TOPIC: More Prop or Less? Update

Back about 8 mos. ago. I asked about prop changes for my boat. Most told and I agree, the very best way is to get a tach and see where you are at on RPM. I never did get a tach and still should, but I did pick up a new prop. I was at an out of the way place where a guy has a bunch of old inventory on many boat items and I asked if he had a 10 3/8"x 13 1/4" prop that would be the original size that my motor would have came with. He just happened to have a NOS prop and the price was just too good to walk away from! My previous prop on the motor was a new 10 1/2"x12" and it really jumped the boat on plane and is probably a very good prop for skiing. After much playing and boat trimming, with 2 aboard, I was able to get 28.3 mph using the GPS as my speedo. I was happy, but for some reason, I wanted to get 30+mph with 2 aboard. When I ran across that new NOS 10 3/8"X13 1/4" prop, I knew I needed a spare prop anyhow, so this would be good to get. In a some playing, it still will set the boat on a plane very quickly, almost leaping on the plane. With a little trimming again and now with the same 2 adults on board, the boat will now hit 31.4 according to the GPS. I think I have hit on the right combination for this boat. I am sure the larger prop will probably struggle in a turn with a skier on back, but for everyday cruising, I think this prop is about perfect. The main thing for me is I am happy to have been playing with the rig, happy to get over 30 mph and of course had a good time doing it all. I am very pleased with the '57 35HP motor pushing this 14'.

Use the smaller prop for skiing and when you have more than 3 passengers on board.Again without a tach it's hard to suggest anything,even the above,as you may be over or well under the redline. Lugging and over revving are engine killers.