dcb

I bought a 2007 525 staggered sportmaster shorties (1.35 ratio) boat in 2016 - came with a set of 32 pitch Maximus props labbed by BBlades, but were dinged up. Seller had props fixed, but at local shop. Ran boat with these props but beside hard getting on plane, slip was high (50mph at 3600 about 88 at wot on rev limiter).Tried a set of 32 pitch Maximus props that I had that were labbed for another boat, got slip down some (52-53 at 3500 , 90 at wot). I ordered a set of Hering 6 blades with extended diffuser and got slip a little better, 54-55 at and about 90 at wot on limiter. I sent them back to Hering and they added some cup - 56-57 at 3500 and about 88 at wot. The 6 blades are harder to get boat on plane than the 5 blades. I have checked everything I can think of - bottom is straight, outdrives toed in about 1/8, nothing interfering with water stream to prop, transom vent valve is open. The numbers I am getting are way off from my performance report. I am wondering if the propshafts are too high as the report is done with a light load. I sent an email to Brett at Bblades but I know he is busy. Anyone have any ideas? Curious if anyone has spaced their outdrives down. Propshafts are about 2 inches above the bottom of the boat.

Quinny

I have the exact same setup. 07, 525 staggered, sportmaster shorties. Just curious, what diameter 32 maximus are you running? I see they offer 15.25 & 15.625. I have been thinking about trying them. Currently running 7 blade Herings. Thanks

IGetWet

Whats your RPM at WOT? Me personally I’d want higher slip numbers with 5 or 6 blades and Bravo drives.

IGetWet

What are the diameter of the Maxi’s and the 6 blades?

RaggedEdge

beNot about to tell you what will work on your staggered boat, but something is for sure off. I have one of, if not the very, last 2006 side by side 525 Lightnings built in December of 2006. The "X" is up there compared to earlier builds, boat will run a solid 90, some days a tic more, with stock 32 Bravos that shipped with the boat Have a pair of 30" Precision 5 blades labbed to the moon by BBlades that run between 91 and 93 most days. I also have a pair of 5 blade Hydromotives that were labbed by ThrottleUp for a test program with Donzi that I bought years back when they were cleaning house, paid $275 for the pair, that will run 90. Odd acting things, too much tail lift, but accelerate like crazy and fun to throw on every so often just for the chitz of it.

Your boat should run a solid 10 MPH faster than mine. That said , the 2007 model was the first year of the staggered 35, early boats were not all out the door with the optimum set up.

I would question the drive ratio, would seem that you could prop the boat with 1.50's fairly easily, no need for the 1.36;s. A thought.

I would get my hands on some stock non molested props to test and get a baseline. Merc props are often the best to run as a baseline your boat to another like boat, anything that has been worked at all is a complete unknown. I once watched as a well known boat builder took a ballpeen hammer to a set of props over a dock cleat at a Poker Run cause, as he put it, these som*****es need some more cup. Get some stockers and get a solid baseline, you should easily run over 100 with your Fountain.

BTW,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Great looking Fountain.

MDG_Jason

underpsi68

Yes I'm thinking 1.65 drives as well.

dcb

Confirmed 1:35, slip problem was outdrives too high - finally got in contact with Brett and installed 1.5" drive spacers. Boat now can now plane much easier and slip dropped to acceptable numbers at cruise. Did not get a chance to run WOT, found outdrives needed work when installing spacers.; (Sent them to AADS)

dcb

15.25

Quinny

Thanks for the info dcb. Greatly appreciated.