Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

whats the best prop out there for the a 98 28 heat 1-2 ft chop lake use only
power is a stock 502 mag.
Thanks Bill

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

I had a 2001 28' with a 496 which is close enough to your power. Not sure if you have the step or not.

In my case...it was a compete and total waste of time and money. The gains are so minimal that it's not worth the effort. As a matter of fact...I'll never deal with labbing on any furture boats!! I actually lost performance in some situations. I went with a stock 24p Bravo, at 24 Bravo re-pitced to a 25 and labbed, a labbed 26 and they did nothing but cost me money, lost boating time, and performance. The best performance in the top speed was the stock 24, cruising was the lab 26, but I couldn't spin it past 4800.

Maybe somebody else had better results, but from my perspective with this hull and power, save your money, stick with your stock 24 and put your money elsewhere.

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Indy's probably correct on the 496 engine, however, as you go up in power (500EFi or 525EFi)the labbed props make a difference. I have had two 28's one with a 540 Bulldog and one with the 525 EFi in both applications the labbed prop allowed me to run a taller pitch and still accomplish max rpm's.

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Gary,
How did you come out on props for your Flame? Did you ever get a 5 blade prop setup to work?

Rick

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

thanks guys going to a 24 p bravo i dont have a stepped or notched model
Thanks Bill

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Bill,
the stock 24 is probably a good choice for your non stepped hull with much lower X dimension.
I have tried many, many different props for my step hulled Heat and for any Heat 2001 or newer with decent hp, there is only one prop. This would be the new P5-X with a touch of added cup.
See my reply in this thread for further explanation.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=83559

If Nordic does not make this standard issue they're missing the boat :)

Dave

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

rv, the five blades were awesome in every area but top end. I got to my rpm range with the 28 labbed fives but fell 3 to 4 MPH short on top end. Running 32 fours hitting limiters. Want to re-pitch the 32's to 33's .

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Gary,
Thanks for the reply, sounds like they were good but 3-4 on top end is a big difference. Good luck with the 4 blade one.

Did you notice how much speed increase at cruise (3500rpm) with the 5 blade?

My last attempt with our labbed 30's from Houston Propeller is much better than the first lab attempt but I don't think it is quit right yet. Seems like I lost 1-2 on the top end from stock setup. However, the chine walk at max trim is gone, the prop holds the water much better, can trim higher and in rough water it doesn't break loose as easy on waves. Still need to do some more testing before going back to Houston Propeller.

Rick

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Im Running a 23p mirage plus right now, blows out in the turns too easy. and I can change the top end speed by just moving weight from the cabin to the stern and pick up 3 mph like the cooler and gear. I thinking im getting to much stern lift. also notice I can run faster with full tanks which are mounted in the stern area. my top rpm 4800 hot humid ,5000 cool clear day speed 58-62 gps with 5200-5400# including fuel,gear, 2 people. I thinking the 22-24 pitch area was where Im going to end up.
Thanks Bill

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Man, and I thought those characteristics were only on the stepped hull version :(
The Heat is EXTREMELY sensitive to bow weight. I have always said I can run faster with 3/4 tanks and a couple people in the back seat ;o))))))
Put some gear in the nose and run on flat water and it's a pig!!

RV had a 98 I believe with a 454MAG and a 22 or 24 pitch. He may be able to chime in on your application.

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Hello Everyone, I have enjoyed reading this forum on the best prop for the 28 Heat. I am considering a different prop as well but, I have a question on prop slip. I hope this is an Ok place to ask it? I have a 2002 28' Heat running a BMax drive and I am coming up with 22 percent slip. I need some expert advice on if you think the drive needs a 1/2" spacer to put more drive in the water, or if you think it may be too deep? It is a stock length Bmax not the short version. Any help would be greatly apprecated. Thanks, Glen

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

I had a straight bottom Heat with a 454mag and ran a 22" Bravo prop. This prop carried the boat well in did not slip on take off or in turns. The slip was 16.8%. I also had a 23" 3 blade prop and the speed was about the same but the prop would blow out on take off and in turns.

The boat loved trim, the more the looser it got. That coupled with a 12-18" chop was the best speed run.

