Prop and ski wake?

There are some physical characteristics of the three versus the four blade prop that must be taken into account. One physical difference is total surface area between the two props which will increase drag thus reducing top speed but that added surface area allows for faster acceleration. There are other elements to consider such as diameter and pitch that needs to be optimized based on the power curve.

I originally got a four blade prop thinking I need a good hole shot for my size but I realized after having the boat that I don't utilize the full range of throttle at startup so a three blade would work fine. The prop wash is more than desirable at 36-38 mph where I ski and it would be interesting to see how a three blade would affect it.

I'll tell you that one thing we noticed with our prop testing last year is that when you go to a lower pitched prop the boat obviously gets on plane much quicker when loaded down with surf weight but the higher pitched props actually throw a cleaner surf wake all other conditions being equal. Again, this was just with surf wake and just the ones we tested so it's a pretty small sampling.

what is a normal speed for barefooting? dont really want start a new thread for this

It completely depends on the person, their weight, experience, and preference. Typical speeds are starting around 35 and going up from there.

Rule of thumb: Body weight \ 10 + 20= speed. 200lb/10 + 20+ 40mph.

Experience, water conditions, etc play a role.

Agree with MP on foot speed - 10% of body weight + 20 mph. But I know guys that can foot significantly slower once they get it dialed in.

And on a boom I think it is less?? Not sure as I don't foot.

Regarding props: My 1999 Mobius came with a 4 blade OJ. After damaging it I had two different sources push me in the direction of a 3 blade Acme - for slalom. Claimed I would throw rocks at the 4 blade. When I bought the Acme I went right to them, told them what boat/motor I had and they claimed they only had one prop for the boat. So I bought it. Honestly - did not notice that much difference.

thanks, i had a buddy who said you only need like 20-25 mph. i knew that didnt sound right

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Originally Posted by rdlangston13

thanks, i had a buddy who said you only need like 20-25 mph. i knew that didnt sound right

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It is "possible", but that takes a combo of a lot of things. OR you get some barefoot training shoes. They will let you get the basics at around 25 mph. I have a friend that will only barefoot with regular shoes on (not sure that's really footing but), we can lower the speed to around 32 or so.

thanks for the info. i have no intention or desire to actually try it. i was just curious after what he said. and he is no pro

You should try it at least once in your life - that may be all it takes - good or bad!

I did this (once) when I was MUCH younger on a boom off a BlueWater I/O and if I recall we had to hold about 43mph to barefoot on 7am glass. (6ft3in tall, 200lbs) As gutsy as I thought I was it was scary as he11 hanging out on that boom and dropping in to give it a go. I think my longest run was about 25 seconds. It was the head-toe-head-toe-head-toe cartwheels across the water I remember the most...