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Whats better
Is it better to buy a factory "labbed" merc bravo 1 prop or buy a non labbed prop and have it Labbed aftermarket. Any advantages or disadvanges ?
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That is a tough call and you will get a lot of different answers. I have had a labbed prop crack before on my outboard tunnel. It was a mercury labbed prop...not that it was their fault...labbed props are thinner and will have a tendancy to flex leading to cracks. I would choose whoever will work with you or reworks getting the prop to do what you want it to do.
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Originally Posted by rshrp
(Post 3216794)
Is it better to buy a factory "labbed" merc bravo 1 prop or buy a non labbed prop and have it Labbed aftermarket. Any advantages or disadvanges ?
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Originally Posted by mastercraft240
(Post 3216813)
Buy stock, run it. See what you want-- more bow lift, more stern lift, better mid range, better top end?, more cup or cut the diffuser off?. There's a lot of things you can do when you get a prop labbed. My point being, have it worked for you instead of a generic lab. And call Bblades.
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Originally Posted by mastercraft240
(Post 3216813)
Buy stock, run it. See what you want-- more bow lift, more stern lift, better mid range, better top end?, more cup or cut the diffuser off?. There's a lot of things you can do when you get a prop labbed. My point being, have it worked for you instead of a generic lab. And call Bblades.
The reason for me buying new is the prop I have, developed a crack that can't be repaired |
Originally Posted by rshrp
(Post 3216831)
Iv'e been testing a B-1 26 p non labbed for my second season and have decided that going to a "labbed" prop for my boat is the best option. The real question is when I buy new and Labbed at the factory, are the specs / tollarences better than taking a chance that some one will meet the standards of the factory.
The reason for me buying new is the prop I have, developed a crack that can't be repaired Still the same answer. 2 labbed props from Merc or someone else can be different (unless they were made to be a matched set) |
I believe BBlades was at one time a Merc Employee that did thier labbing...he may be a good choice for you.
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Originally Posted by JRider
(Post 3216848)
I believe BBlades was at one time a Merc Employee that did thier labbing...he may be a good choice for you.
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BBlades is great.
The advantage of buying Labbed Merc props from Teague is that you get them in 1-3 days...instead of 2-3 weeks wait time to have a prop labbed by someone else. Another advantage of using Merc Labbed props, is that you can get them in 1 inch increments as opposed to buying a stock Merc prop in 2 inch increments and then having it labbed. Third advantage to Merc Lab props bought thru Teague... is that I think they are cheaper than buying a stock Merc prop, and then having it labbed. Just my opinion, Chris P.S. The $895 price for a Merc Lab prop bought through Teague also includes a new solid hub...which you won't get when buying a stock Merc prop...making this deal even sweeter. |
Originally Posted by mastercraft240
(Post 3216813)
Buy stock, run it. See what you want-- more bow lift, more stern lift, better mid range, better top end?, more cup or cut the diffuser off?. There's a lot of things you can do when you get a prop labbed. My point being, have it worked for you instead of a generic lab. And call Bblades.
Merc has a standard lab finish recipe. It may work well for some boats and not others. BBlades will lab the prop to your exact needs. In my case, a Merc lab would not have worked and would have put me on the rev limiters. BBlades labbed mine, increased the rpm by about 100-150 and added some pitch/cupping. I'm right at 5100rpms now just shy of the rev limiter and picked up 2-3mph. |
Originally Posted by CB-BLR
(Post 3216867)
BBlades is great.
The advantage of buying Labbed Merc props from Teague is that you get them in 1-3 days...instead of 2-3 weeks wait time to have a prop labbed by someone else. Either way, I'd rather wait two weeks to have a prop tailored to my needs than get a prop in 3 days for convenience. Most people only boat twice a week at most anyways. So you're only saving yourself 4 boat trips. I understand your point though, and it should be one to consider. |
Originally Posted by Griff
(Post 3216876)
Ditto.
Merc has a standard lab finish recipe. It may work well for some boats and not others. BBlades will lab the prop to your exact needs. In my case, a Merc lab would not have worked and would have put me on the rev limiters. BBlades labbed mine, increased the rpm by about 100-150 and added some pitch/cupping. I'm right at 5100rpms now just shy of the rev limiter and picked up 2-3mph. Typically thinning and sharpening a stock bravo prop will get you about 100-150 rpm... and usually a couple of mph to go with it. Chris |
You won't be disappointed with Bblades. Brett has done several props for me.
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Originally Posted by t500hps
(Post 3216819)
exact answer I was going to type...before I read mastercrafts.
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Originally Posted by CB-BLR
(Post 3216867)
BBlades is great.
The advantage of buying Labbed Merc props from Teague is that you get them in 1-3 days...instead of 2-3 weeks wait time to have a prop labbed by someone else. Another advantage of using Merc Labbed props, is that you can get them in 1 inch increments as opposed to buying a stock Merc prop in 2 inch increments and then having it labbed. Third advantage to Merc Lab props bought thru Teague... is that I think they are cheaper than buying a stock Merc prop, and then having it labbed.Thats why I wanted to stay w/ the 26p Just my opinion, Chris P.S. The $895 price for a Merc Lab prop bought through Teague also includes a new solid hub...which you won't get when buying a stock Merc prop...making this deal even sweeter. |
Originally Posted by rshrp
(Post 3216989)
I haven't heard of the one pitch sizes, so merc has a 25p bravo prop? That could be a possibility. I am testing a 25 p 3blade today. Again I am looking for 400 rpm I could get it w/ a 24p but will loose speed.
I think they have them from 22-36 pitch in every inch increment. Call Teague and ask. Chris |
I listened to everyones advise and ordered a 26p labbed prop from Brent at bblades today.The price was comparable to teague .I should see 250-300 rpm increase. hopefully I will be at about 5250-5300 rpm or 3 mph. He is working the prop to get more bow lift to smooth out the ride and for better acceleration if i understood this correctly.
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check out the pics of the prop/boat in the props sectiion
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