The 5 blade 27" P5's were amazing at cruise speed and hooked up much better out of the hole. Lost a couple on top end. I also tried some stock (non-labbed) 26 Maximus and had significant vibration, or chatter as another put it, while coming on plane. They might need some work first. Will still do a propapalooza test soon using 28 Bravo's, 30 Bravos, 27 P5's and 26 Maximus. Will post all results. I had ALOT of slip with the 4 blades, like 26%, kinda ridiculus. I can feel the 5 blades are much less slip but need some hard test numbers from my upcoming prop testing. Thanks for all the advise. I am starting to think the drives were just worn out and ready to break, maybe the 5 blades just pushed it over the edge... based on all the advise I've gotten here and more conversations with others, I will stick with XZ gears and use better oil (Amsoil) and add drive showers. Will play with the props a little and see what works best. If I end up using 5 blades, I'll just have to drive it a little more conservatively to make up for the lack of slip.

Any more advise?

Yeah, do what I do.......keep a spare!!

he's not kidding about the spare...drives break no matter how easy you are on them...its a matter of when not if.

I have a spare, I also change drive oil every other trip. I think that helps. 05 382

Since you're about 10 minutes from me I think I'll come over and borrow one....

I have like 6 customers , maybe more, with your boat. 382 Formula.

Power ranges from 500 efi's to 1100 hp blower motors.

Here is the latest one, 1100 hp blower motors. 113 mph first time in the water.

All these boats picked up 10 mph in the mid range and 8-12 on the top end.

No failures.

Another view

I'm assuming they get that nice rooster tail as an added bonus with these drives too. It seems planning would be more difficult and docking would be a bit(h with the props even further back but the speed increases are certainly appealing. What about costs? How many XR's do I have to break to pay for the switch-over. (I'm running 540's putting out 700lbs TQ)

Its a good thing you just bought three.

Thanks Nick. I'm picking them up today.....let Tom know it's OK if you don't mind. (and 2 of them are for someone else!!!!)
Yeah, I figure my regular Bravo spare wouldn't have lasted if I needed to put it on the boat (700ft/ TQ). One of these will become the spare and I'll unload the regular bravo that's sitting in the garage.