Re: When to run a cleaver?
 

Cord you were pretty emphatic abot not running a cleager on my SR357--I'm curious about y0ur reasons. I got a pair when I bought the boat and am frustrated with the Mirage 21's on now--but if it's no benefit I'm not gonna even mess around with them as a test.

Thanks for info

Re: When to run a cleaver?
 

I can't answer the cleaver question but I have another question. Did that boat come from the factory with a SBC? I realize it's light but it seems strange that boat would have a small block.

Re: When to run a cleaver?
 

I had a 86 Scarab 400 with 400hp Mercs. The boat came with 23 Mirages and 21 cleavers. The Mirages were the props I normally used. They slipped badly in midrange cruise speeds, probably 25-30 percent. Wide open they seemed to hook up better. The cleavers slipped even worse. I had to spin the engines to 4000 rpm to get on plane, and if you slowed below 3000 it would fall off plane. When Hydromotive came out with their 4 blade prop I bought a pair of 23's. What a difference! The boat planed easily, it would stay on plane at 2400rpm, slip dropped to 15%, and it was just as fast on top end. Bravo 1's would've probably worked even better because the boat was a little nose heavy, but I never had the chance to try them. Heavy boats need the blade area to push against the water.

Re: When to run a cleaver?
 

ditto.......

Re: When to run a cleaver?
 

No, I talked to someone that said it had a blown big block in it. Its my first boat so I will keep the small block in it for now. It's fast enough for me. It should be a 65mph boat when set-up right.... I just need the right prop?????

Re: When to run a cleaver?
 

Every 2" increase in pitch will decrease your rpms by 400 or so. That is assuming the same model of prop.

What is you drive ratio????

Where does your engine make peak HP and torque??? The cam will determine some of that.

great advice, I will try it on the '86

I think lighter overpowered boats that are very trim responsive seem to benefit most.
51.8mph with Aluminum, 51.9 mph with Mirage, 54.5mph with 1980s merc cleaver. Old, light small glass boat with 350 and alpha drive. Planes easily with all 3.