Originally Posted by vintage chromoly (Post 3573134)

thanks for the info ironman! my engine will be an aluminum head, 9.5 to 1 or 10 to 1 compression, naturally aspirated pump gas bbc.

do you think a 3 blade or a 4 blade prop is better for me? ( i know this is a loaded question but, in general )

Originally Posted by IRONMAN (Post 3575094)

Depends on engine displacement and X dim. 17.5 or higher liked 4 blade best. 17 - 17.5 3 or 4 work well, slight nod to the 3 for top end but a labbed 4 will put up same numbers with better mid, planing and acceleration. 454's ran better with 3's 502 had torque to turn 4's or 3's (i know i just answered your question with a question but in general Mirage plus 25-27 would be close)

Great history you found on your Pantera, people don't just cant make up that kind of stuff.

Originally Posted by bigboat28 (Post 3575306)

Sorry about the question off topic but Ironman, on a 28 with 425hp 454's now turning 15 3/8 by 26 4 blade props at 42-4300 and having a porpois problem what would dropping to 17 1/2 by 22 4 blades do? Would that allow my rpm to go up or would the diameter be to big? Also would they help to carry the bow to stop the porpoising? The drives are number III's with 1.33 gears.

Originally Posted by vintage chromoly (Post 3575567)

thanks ironman! i'm planning on a 17 inch x as per pepe and jo's recommendation for a 24 7 hull.

you are right. you cannot make up the stuff these guys lived through and experienced. it was awesome talking to some old school off shore guys!

Originally Posted by IRONMAN (Post 3575928)

Nice thing too about the 17 - 17.25 is we all know the standard water pickups work well there. Here are some pictures of my old 24 set at just below 18, I had an external water pickup already so the intakes above the waterline did not matter.