Selecting props for kaama 357
 

I have an 86' 357 formula w/kaama drives and I am looking for more top end. I believe the props are original kaama 4 blades.
The boat is powered by 454's pushing high 400's for hp.
I've been told by others that this set up should push low
70's but I'm only running low 60's at about 5300rpm. The boat comes out of the hole great weather there is 1 or 10 persons
aboard. Is there anywhere I can send the props to be reworked
for a higher pitch? Or are there any other suggestions on what might make this pig get up and go?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Hi Josh. Rob from holland. I met you at Torch lake sand bar with my 272 black/yellow formula on the week afte labor day.

I have a perfect idea. you trade me your kaama 357 for my 272 and i'll handle the prop problem .

i have been obsessed ever since i saw your boat. trying to find a kaama boat. saw a few 302's but not sure about going to the square windshield.
anyway. it seems there were quite a few gear ratios available for those drives, but the trannys i think are 1.5

one original 302 had 26 pitch 4 blades and would do 70 on gps at 5000 i think. you do have a lot of boat, but depending on your cam, propping up may get you a litttle more speed AND reliability.

sure you don't want to sell.

do you have any pics of the roost behind that beauty?

post this Q on the formula section too. there are quit a few guys with kaamas. look at my string on "who has kaama formulas"


Rambunctious

give me a call and will be glad to try and help/Darin 281-580-7767

give me a call and will be glad to try and help/Darin 281-580-7767

4 bld props
 

nice talking with you today, and will be looking for the props. We will get you dialed in .Thanks Darin

I doubt that you'll see the 70's with that power.

I had the first 357 with Kaamas. Came with 425's and 3 blade props. Ran mid 60's.

First change was to 4 blade props (not originally available). They were a bit slower, but MUCH smoother.

Then had motors redone by Baker Engineering to 450+. Still never saw 70.

Just remember that if you re-prop, there are people out here who need your old ones!!! What are they??? Mine had 4-b 16.5x25's on it. I broke one and am looking for more.:cool:

Thanks For the insight Apache.

I was hoping to see a little better than low 60's. What were you running for pitch on those 4 blades? And where, or who is a person that is experienced with these drive set-ups. So far I've had good luck with KAAMA's and they're easy to work on. I just
need some advice as to what set up works best.

Kaamascarab30,

I'm shooting at the hip, with this reproping idea. I'm getting ahead of myself because I haven't even determined the dimensions of my wheels yet. I have to go out to the garage
and pull them off. I will be sure to list then on this sight if I decide to reprop.

Hey guys,Fishead here
I have a 32 cat with Kaamas.I have two sets of three bladed props.One 26 and one 29 pitch.I just repowered and will probably be looking for much bigger wheels.I put twin 785hp blower motors in this thing which is about twice the hp as before.Lets keep in touch about the prop thing and maybe we can help each other out.If you want to try any let me know.
Mark

Josh, as we discussed you are within the working range,changing the dia will make this worse you need more forward travel as we talked about/Darin

Josh,
you can try pm (private message) to mercruisermatt. he knows his kaamas and was helping me with my investigation of a 302 kaama formula that he did an engine rebuild on. he even talked about toe in/out of 1/4" with the tiebar making a difference in speed and knows what it should be set at. he has two or three sutphens at his shop with Kaamas right now. If you know what cam and headwork you have. he will probably know where your peak power is at. then help you and Darin determine the pitch change to get to that point.

Ram

first off you probably arent going to see 70mph. I had about the same HP in a 1988 311 with Kaamas and saw 67-68 mph

I believe I was running 14.5 x 32 4 blades

If I recall right you dont have to re-prop If you dont wish to. You can change the gear ratio in the drive itself for alot less $$$$
Gary @ Team Archer Marine was a big help with any ? that I had or getting parts

Good luck and nice boat you have there

Bob

by the way Josh, Team Archer is the evolution of the original KAAMA corporation. Some Original employees from Betty Cook's Kaama company , still repairing Kaama drives all day long.

OTIS311

Thanks for the input.
Your 311 was spinning some pretty big wheels. I really don't mind if I don't see 70, I just want to get as much as I can with the power I have (imagine that). I have talked to Gary from Archer last time I need help finding parts he was a big help. It's great to hear that other people have gone through these same problems, It takes alot of the guess work out of it. Might just have to look for some 600hp merlins!