Prop Test: Acme #540 vs. '79 Federal

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.

Hollywood wrote: Federals still suck. :/

And the '88 still only goes 37.

Federals still suck. :/

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Hi, Gottaski exzactly like that!!

Only thing I could add

   I like neversieze in final install,

Great site here

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.

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!!

'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/).

Zigzag wrote: 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

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