Rick

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Hey Cryoracer,
I'm guessing your boat is from Frank's. If this is so, I understand you are running a lot of pitch (32-34) and the slip becomes worse as you go up in pitch. Also, with the Bravos you'll need to subtract about an 1-1/2 from the pitch prior to you calculations due to the way Merc rates thier props so your slip may not be as bad as you think but still bad. We had a former Heat owner that tried dropping the drive an inch and a half and he saw no change.
Give Matt and Julie at Throttle Up a call and see if they'll let you demo a P5-X in the 30-32 range to try. I think you'll be very impressed although you must work it on the top end because it is soooo different. It will take a ton of trim and don't look for that pretty rooster tail we all throw because it just won't be there. Once you find the sweet spot you'll never go back to the Bravo.
I'd be curious to talk to you sometime about your big hp setup sometime so we can compare some notes.
Dave
[email protected]
801-323-6528

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Thanks for your guys input. Yes Dave, this is the boat from Frank's. I did talk to Julie at throttle up and she metioned about lowering the drive, but I am not convinced that is the answer. I have to go out for a while but will give you a call soon. I am running a 30 pitch prop with one of our antifriction coatings on it currently. It works pretty well, but I am very curious about the 5 blade props. I notice someone above mentioned they lost some top end and I do not want to do that. Like everyone else I am looking for a little more. Yet, I am very happy with where it is running. I just need some seat time, and over the winter I really need full power steering. I'll talk to you soon. Again, Thanks, Glen

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Hey Glen,
The post above reffering to lost top end was on a 35 Flame with twins. That is in no way similar to the Heat's characteristics.
Looking forward to chatting with you!
You must be running the higher gear ratio :)
I run a stock 30 Bravo at lower elevations and spin her 5600 and 88.1 with 1.5s and I know you got a bit more umph than me:)
I'm looking forward to trying a 29 P5-X at the lower elevations.
Talk to you soon,
Dave

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Thanks Dave, I appreciate you clearing me up on that. I should have realized that the post was referring to more than one prop. You are right I am running a 1.3 ratio and when I loosen the boat up I can achieve right about 6000 rpm. Which is about where I need to be. On the dyno my max HP was at 6285. I am still working with a little tuning and tweeking to make sure I have the EFI right where I want it. Then I want to work with the props more, but I think the 5 blade prop may bring my slip numbers down a little. How does your boat drive at high speeds with a lot of trim, does it chine? I have a little problem with that if I overtrim at high speeds. It drives smooth up until 93 or so. I think if I put full power steering on over the winter that will help that situation. And seat time on my part. I'll talk to you soon. I like what you had to say about the cruise speed with the 5 blade too. I really love the Nordic and I am glad to see so many nice people on this forum that have a lot of good things to say about them. I'll talk to you soon. Glen

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Glen,
just got your phone message. I'll be in the office all day so give me a call when convienent.
I get no chine walk at all but then a again I haven't seen a a true GPS 90+ mph yet :)
I'm curious to talk to you about your EFI setup. I run a FAST ECU with wide band O2 for tuning.
My guess is, in all likelyhood, you have the fastest Heat on the planet!!! If my math is close your at 102 mph??? Very nice!
Talk to you soon,
Dave

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

has anyone tried a 1 " Drive spacer on the heats

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

As per the above post...we had a former owner running the 575SCI and he tried an 1-1/2" spacer and saw no change.

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Another question for Nordic Heat. Hi Dave, after we spoke the other day I called Hydromotive and they think going to the P5 X will reduce my slip quite a bit. I was trying to decide on pitch so I followed your link (great write up and awesome pics of your boat and set up). But I see you are running a 27 pitch. They were trying to steer me toward that pitch, but I think a 28 would be better for me. I want to turn it 6000 - 6100 rpm and you know my set up. I am looking for great crusing speed along with a litte more top end if that's possible? What are your thoughts? I forgot to ask, Did you get the email I sent you ok? Thanks, Glen

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Hey Glen,
my hard drive has been repaired; sorry for the delay.
I think your correct in chosing the 28. My 27 replaces my 28 here at altitude. I run a Bravo 30 at the lower elevations and there is no way I could run the 27 down there without instantly hitting my rev limiter.
You've got some rpm to work with so the 28 should put you where you need to be.
Are you going to demo one or buy one and are they going to cup it a bit for you?
Dave

