Method of Assessment and Comparison of Wake Size
Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2025 5:38 pm
In some instances of propeller testing, there may be an interest in comparing the size of the wake produced by different propellers. The size of the wake can vary, possibly as a function of how much stern lift is provided by the propeller.
To compare or measure the wake produced by various propellers, one possible method is to have some object in the wake at a particular distance aft of the boat, and use the size of that object as a means to compare to the wake. For example, you could tow a boat fender on a 25-foot line from the stern. Then you could photograph the wake and the fender from the same position on the boat without changing the camera's lens focal length (zoom). Then you would have a basis to compare the height of the wake in a measured way. You would have the boat running at the same speed in all photographs. From that you could possible get a better feel for any change in wake size that occurred with different propellers.
Disclaimer: I have not tried this myself as of this writing, but I have had the idea for some time.
To compare or measure the wake produced by various propellers, one possible method is to have some object in the wake at a particular distance aft of the boat, and use the size of that object as a means to compare to the wake. For example, you could tow a boat fender on a 25-foot line from the stern. Then you could photograph the wake and the fender from the same position on the boat without changing the camera's lens focal length (zoom). Then you would have a basis to compare the height of the wake in a measured way. You would have the boat running at the same speed in all photographs. From that you could possible get a better feel for any change in wake size that occurred with different propellers.
Disclaimer: I have not tried this myself as of this writing, but I have had the idea for some time.