Prop Choice

So I had an original 1984 13x13RH 3 blade prop that had seen better days. It was missing a good sized chunk and had other dings... It was only delivering about 38mph at 4K rpms. I was hoping to get a new prop that would get me a solid 42-43 mph. I stumbled upon a Ambush 13x16 4 blade on eBay for $100 so I got it.

Took it out for a test yesterday and it only got me to 32K rpms. I don't have a good speedo and didn't have my buddy's boat there to clock it for me. But it felt like somewhere around 38-40mph.

I think I'm right that it's a little too much pitch right? I have heard about re-pitching props. Has anyone had any experience with that or have any opinions on my situation? If I could get this one re-pitched for under $100 I would be happiest. I didn't want to spend $400 for a prop. What would I do with this one? Would it be best to repitch it to a 4 blade 13x13? Or 13x14? I've never gone from 3 blade to 4 so I don't understand the dynamic. Will going from a beat-up 13x13 3 blade to 13x13 4 blade gain me the top-end performance I want, or do I need some more pitch?

Thanks,
Greg

Call Bill Weeks @ Acme Prop. I don't have his # handy ,but U can google acme prop. He's the Man!

ACME 540

At either Delta Propellor or Discount Inboard Marine, the 540 is closer to $300 with the discount for this site.

The ACME 540 is what the smart guy at Delta recommends. They cost $325.00 with no shipping charge and a discount from this site. You will be amazed at the increase in overall performance you get from running the correct prop. Rebuilding or repitching can be done from most shops but it can run upwards of $150 and you still don't get the same performance. There was a guy selling his engine, tranny, driveshaft and ACME 540 prop in the boat parts for sale. If he still has it maybe he will sell just the prop. Check Ski it again and Ebay for other used props. If you want the most out of your boat, get the 540.

From Delta Props

Part #:540 Acme (CNC Propellers), Dia: 13
Pitch: 12 Blades: 3 Shaft: 1 Rotation: RH
Price: $325.00 Qty: Select:   

CCFan Review

Not to rain on anyones parade about their selection of props,but,propellers are the same as tires on the water. What one boat performs best with is not the fit all do all for every aplication.
I have heard so much rave over the Acme 540 & the 542 that some on this site may seem to beleive that it can give you an xtra 3 mph and pull 6 Gs out the hole.
Each boat and motor combo is unique into itself,what works on my boat/motor combo may not be the recipe for boat X.
After using acme,OJ,Michigan I found the 4 blade Austral beat all others hands down,I loved it so much i bought a spare cupped and tweeked the same,but it took three trips to General Propeller to fine tune to my boat/motor combo.
They charge 75.00 to repitch 1 to 2 in. no extra for a min. cupping. I have done business w/them for years as i have Eric Johnson/OJ Propellers, they build a fantastic prop. ,its just too fragile to run in Louisiana waters.
My point being there is no magic bullet that will fill every propeller application thats the reason there are more than one brand and type of tire to fit anyone auto,or truck.............. boatdr   

lucenut, I'm all for the re-pitching when you can. But with a 13x16 you'd need to drop more than the 2" in pitch which is typically the limit. And don't ask me why, as I'm not a 4 blade guy with our small older boats, my local shop wouldn't even re-pitch a 4-blade period. That 13x16 you have was meant for a reduction gear trans, and just grabs too much water for a 1:1, so maybe you can re-sell it and come up with a 540 or similar.

I have an 83 2001 and just put a 540 Acme on her. Had a 13x13 OJ. The thing takes off like a rocket now. I did not gain but maybe 1 mph on the top end but with dropping 1 degree in pitch I did not expect to gain any. The prop did exactly what they said it would do. Thought I would give results on a boat that has the same hull and a$$uming it has a 351w.

I run a 14x14 on the bfn, well that's what came on it. But I didn't see anything in that size at delta. Any suggestions, anyone here with a bfn running a acme?

Eric pointed out to me that my prop is a little bent, must have happned last time out, didn't drive much that day, little to loaded, and having to much fun.