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Hey Dave,
Glad you got your hard drive repaired. Thanks for the help with the prop selection. I need to talk to Hydromotive again, I forgot to ask them about putting some cup in it. I do not want to void their exchange policy until I know forsure that the 28 will be the right prop. Plus money is tight now so I may have to wait a bit. But I am very anxious to try a P5X. I took a video of a fast pass yesterday and watched it this morning the boat can use some bow lift, I was throwing a pretty high rooster tail and I have to belive that is a lot of slip. Plus the BMax drive is large and may be pushing some of the water away from the prop? The 5 blade may be just what I need. I'll keep you posted on what I come up with. Talk to you soon. Glen

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

And for you guys running 28's that don't have a bazillion horsepower... Hydromotive makes the P5X all the way down to a 25 pitch. I've been running one for a couple of months now and can say it totally changes the way the boat handles. I can even pull a tuber and make sharp turns without it blowing out at all. I've tested it back to back with a stock 26 Bravo 1. It turns about 100 RPM less at WOT and runs the exact same speed. Where it really shines is when you load the boat up with a lot of people in the bow and mid cabin. I am spinning the 26 to 5600 RPM @ 75 MPH/GPS. The 25 P5X turns 5500 at the same speed. Julie is confident that labbing that prop would add some speed. But it looks like I may be stepping the power up a little this winter so I'm not going to mess with it.

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Hey Bob,
"a little"??
;o))))))))))))))))))

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

I just purchased a 28" P5-X from Julie at TU today. I'll test it this weekend and report the results here.
Regards,
Steve

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Steve,
happy testing. May be a bit steep but they'll dial it in for you.
My 27 that I run at high elevation worked better with cupping added.
85-86 GPS @ 5700+ rpm.
Let us know how she runs and remember a little trim at a time but it will eventually trim out much higher than the Bravo. Hopefully your trim limiters aren't set too low and if so hit the trailer button a little :drink:
You'll love the planing and cruise speed.
Dave

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Hi Dave:
You may be correct on the 27". I'm only making approximately 625 pshp, and I know you're running more. It was a just a educated :rolleyes: guesstimate.
I plan a few mild mods this winter, so I'm keeping that in mind too.
Whatever size I end up with, I have plans to have it labbed. I wanted to go stock initially for exchange/evaluation purposes. Once I get a baseline on the 28", I'll be able to make an objective determination.
I have the high perf transom assembly, so there's no limiter on my trim except common sense :drink: ............
We plan to try it on my buddy's 29' Fountain/575 too. Should be interesting.
Best Regards,
Steve

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Sound fun...keep us posted!

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Step hulls are 2000 on, along with new engine hatch/back seat, and lower windshield.

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Guys,
I did get to test my new P5-X yesterday. Unfortunately, I only got to make one hard pass before my water pump housing cracked, and I had to limp back in. The out of the box 28" ran 80 MPH @ 5500 RPM, with a calculated slip of 17.5%.
My buddy ran it on his 29' Fountain. It ran 86 MPH @ 5450 on his boat. Both boats are similarly powered with HP575SCis with the AZS&M boost kit. Looks like the efficiency/performance edge goes to the F Troop. However, I still prefer the looks and space of the Nordic.
My general impression of the P5-X is that it runs very well for an out of the box propeller. My best Merc lab 30" Bravo runs 80, but the Hydromotive has a much stronger holeshot, carries the boat better, and is more efficent in the midrange. The blades are beefy, and I'm sure with some thinning, balancing, and fine tuning of the cup, that there's more here. I'll let you guys know how that goes if I get it back prior to having to winterize. Around here (Nashville), that usually means Thanksgiving.
Best Regards,
Steve Z

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Steve,
Something just doesn’t sound right with your numbers. Your speed should indeed be closer to your buddy’s Fountain.
Before I went and added a little more oomph to my motor I was able to spin a 28 Bravo to 5550 rpm and 81.1 mph. This was with only 6 lbs of boost at 4600 feet elevation on flat water with me and BobL on the boat.
Earlier this year, before the 5 blade and still breaking in the new motor at Lake Havasu, we took only one GPS run (and it was just a quick blast) running a stock 30 Bravo and with four people and ¾ tanks we ran 85.6 mph at ~5600 rpm. I have seen 88.1 with the 30 at Lake Mead under real good conditions.
Bobl runs a 25 P5-X and sees 75-76 mph GPS at 5600 rpm. I turn the 27 P5-X to ~5800 rpm and run consistent ~85 mph at 5000 feet elevation. I just returned from Lake Mead where I took a 29 P5-X from Throttle Up and ran a GPS verified 89.4 at ~5700 rpm. We actually ran a little faster later in the day on some very rough water but that’s a different story.
Granted, I’m running more hp but regardless, pitch and rpm still equal speed. Your slip with the 5 blade should only be 14%-15% and it sounds like you closer to 18%.
Sounds like your buddy’s Fountain is in the 10.7% range. That’s pretty impressive.

