MajBach
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2003
- Messages
- 564
I posted this within a different thread previously and am reposting in hopes it gets addressed:
I recently purchased a Maxum 2400 SC with a 5.0L Mercruiser. I have only had the boat out once for an hour. The dealer who sold it to me said he was a little disappointed with the hole shot and suggested I consider a 4 blade prop ( it currently has a Mercury 3 blade 19" pitch). I was actually surprised at the performance of this boat considering it has the weakest engine available and the prop is a little dinged up. Hole shot seemed reasonable and top end was 41 mph @ 4600 rpm. I believe WOT for this engine is 4400-4800. The only thing I noticed needed improving was how easily it ventilated with trim. On my 90hp outboard on a 17 aluminum, I added Dol-Fins to the plate and have never looked back as they improved almost every characteristic, especially ventilating, but wasn't ready to try that on this stern drive just yet.
But I digress. I have done a lot of research and have decided I want to try a 4 bladed prop. Top end is the least of my concern but fuel economy, low speed planing and manoeuvrability and I hope the extra blade might reduce ventilating too. Over the winter, I invested in a Piranha composite prop with two different pitches for my outboard but I have yet to try it. Actually, this prop SHOULD fit onto the new stern drive but the diameter would be an inch less so probably not an option. A friend of mine has a Piranaha on hid Merc and has no complaints. Actually, every one I have read who has had one recommends them. I will be keeping this boat in salt water in an area prone to high floating debris so the comp prop has the added benefit of resisting corrosion and a quick and easy fix should i hit a dead head. Another added benefit is in the worst case scenario, I can limp home in a 2 blade configuration.
But, my decision is not carved in stone yet. I am still considering buying two aluminum 4 bladed Solas props. It appears they would be slightly cheaper. Since I haven't any long term experience on the comp props, I'm having a little difficulty jumping in head first and need some help deciding.
The other factors that may persuade me either way is the fact that the Piranhas are only available in even number pitched (16, 18, 20). I could go for any pitch with a Solas or TP; but would I? Considering the performance figures I wrote above, should I drop down to an 18" pitch if I am increasing one blade? Etc Etc.
Thanks a heap in advance.
MajBach
I recently purchased a Maxum 2400 SC with a 5.0L Mercruiser. I have only had the boat out once for an hour. The dealer who sold it to me said he was a little disappointed with the hole shot and suggested I consider a 4 blade prop ( it currently has a Mercury 3 blade 19" pitch). I was actually surprised at the performance of this boat considering it has the weakest engine available and the prop is a little dinged up. Hole shot seemed reasonable and top end was 41 mph @ 4600 rpm. I believe WOT for this engine is 4400-4800. The only thing I noticed needed improving was how easily it ventilated with trim. On my 90hp outboard on a 17 aluminum, I added Dol-Fins to the plate and have never looked back as they improved almost every characteristic, especially ventilating, but wasn't ready to try that on this stern drive just yet.
But I digress. I have done a lot of research and have decided I want to try a 4 bladed prop. Top end is the least of my concern but fuel economy, low speed planing and manoeuvrability and I hope the extra blade might reduce ventilating too. Over the winter, I invested in a Piranha composite prop with two different pitches for my outboard but I have yet to try it. Actually, this prop SHOULD fit onto the new stern drive but the diameter would be an inch less so probably not an option. A friend of mine has a Piranaha on hid Merc and has no complaints. Actually, every one I have read who has had one recommends them. I will be keeping this boat in salt water in an area prone to high floating debris so the comp prop has the added benefit of resisting corrosion and a quick and easy fix should i hit a dead head. Another added benefit is in the worst case scenario, I can limp home in a 2 blade configuration.
But, my decision is not carved in stone yet. I am still considering buying two aluminum 4 bladed Solas props. It appears they would be slightly cheaper. Since I haven't any long term experience on the comp props, I'm having a little difficulty jumping in head first and need some help deciding.
The other factors that may persuade me either way is the fact that the Piranhas are only available in even number pitched (16, 18, 20). I could go for any pitch with a Solas or TP; but would I? Considering the performance figures I wrote above, should I drop down to an 18" pitch if I am increasing one blade? Etc Etc.
Thanks a heap in advance.
MajBach
