I played with my tabs a bit, it really made no difference from parallel to slilghtly up as far as trimming. In fact I had to go a notch or two down to actually notice a response.

You can always take the spacers out, but don't think it will be worth the time.

Your biggest bang (in my experience) would be labbing for effect. B blades has a $40 trial I believe to test out different prop configurations. You may like a 5 blade with more rake but it will be harder on the drive especially with that hp.

Joe 308,

You might have some luck contacting Axapowell on here. Sounds like your engine combo / horsepower is right around the same as his. He runs boxes and Sportmaster shorties and claims to have run as much as 97 MPH. I can not tell you what props ran that top end number but I am sure he could. I do know he has worked with BBlades on both his 4 and 5 blade props.

The BBlades test program only involves stock props, I have three sets in transit right now, but testing will give you a base line to work from. $45 per prop, per test, plus UPS, gets you 15 days to test them, includes ship time. Not a bad deal if you are searching for the better mouse trap.

Joe, with the -2 Sportmasters and no spacers turning the props in, for more bow lift, was in fact my fastest set up. Labbed 32 Bravo 1's with the diffusers removed and a 1.5 gear ratio at 5700 RPM's. A perfect day, with perfect air and a tail wind! A little chine walk around 85, but went away as I approached 90. Boat felt a little loose, but not unsafe.

Around the dock was not good turning the props in. The boat would always seem to want to go to the port side while backing into my slip, no matter what input I would give it. I finally decided to turn them back out and stop searching for the top number. Pretty happy at a high 80 speed and all of the handling you could want. Brett is a good guy to work with. Accurate info will lead to an awesome finished product.

My 5 blades just about keep up with my 4's on top. A larger diameter (15 1/2") 28 pitch Maximus has a better cruise speed and are much more efficient. I've been playing a little with spacers over the past two years, but don't think they make enough difference in the bow lift. Remember not to over trim.

Dave

Thanks for the info Dave. Do you recall the rough cost per prop to lab the 4 blades? Merc will do this as well but not sure if they go as far as Bblades with the diffusers. Also are you running the factory merc racing 502 blower motors or custom built? Mine have a pretty flat torque curve 700tq/700hp @ 5200/5800 on the dyno. There was a rumor floating around that Formula raised the x-factor at some point in the 2000's but my hull is a 99. Feel free to pm me if you prefer.
Joe