You can't have your cake and eat it too! That said since you need the low
end pull for all the fun then drop pitch to 21 but keep an eye on your RPM
for them speed runs. You should have no worries running that 4.3 to 4800. I
had a 5.7 which was in the same 4200-4600 but propped for 4900rpm, 10 years
later and still no engine problems.


"Steve" wrote in message
...
I'm looking for help in selecting a new prop. I'm currently running a 14
1/4x 23p
3 blade that came on the boat from the factory. The boat is a 2003 Larson
SEI 190 (open bow runabout) with a 4.3 volvo sx sterndrive. It will turn
this prop 4600 rpms (4200-4600 reccomended by volvo at WOT) and 49 mph
according to speedometer at WOT.

This summer we have started doing alot of slalom skiing. Needless to say
it
is a bit lacking on power to pull up a 200# plus skier . I have been
looking
at 4 and 5 blade props but am at a loss as to what size should work best
for
me. Also is there a big trade off for power to loss of top end? I need
something that will be a good all around prop as we do alot of tubing and
wakeboarding as well as just cruising around the lake.

I do not have a local dealer that will let me try out different sizes. I'm
not afraid to spend some $ on a good prop, but dont want to experiment
with
sizes at the prices of these props.

Thanks for any help Steve