The first thing I do to my props is cut the ring off. I haven't seen any negative affects from removing it as far as time to plane or midrange speeds. I do see an extra 3 mph on the top end.
I run Merc Labbed B1 props on a 41 Velocity

Well thanks all for your imput.......tomorrow we are testing a set of 34 "s
without the ring...... if I can pick up 3 mph I'll be thrilled......let ya all know.

L.S.

p4-33...Just noticed you are from "Downriver"/Gibraltar. Does Hedke still own the Gibraltar Boat Yard? My dad built that marina from swamp in the mid-50's & sold it in the late sixties, to move to Florida. Back then, it was called "Humbug Marina". Ed

Yes, Mr Hedke, along with his 5 sons and umteen grandkids still own and run Humbug Marina. Mr Hedke and one of his sons's are neighbors right across the street from me. Don't know how big if was back then, but today they have 700 or so slips, plus room for 300+ in a rack storage building.

Nice family, class operation. What's your dad's name? I'll say "hi" for ya.

Cheers,
Brian

Matt & Julie have them now, doing some tweeking. I'll have them for the Sarasota race this weekend.

Brian

how much would taking the ring out hurt bottom end?
heard 2 different sides

Lucky Strike did you ever get the chance to test out the props with and without tthe diffuser ring? If so what were the performance #'s? Thanks

mwdill,

With through transom exhaust it should affect low end planing little to none.

thank's :

No---it was to rough in the ocean to test.
Where I live you can only go 25 mph in the ICW.

L.S.