before I buy new props??
 

Before I go out and buy a new set of props I would like to get a few recommendations from the OSO troops. I have a 31 AO with twin 300 pro max's, counter rotating, with gear ratio of 1.62, sportmaster lowers. I don't know the exact diameter, but they are hydromotive 3 blades with 28 pitch. My motors are only hitting 5400-5500 RPM, and my top speed is 79.5 mph GPS. It gets on plane quickly, but there is some "washout" when it rolls over. Sooooo..
1. Should I get the props repitched to 26 so I am at least running in the bottom suggested RPM range?
2. Buy some 24-26 pitched props and see what happens, and start from there?
3. Try some cleavers or choppers?
4. Maybe even a four or five blade?
Any and all suggestions will be appreciated before I dig into my wifes purse!!

Re: before I buy new props??
 

My 30 Motion is a little lighter then yours but we have the same motors. I have done as much prop testing as I can and so far the outboard cleavers are the best. The 3blades are faster and the 4 blades may be a better all around prop. Bravo 4 blades can work but may need some rework to achieve best results. Call Throttle up!
I tried a set of hydro 4 blades this weekend I can turn a 34'' merc to 6400rpm The hydros were 29'' pitch I could only spin them to 5000rpm at 76mph came home installed the mers 34s ran well over 100mph at 6000rpm .

Re: before I buy new props??
 

Thanks for the input, I'm trying to talk to the local prop guy and see what he can do for me. I would like to water test before I buy. So how fast is your Motion, and what pitch cleavers are you running? Thanks..

Re: before I buy new props??
 

Ooops, didn't scroll down and read the last part! Now I'm lost again, I'm really confused with those numbers.

Re: before I buy new props??
 

Wettin My Shorts When the motors are happy and the weather cools down a little the motion will run a little over 110mph turning 3 blade 15''x34'' merc lab cleavers 6400rpm. On a normal summer day with people and fuel 105mph is possible. Those numbers with the 4bl hydros did not make sense ot me either, I pulled the plugs to check the motors as I thought maybe I had burnt a piston.
I had a 32' hydratech hull which is similuar to yours, with twin omc v8 the boat would run 85mph +. I think your speeds are low,A pair of cleavers should run much better or even choppers will have good top end but not much cruise speed. How high are your motors mounted? How much setback do you have? With the right combo your hull could run high 80s to low 90s

Re: before I buy new props??
 

MMWALTERS, The setback is about 14-16 inches on solid mounts and the bottom skeg is aproximately where the bottom of the tunnel is so the only adjustments I have is trim. Sorry for inexact numbers. What do you think would happen if I changed the pitch of the props to 28 to get my RPM's in the right range?

Re: before I buy new props??
 

MMWALTERS, Damn I hate typing, I meant to ask you, what you think if I changed to pitch to 26?

Re: before I buy new props??
 

Wettin My Shorts I agree you need to get the rpm up near 6000. Before you invest in props why don't make sure your setup is correct. The motor height is very important. To measure motor height run a straight edge off the boat bottom directly in front of the motor, measure to the center of the propshaft. Is that measurement above or below the bottom. A good starting point would be about 1'' above the bottom assuming you have sportmaster gearcases with the low water pickups The motor height can be adjusted by using the multiple bolt holes that mount the motor A 26'' pitch prop turning at 6000rpm should result in a top speed of around 82mph but if you can get a set of 28s turning 6000rpm that would be around 88mph To me that sounds more like what your boat should be running Do you know what you boat weighs? My 32 weighed in at 6400lb with light fuel. Also what type props are you running? are they tru hub or over the hub? can you post a picture?

Re: before I buy new props??
 

The props are hydromotive 3 blade over the hub and the bottom of the boat is about even with the drive shaft with the trim at 0. I don't know weight of the boat but the guy I bought it from says it is around 7000 to 7500. The lower units are sportmasters with low water pick-up. I really like the numbers you are getting with the cleavers, and I think my first priority would be to get my motors in the proper RPM range. When running at it's best, I'm throwing up a 3-4 rooster tail with trim, so would that indicate I need to lower the motors or go with cleavers?

Re: before I buy new props??
 

your props sound like chopper style. Cleavers may help. If that was my boat I would try to raise the motors a bit and see what happens. Each hole in the bracket = 3/4'' The sportmasters will usually run at 1 3/4'' to 2'' above the bottom. I am pretty sure the rpm will come up, keep and eye on your water pressure when trimming out 9-10psi is safe. Beg borrow or steal what ever props you can get your hands on. Maybe a call to AO would help with you setup. Where do you boat?