instigator31

Long story, try to keep short.

Have a Formula 31PC with Twin 496 Mag, B3, with 2.0 Gear Set.

I wide open at 4500 RPM, either lightly loaded or moderately loaded. Currently have standard 26P props.

Problem I have, is that I have trouble "planning" at slower speeds, meaning I boat in Lake Erie, which is often heavy chop, and I need to maintain 3000 RPM's or so, which is almost 30 MPH in my boat...

I love this in flat water, but often the lake does not cooperate. I almost pulled the trigger on a set of XR 23P, but was told that is too much of a drop...so I held off and did nothing.

I've since come across these "new" design, from Hill Marine, out in CA. They actually have 4 blades front/back in a polished, cupped design.

I am told that four blades should allow me to stay on plane (once on plane) with reduced RPM's. But I really don't have any data that proves that. They will allow me to swap props if I choose the wrong size, but of course no way to test.

Does anyone have any comments in general and then of course any experience with these Four by 4 props from Hill would be great.

bbladesprops

The concept is good. I have very little feed back on the 4x4 other than talking with Hill.

We have had luck with the XR's for your specific needs. I like the 3x3 for speed and bow lift adjustments. The 23 XR's would have put you around the 4900-5000 mark. The rev limiter is 4900 on your engines so a slight adjustment would have worked well.

Brett

instigator31

Bummer...guess I should pulled the trigger on the 23XR Super deal.

So now, in your opinion...should I just leave things as they are? Meaning my 26's are running in the proper range. Will I really see a difference to justify $2-$3K on props. The difference I am really looking for is mid - range staying on plane. Ideally I would also like to "maximize" the HP, so I would like to be able to spin up to 4600-4700 RPM's.

Or am I better off getting a set of 3 blade 24's, then getting them cupped a bit perhaps?

Thanks again!

bbladesprops

The 4x3 will aid in planning.
Personally, since the 26's are working fine, search for a used set of 24's and we can make the pitch and cup adjustments you need after base lining them.

Brett

instigator31

Another quickie then...should I look at getting cupped 24P BIII or non-cupped. I guess there are two different versions of this pitch....

bbladesprops

Cupped. (the cupping is inaccurate)
That is all that is available today anyway.

Brett

instigator31

Ok, think I will try to call you tomorrow to review a few things...thanks much!