski! I have a rebuilt 289 with slight mods to intake & heads but more compression. IMO this is still a good prop even if your engine is tired and the foam in the hull is water soaked.....or....you weight up with fat sacs and have 4 people in the boat. My boat porpoised with the original prop and soaked foam. I still don't fully understand why but when I put this prop on the boat it stopped porpoising. ------------- 64 Skier 66" HO VTX and 67" HO Triumph http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1071&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1971&yrend=1975 - 71CC |
Posted By: Ryno
Date Posted: August-09-2006 at 11:05am
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Thanks for the information and input! My boat has a Chrysler 318 w/ 340 heads; manifold,and holley 4 bbl. It is a very clean restored 1971 Nautique that i bought recently. I have been skiing a few times and am looking to flatten the wake and reduce the prop wash which is why i was intrigued by the article about the prop upgrades. I weigh 155 and ski a 67 Connelly F1...no problem with power or weight issues just looking to get the best out of an old hull so i can keep on beating up my old body! Other than myself my wife skis and my 6 year old got up last weekend!
Thanks again for the info, i truly appreciate it. ------------- Ryan |
Posted By: The Lake
Date Posted: August-10-2006 at 9:04am
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Hey Ryno, I have a 60 Nautique, and when I put the 540 prop on we got a lot better perromance. (I also have a 318 Chrysler) I saw great improvement with the hole shot and a flatter wake.
Have you posted any pictures yet? I'd like to see your boat. Chuck ------------- Walk on Water www.coldwater.me http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=775&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970 - 69 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: August-29-2006 at 12:09pm
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Here's some info on the Michigan Wheel 13x12. I used ~5 year old Garmin handheld GPS.
14.5 mph @ 2000 rpm 27.5 mph @ 3000 rpm 37.0 mph @ 4300 rpm These speeds look low but I ran it several times in smooth water with just a driver (170 lb), 50 lb of gear and 1/2 tank of gas in a 1988 Ski Nautique with 960 hours, original engine/trans. ------------- |
Posted By: 79Tique
Date Posted: September-12-2006 at 11:44pm
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Hey Guys, My 79 Ski Tique seems to have a smaller prop than the Nautiques I have seen. I noticed that Zigzag mentioned a concern about clearance and I am wondering about this as well. My boat has the stock prop and I think it looks pretty small. We ski most of the time and do a little wake boarding and I feel the boat could pull a skier up a little quicker. Any one know what will fit and make my Tique with a 302 and help it gain speed quicker? ------------- Work to live, not live to work. |
Posted By: wsavini
Date Posted: March-19-2013 at 1:51pm
| Is there any newer updates on props? These post are 8 years old now. Thanks |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: March-19-2013 at 1:52pm
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Federals still suck. :/ ------------- |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: March-20-2013 at 12:54am
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Acme Still roolz ------------- |
Posted By: M3Fan
Date Posted: March-20-2013 at 1:49am
And the '88 still only goes 37.  ------------- 2000 SN GT40 w/99 Graphics/Gel 2016 SN 200 OB 5.3L DI https://forum.fifteenoff.com |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-03-2018 at 6:21pm
 I just ran across this old post and wanted to bring it back to the top as a warning to anyone reading it. DO NOT grease the taper at the prop! The grease that comes in the prop puller kit is for the threaded bolt on the puller and NOT the prop taper. I also do not recommend using a block of wood between the prop and hull to prevent rotation. Yes, this sure is "weird"
------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: FLCaptain
Date Posted: February-12-2021 at 3:48pm
| Do you still have the review? I'm thinking of a 540 or 542 for my 1979 Ski Nautique. I just put 1988 Exhaust Risers on it out of Necessity. I have a new prop and bushing. Would still love to smooth it out and gain some power. |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: February-16-2021 at 5:51am
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Best prop for that boat is gonna be a 540. The 542 is lower pitched so your hole shot will be slightly faster than a 540 but your top end will be slower than a 540. Go with the 540! ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |