Prop discussion

[Craig]

Why don’t props come true, precise, and balanced right from the factory? Is the machining process really that difficult.

Also, has anyone really seen much of a performance increase after blueprinting a prop? I’ve never had one worked. But, I’ve owned a couple that, according to the previous owner, were blueprinted/balanced. I couldn’t see what was so special about them. I resold both of them.

Just trying to get some conversation going here….

-Craig

[Craig]

Why don’t props come true, precise, and balanced right from the factory? Is the machining process really that difficult.

Also, has anyone really seen much of a performance increase after blueprinting a prop? I’ve never had one worked. But, I’ve owned a couple that, according to the previous owner, were blueprinted/balanced. I couldn’t see what was so special about them. I resold both of them.

Just trying to get some conversation going here….

-Craig

[boatn70]

ive had two props worked and neither one gave me any real gains in mph, both were supposed to.
now this was with a stock setup.
i can only assume as your pursuing that last mph it will help!!
i have heard of others that have had great results, even 3 mph gains with a stock setup.

kevin

[vinny p.]

I would highly recommend having a prop labbed. As with anything else, the results will depend on who labbed it. If you go to a prop shop who primary sells props for cruisers, then that is what you will get.
I have used and recommended http://www.throttle-up.com/. Julie will answer the phone. If you want, tell her I sent you. Mat has done work for me and others with great success. They are a small husband and wife operation that will make sure you get what you want. Currently, I am in the process of getting set up with a new prop for my new power. They are sending me a box stock 27" P-5X Hydromotive to try out. Once I get some #'s on that wheel, they will be able to either lab that one, or swap it for a slightly different pitch to get me dialed in.
The benefits to having a prop labbed can be what ever you want. It can be tweaked to give you a better top end or a better hole shot. Simply put, you will be able to spin a larger pitch prop with the same horsepower due to the thinning of the blades. The fact that it will perfectly balanced is a plus as well. Your lower unit bearings will thank you for it. The down side is that the strength of the blades will be drastically reduced. So, if you boat in shallow waters you best be careful to protect your investment.

[JY]

Craig: I picked up a solid 2 mph in my ZT230 after Houston Propeller labbed and balanced a 29 pitch Mirage Plus. Power is the same as yours, stock 496HO. I told Darin that my only objective was top-end speed, and so I did lose mid-range speed at given rpms. Vinny's point regarding weakening of the baldes is very well-taken. The slightest nick can offset the balance (requiring a tune-up), or worse, crack a blade rendering the prop useless. You simply can't let the prop touch , rub or hit anything. I use my stock 4 blade most of the time. I bought the speed-prop used off of OSO at a good price, knowing I'd be getting it re-balanced anyway.

[JUPITER PULSARE]

A true lab finished prop, such as the ones you can get from Mercury, DAH, etc. do make a performance difference. I have seen gains of 2-3 mph on many applications. The blades on a true lab finished prop are sharp enough to cut your skin if not careful!!

[Timarkay]

I have a question i have a stock 454 carb 330hp 83 convincor it is a heavy boat compared to the newer convincors, would i be better going with a 23p mirage or some kind of 4 blade. I have been reading the articles on props and i am confused? I am kinda new in this boating thing so i was just wondering i see people say a 23p is a all around good prop i am looking for a more top end speed and something i can at least get out of the hole with. I kinda have a budget right how around 500- 600$ so i dont think i get get a labbed prop right now and from what i read i dont know if i want one i run on the fox river a lot and there is a lot of junk in the bottom of there soo.... Any answers would be great guyes thanks http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[Bubba]

I bought a prop also from houston prop, THIS prop is just magic!!great hole schot very very good top end, i never know that there was a prop that could do all thoose things!! this one does!!

[JW]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Craig:
Why don’t props come true, precise, and balanced right from the factory? Is the machining process really that difficult.

Also, has anyone really seen much of a performance increase after blueprinting a prop? I’ve never had one worked. But, I’ve owned a couple that, according to the previous owner, were blueprinted/balanced. I couldn’t see what was so special about them. I resold both of them.

Just trying to get some conversation going here….

-Craig <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think they don't come perfect from the factory because of production tolerances. Merc and JohnnyRude SS props are generally quite good from the factory, but won't be perfect because of the machines used. When a factory SS Tempest or Trophy prop can be bought for under $400 and the same prop labbed is $800-1000 but only gains 1-3 mph, you can see how close the props are to 'good enough'.
Boger props have also been highly regarded for lab work.

[vinny p.]

timarkay,
From my personal experiences, I would recommend a 4 blade over a 3. The difference will be extreme. A 4 blade will not blow out as does a 3 blade. You will gain mid-range speed and fuel economy. If you get it right you may pick a bit of top end. As for myself, I am going with a 5 blade Hydomotive for my new power. Just don't forget to pitch down a bit when going from a 3 to 4 blade. Also, if you are thinking of a Bravo 1 4 blade, they are rated at their maximum pitch, while other props are rated at their average pitch. Meaning that a 24" Bravo 1 4 blade actually has a 22.5" pitch.

[TCAT]

I have own two props done by Rich Boger the guy is a wizard with Trophy and Tempest props. I gained huge on the hole shot and tracking with no top end loss on my 25 Trophy and 2.1MPh on my reworked 27 Trophy. He is doing a 27 Tempest for me now see how that runs in spring.

[Craig]

Good comments, guys. Thanks.

-Craig

[Brian]

TCAT does boger have props in stock that i can buy already done? I know what prop i need and know what has to be done to it.Thanks

Brian

[TCAT]

Yes he does and I think he has some that he takes on trade in and sells. Contact him and see. He is a great guy and can make a lot of mods just for your needs. Holeshot top end etc.

Here is his web site http://www.bogerprops.com/

[Bubba]

Vinny p

A houston 3 blade won't blow out in the turns, that is his accelerator design just perfeckt no 4 blade would run that strong!!

[Bubba]

vinny p

a houston three blade won't blow in turns and is much faster than a 3 blade a houston prop is just perfeckt give Darin a call he is very helpfull!!!!