Knot 4 Me

I was told by the Merc rep at the Miami show that the new props will indeed fit the older Bravo III's.

bbladesprops

I was wondering when the questions would start coming in?

This was one of the last projects we were working on before I left Mercury Racing. I won't write a book about them but I will give you a little info to clear some questions up.

First, yes they will fit on the old shafts.

Second, Sea Ray Jim, your experience is the sole reason for the development of these new props. Gravitation burn on the B3's whether they had cup or not was a real problem. It started to become more and more evident when B3's started to get coupled to Merc Racing engines. Thunderbird products had a standing order for replacements.

Polished finishes, which they have, do tend to harden the surface and should aid in the prevention of the burns. It looks nice too but does nothing to aid in performance.

The geometry is completely different from the current B3's.

As far as a 4 blade forward prop, let's just say it came along for the ride.

BBLADES will also tweak Bravo 3 propellers. We did quite a few at Merc Racing while I was there. The cupped or the "L" versions tended to show the best results.

They were supposed to be available a year ago........oh well. Some of the processes are out of house and can take more time to QC.

Expect to pay $800-$1000 a piece.

SeaRay Jim

Brett,

What would you suggest for props that are already starting to burn like mine? Will properly labbing them eliminate or reduce the burning or is there something in particular that needs to be done to them?

I'm trying to ask questions of Merc. but so far, the only contact I've had luck with in the past, is getting nothing. Same of another "prop" guy who's know as a BIII expert. He's not a member or sponsor here though.

bbladesprops

There really isn't anything you can do to your props. Sorry.

The only people to talk to about that situation at Merc are either retired, living in heaven, or gone, like me. The rest won't be very receptive to this situation. That's why the new props are being released. I tried to explain it in my last response without getting into the politics.

TO MAKE THIS CLEAR, there isn't anything wrong with the original propellers as far as performance!! They work well. The only down fall is..........if your hydrodynamics create burn on these props, they will continue to do so.

I'm not sure what you are exactly looking for? You should run those props as long as you can and then invest in the new technology. Sorry for giving you the harsh reality.

SeaRay Jim

Thanks Brett,

I was just wondering if there was something that might help it. I need to get them labbed and wondered if when the blades thinned, balanced and cup added if it would mitigate the issue. Sounds like the only way to know is to try it.

I'll keep looking out for the new tech. props, and in the meantime, have mine labbed keep looking for used replacements on eBay.

bbladesprops

We will be happy to help you.

Give us a call and we can discuss your options.

boatman22

What's the latest news on these B III props?

SeaRay Jim

Bump for grins

BUIZILLA

I firmly believe those prop burns are from the props not being timed correctly.

Jim

boatman22

What is timed correctly?