It will not filter any better.
For your application - I would consider a new prop.
For your application you want your rpms to be at about 4600 at wide open.
This will give you better fuel economy since you will get more speed at less
rpms. Or travel farther for the same rpms. Based on your numbers you could
go up 3" to 4" of pitch. Check a few prop shops and just try one if they
will let you. I think you will be amazed at the performance difference.

--
Tony
My Boats and Cars
http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com
"mgg" wrote in message
. ..
Hi Tony,

I'm more interested in protecting the motor with a more efficient filter
*if I need to*. The boat is '95 Reinell 184 brxl. I've had it to 50mph
with three guys in the boat. That happened at about 5200rpm. The manual
says that WOT is between 4400-4800 rpm, which is where I tend to run it.
That get's me about 40-45mph. I have the aluminum prop that came with the
boat when I bought it. I'm not much of a skier, and neither is my wife, so
it's mainly cruising and tubing until my kids are old enough to start
skiing/boarding/whatever. By then, I'll probably have a newer boat anyway.

--Mike

"tony thomas" wrote in message
news:0Rn9d.209190$D%.200772@attbi_s51...
That is a Stock engine (chances are). Save your money. You will get
much more performance from a prop swap.
What prop are you running now.
What is your max rpms at wide open trimmed out.
What is your max speed.
What type of boat to you have
What type of boating are you interested in (skiing, tubing, riding, lots
of people, just 1 or 2 people, top speed, acceleration)

A good SS performance prop setup for your rig can increase top speed by 5
mph or more over a stock aluminum prop.

--
Tony
My Boats and Cars
http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com
"mgg" wrote in message
. ..
If your engine is bone stock, don't waste your money, the OEM units are
fine.

I'm not sure if it's bone stock or not. I'm the third owner. Is there a
way to tell? It's a 4.3l Merc.

--Mike

"bomar" wrote in message
news It is true...in fact there are a number of aftermarket suppliers of
spar
arrestors that will flow better than the stock units.
If your engine is bone stock, don't waste your money, the OEM units are
fine.
If you are into High Performance boating there are a lot better choices
(all
USCG approved) than OEM

"mgg" wrote in message
. ..
I read recently that K&N makes a filter approved for marine engines
that
has
better flow and filtration than my old aluminum flame arrestor. Is
this
true, or just K&N hype?

Thanks.

--Mike