Which do I need- Bow lift or stern lift prop?

[Old Navy]

Just cant seem to get this boat totally dialed in. I have tried a few different Bravo 1 props (Big thanks to arcticfriends for hooking me up) and don't feel I have found the best one yet. I was told that a B1 is a bow lifting prop and a hydromotive is a stern lifting prop. My boat is a single engine 28' Checkmate with 24* V and no pad, needs all the trim it has to get the bow up at speed. Do I need a stern lifting prop? This boat is real heavy in the middle as it has a fridge and cabinets. More power is not an option right now as my components are maxed out and I don't feel like I want to buy a drive, blower, and steering right now. I might consider a box if I know it will work. Last 2 props tested:
26P B1-5100 rpm-69.8 mph (std prop)
28P B1-5100 rpm-69.2 mph (merc racing lab)
I have run a best of 71.5 with a 26P B1 merc lab but the rpms were 5400+ and I don't want to spin my motor that hard.

[Q3131a]

A stern lift prop will keep the bow down

A Bow lift prop will pick the bow up

Which would suit you better? Sounds to me like you want a bow lift to get more boat outta the water.

[Old Navy]

Yes, bow lift.

[marylandmark]

and all Hydromotive's are not stern lifters...

Hydro QVI-X are bow lifters and I feel they do a better job than the B1's do. The good things about Hydro's are they come in even and odd pitch sizes vs B1's in even pitches only (which are about a pitch shy of stamping). Hydro's diameter is fairly consistant as well; B1's- not so much.

disclamer: I do have 25 and 26 QIV-X's for sale but this is not a sales pitch- check around for more info and if you want them let me know.

[John Skryantz]

Maryland, do you still have those hydromotives for sale ? I would be interested in the 25p QIV-X. What kind of shape is it in and how much are you asking? Thanks

[marylandmark]

Yes John- I have several sets of props for sale and all are in great shape:

25 Rev 4 RH/LH set $600 includes shipping
25 Quad VI-X RH/LH set $750 includes shipping
26 Quad VI-X RH/LH set solid fat shaft hubs $800 includes shipping

[onesickpantera]

I know people will argue with me but IMO a Bravo IS NOT a bow lifting prop. I consider it a "neutral" prop if that makes sense. Not a bow lifter, but not a stern lefter either, in-between.

Brett at BBlades can modify a Bravo to have much better bow lift with a lot less trim. That may be the ticket.

You may want to try a Rev4 25 as well. They have much better bow lift than a Bravo and seem to run very efficient.

[Old Navy]

I actually tried a 26P Bravo 1 with a "Baja Cup" added by Bblades, it went even slower than the above props, plus the boat felt really loose. No good....

[Sake]

Originally Posted by onesickpantera

I know people will argue with me but IMO a Bravo IS NOT a bow lifting prop. I consider it a "neutral" prop if that makes sense. Not a bow lifter, but not a stern lefter either, in-between.

Brett at BBlades can modify a Bravo to have much better bow lift with a lot less trim. That may be the ticket.

You may want to try a Rev4 25 as well. They have much better bow lift than a Bravo and seem to run very efficient.

That is correkt!! my boat need alot trim before she realy get to run, Brett did lab me a set of Bravo1 and she runs very very good!!! and you would not belive the Handling of the boat. this is just perfeckt! call Brett and talk with him.

[marylandmark]

Originally Posted by onesickpantera

I know people will argue with me but IMO a Bravo IS NOT a bow lifting prop. I consider it a "neutral" prop if that makes sense. Not a bow lifter, but not a stern lefter either, in-between..

I agree- QVI-X is a better bow lifter than the B1 is

Originally Posted by onesickpantera

You may want to try a Rev4 25 as well. They have much better bow lift than a Bravo and seem to run very efficient.

I disagree- Rev4 with it's huge blades, smaller diameter and ton of rake make it more of a stern lifter than bow lifter. I would even take it one step futher and say it is more of an overall lifter; leaning towards more lift at the stern and "middle" of the boat than the bow.

Of course this is just my opinion on how they ran on my boat.