Bottom line is I think there's more there for you :)
Have you had your tach calibrated?
Also, it took me a time or two to get the 5 blade figured out. Like I said, it will take more trim but it will also over trim easier than a Bravo. There’s a definite sweet spot for sure. I think you see 83-84 when you get her figured out.
Good luck and keep us posted on your results.
Dave

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Dave,
Thanks for the input. I also thought this boat should be faster with the HP and hull design. I have run a hand held GPS against the indash, and they are usually within a MPH or so. Actually the handhelds are usually slightly faster.
I know the motor is OK, because we just rebuilt it. I've also had the scan tool on it and no codes are showing up.
I haven't calibrated the tach, but will check that out. Maybe it's not running the RPM it's showing?
Best Regards,
Steve Z

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Steve, FYI the tach in my boat reads 200 RPM fast. I now always check RPM with a scan tool or shop tach. That can make a big difference when you're making prop decisions.

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Bob:
The Whipple low pro intercooler came in yesterday. It is one slick looing piece.
My boost level is off a little, so while I have the blower off, I'm going to ship it the Blower Shop for an off season freshen up. Hopefully between the intercooler and an extra lb or two of boost, the new P5-X, and some other goodies, the Heat will be ready to rock next spring!
I am planning to run with the scan tool this weekend to make sure my tach and other instrumentation is reading correctly, and to establish a performance baseline to compare with before this round of mods.
Regards,
Steve Z

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Saturday test results were:
My tach is dead on with the Mercury scan tool. My Gps is one MPH (give or take, it's analog) slow. My Heat ran 82.1 on a Garmin V, 81 indicated on the Gaffrig recall @ 5420
on the scan tool, with the stock 28" P-5X. My prop calculator shows 14.3% slip. I haven't run the drive spacer yet, nor did the boat seem to need it. I will try it next spring to see if it makes any difference. It may with a heavier load. These boats seem very weight sensitive to me.
Conditions were ideal; light load, cool (64o) weather, light chop.
Prop's off for blueprinting, and the blower's off for freshening up.
A question for you guys.........has anyone added an intercooler to their existing blower setup? Did you loose boost? How much? Several knowledgeable guys say I will.
I'm going to run the same blower pulley when I get the motor back together. It will be interesting to see if the intercooler does reduce the boost level.
Question #2. Has anyone switched to an Imco or Sportmaster gearcase? Did it pick up any speed? At what speed does an Imco begin to help top end over the stock XR gearcase?
Regards,
Steve Z

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Steve, the sportmaster lowers were tried on the Nordic 35 and the boat lost major speed. Apparently the design creates stern lift which as you know the Nordic deosn't like. As I understand it the sportmaster works great with cat hulls. I ordered sportmasters for my new 35 but changed back to the standard XR lowers after test results.

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Gary,
Thanks for the input. It's always best to see how hardware or setup has affected a similar boat. That's why I ask a lot of questions.
I understand you are a Nordic dealer. Where's your shop?
Regards,
Steve

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Were located on Lake Cumberland in Jamestown Ky. www.UnlimitedPerformanceMarine.com

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Gary,
I was in your shop this summer. You were telling me about the 35' you had coming in. I asked you what what kind of power was in it...........you told me it was top secret. You may recall I said if it wasn't twin 1075s, it wasn't top secret...........................
I guess you were referring to the Ilmor/Viper(s) boat. That is a very sharp boat. :cool:
I'll come by next time I'm in your area.
Regards,
Steve

Re: Prop help Best Prop for a 28 heat
 

Dave:
After talking with Julie @ Throttle Up, we've decided to work a 27" P5-X. The refreshed blower and intercooler go back on next week. I may try to run once more when the prop comes in. I'll report the results here if I get to (weather may prevent this :( ).
Happy Thanksgiving Team Nordic :D !!
Regards,
Steve