Props - 2003 X2 Predator

[Nutter281]

Trying to figure out if there is much to be gained by doing a prop upgrade this off season. This summer I upgraded the stock ballast system to two 750s in the rear lockers of my 03 X2 and, while the extra ballast makes the wake beautiful, the perfect pass does seem to struggle maintaining speed more than it used to.

Engine is the 310hp Predator, current prop is an OJ 14x16, and I wakeboard at about 22MPH. 90% of usage is wakeboarding, with the remaining 10% being split between occasional surfing, and taking my dad skiing when he comes to visit. Current top speed is ~42 MPH on GPS and I wouldn't want to shave that off 'too' much if possible, but would definitely like to help the boat trying to maintain speed.

Any with similar setup have some prop advice?


thanks,
Austin

[wheelerd]

I have the same hull as you but with the MCX. My Acme 1285 (14.5 x 14.25) came with the boat from the PO. From checking around it seems to be the prop of choice for many boarders. My boys board but I mostly ski so at 32 mph the rpm's are up there. But it's got tons of hole shot.

[willyt]

i had the OJ 14.25x14.5 and loved it. i also had the 1285 and didnt like it as much. unless i was totally, completely slammed on my x2 (2500 lbs) + 7 or more people it NEVER even struggled out of the hole. I'm wondering since the boat is alot smaller than the new boats whether a 14.75x15.5 would work for your application

[Memo]

Nutter I have the same hull as your X2 with RTP 310 HP. Stock prop on my X1 was 13.7x17. However boat came with OJ 14.25x14.5. I was searching for a spare prop and came across reasonably priced ACME 1285 14.5x14.25 that I could not pass up. I did some test runs with both OJ and ACME, which ACME quickly become my main prop. ACME performed reasonably well under all conditions. Ski-Board-Surf. I think ACME has better hole shot with front, center and back ballasts full, good top speed just about 42 MPH. Perfect Pass performs well, does not serge with full ballast, 6 adults on board and 1 in tow. I think ACME has larger rooster tail and back spray than OJ and that may be expected given the larger size. All around I am very happy with ACME and would recommend it. Hope this helps!
Cheers!
Memo

[JRW160]

I had lots of trouble planing out when I upgraded ballast with my stock 14x20 prop. I think I switched to the OJ 14.25x14.5. I need to double check when I get home. It's either that of the 14.5x14.25. I can never remember. My top speed is around 39 right now. The boat has no problem getting on plane. I've run 3200-3500lbs plus 5 or 6 people.

[Nutter281]

Awesome! I had read many other threads that pointed to 14.5x14.25 being ideal for this boat, but none of them specified MCX or RTP engine.

On another note, I emailed Indmar to understand if there was an upgrade path from RTP to MCX. Turns out, as most expected, that short block (block/pistons/crank) are identical, but the Intake manifold, intake plenum, fuel rails, fuel injectors, ECM, and fuel pump all need to be replaced (~$3k).

Sooooo it seems that prop upgrade is the better value for getting some added hole shot under ballast

Thanks for the input guys!

Austin

[Thrall]

Yes, waaay easier than trying to make it a MCX! Also, the TBI 350's (RTP, Predator) don't really give up anything to the MCX (other than looks!) until higher rpms. Not going to notice much at all under 4000rpms, which is where 90% of riding happens.

[Nutter281]

Let's not downplay the amazingness of the MCX intake manifold LoL

Thanks guys. I'll be hunting for used 1285s this winter, if anyone happens to be selling one.

[JRW160]

I just got under the boat and checked mine. It is the 14.25x14.5 OJ. It was the stock prop off a friend's 2007 x2. He switched to the acme 14.5x14.25. I'm really happy with the 14.25x14.5, but from his accounts, the 14.5x14.25 is better.

[sand2snow22]

Will throw the OH 14.75 X 15.5 into the mix. Good blend of low end and top end