Looking at the latest picture of "Drambuie on Ice" in Powerboat (nice air shot). On the vent plate of the Number 6's are what look like a 18"x3" hose mounted straight up. What the heck are those for? Is that to shoot a mist in the air to blind anyone following?

I could be wrong but I think those are there to ventilate the prop for an easier start out of the hole. That way they can run a real steep pitch, for top end, and not worry about taking forever to get on plane.

Iggy, your the winner!

Yup, the hoses are just long enough to reach the surface at idle and suck in some air so that those big wheels loose the bite on the water and bring up the RPMs into the horsepower range. Once it planes off they bite hard and off it goes. Without the hoses they could not get the needed RPMs to come on plane.

I have number 6's with 34" 4 blade labs now and my motors hit the limiters if I nail it at idle. I have to feather it on plane as it is. How could venting the props help?

Brad-You just got the boat, and it's the middle of winter. How (where) on earth did you get out?

p.s. whatcha do with the "old" cat?

In Miami we spent the weekend on the boat before bringing it back. I am keeping both. I want to make sure this beast will be somewhat reliable before cutting loose the other boat.

I think those are the ones that suck the money out of your wallet

Some boats are harder to break loose than others, and full out race engines don't make any torque down low. Put thier cams in your engine along with the five blade props and you may not have the same result.

I am running twin 572ci 14:71 blowers and about 1000hp each. I believe super cat boats are about 750 hp each, which may be why Drambuie needs the venting. I really want to thank you for the info regarding the hoses. I will keep the idea in mind if and when I run taller gears / bigger props. THANK YOU.