cavitation sensation

[cyclone]

Yesterday, while pulling a rider and with about 9 people on the boat and 1500 lbs of ballast, I noticed that my prop  felt like it was cavitating, either that or the trans was slipping and I don't think it was the trans. Has anyone else felt this? I'm running a 4 blade OJ nibral with heavy cup, I think I have reached the limitations of my prop. I think a stainless would help, anyone?

[re-pete]

I'd love to see the photos of that wake--it must have been tsunami-ish(is that a word?)!!!  

Don't know about the physics, but I think if you are that loaded, your prop shouldn't be cavitating, unless there is some strange phenomena caused by the weight of the boat combined with the pitch of your prop that creates a low pressure spot behind the blades of the prop...    Maybe a prop-shop, or OJ tech support would know.

[toyotafreak]

Maybe a lame thought, but are you sure it wasn't the knock-protection kicking in?

Could it be that the nibral is flexing to the point its pitch goes to nothin?

[cyclone]

It wasn't as gradual as knock protection, it felt like a slipping transmission. It only happens on turns. I think it is the prop flexing and not pushing water effectively under heavy load. At least, that is what I am telling my wife! I know that deep down, she wants the power and prestige that can only come with stainless prop ownership!