Dirt173,

I have a 2001 29' with a 500HP. I went from a 26 pitch 4 blade Bravo, had Mercury cup it to a 27 pitch, then purchased a labbed 29 pitch 4 blade Brave. I gained about 2mph from the 26 to the 29 pitch, I run 79 mph on my best day now. However, I did pick up a lot of speed in the midrange, I went from 40mph to 52mph at 3500RPM.

I've talked to my marina before about shorter lowers and extension boxes for my boat. They've said all along that they do not work well because the X dimension is so high as it is. So it makes sense that you picked up speed with the Bravo lower. I have 2 friends with superchargered Fountain's, one has a 27' with a 502 and a Whipple Charger, the other has a 29' with a Whipple Charged 500HP (this one is about the same HP as you.) Both guys played around with their props and both ended up with 5 blade Herrings. The 29' has a Merc #3 drive and runs mid 90's, which with 750HP I would think you should be able to acheive easily. I called to see what the pitch is on the Herring and I will post it when I hear back.

Hope this helps and welcome to the club!
Mike

DIRT173,

The 29' I referred to in my previous posting with a Whipple Charged 500HP is turning a 28 pitch LH 5 blade Herring and runs 96MPH.

Thanks,
Mike

Dirt173,I agree the ext. box is a waste of money,I'am running a 540 Chief Engine 871 blower 10lbs of boost intercooled of course,Imco Extreme with Imco shorty 1.5 ratio,no drive issues of yet TNT does all my drive work,wish i had a Herring i no that i have the power to break that century mark!!!Be good and go fast,Ray

Ray,

I wish I had your numbers!

I think that the shorter lower causes more performance issues on the newer 29's because of the higher X dimension due to the larger step and the step position. Do you agree?

I was thinking that DIRT173 should try the Herring with the Bravo lower and see what happens. What do you think?

Thanks,
Mike

Mike, Don't no if my x and Dirts differ do you?My shorty was on when i purchased my boat,it had the 525sc 454 witha Weind-Mercruiser baby blower,back to my drive not shure if its a 2" or 1" shorty,i have 380 planes,just put on this new prop 31p Maximus diffuser removed boat pops out of the water instantly,Bravos dont work well with my combo way to much slip!!I was spinning a 36p b-1 close to 6000rpm 96mph way to much slippage,Ray

i think most of the problems stems from your nose cone . they tend to lift the stearn of the fountains and lose speed . try a b1 with no cone and a good round ear 5 blade. a cleaver is not helping you .

Hey I really appreciate all the help you guys are giving me! My factory X dimension from fountain is 19.5"on the build sheet I think after 2004 reggie raised the x dimension and i thnk youre right the step may be re-positioned it seems there isnt a whole lot of drive height/lower unit information out there on what setups work. I am a beliver in this whole transom lift senario im getting rid of th hydroP5x ,right now my boat couldn't get out of its own way!!! (BROKEBACK FOUNTAIN)OR (POORLY SETUP FOUNTAIN) you make the call?

Don't be so hard on yourself!!!I've been through three motors and ten props and I'am still not happy!!100 is the goal !!I've ran two different p5x's on my boat they just don't work!Dirt you really should try a Maximus I have a labbed 28 with cup added that would work for your app.PM me and i'll give you my #Ray

Chief , I got a bravo 1 labbed 29L 4blade with what they call a (baja cup)is this similar to what your talking about or is the maximus diffrent?Oh I think I need to upgrade my membership before I can p.m.you.

I havent had much success with 4blades,once you try a Maximus you wont go back believe me i have a shelf full of props!Give me a call tonight 239-438-5117 Ray