Outdrive Gear Ratio Question
 

Why would or what would be the benefit of chaning the outdrive gear ratios from the standard 1:51 to 1:35? I have twin 525's on a 32' Schiada. The builder is advising going to 135 vs 151. Thanks for any insight.

No need to change gears unless you cannot find a bigger prop.

i agree,dont waste your money

What props are you running now? What RPM & speed? With the motors you have & 1.5 gears, I would not think that you need any bigger props than 32 or 34's. As stated above only need to go to 1.36 gear ratio is when you can not get a prop that is big enough. You can now buy props up to 36". Why is your builder telling you this?

some guys around here change so they are twisting the gears and shafts slower ie less wear

because of cavitation issues with high pitch props

The props at 34" and over are not as efficient and they suck getting on plane.

I have heard that 1.35 gears are stronger. Is that true?

Along the same lines, let's go the other way. What are the advantages/disadvantages of moving "up" in ratio? Just curious...

I'm told that a (numerically) higher drive ratio and a taller prop will accelerate faster than a lower drive ratio and smaller prop. Why that is, I don't know.