Re: Best Prop for A/O 2600
 

Yes. An elevated drive height will reduce bow lift and a 5 blade Maximus (especially at it's full 15.75" diameter) will reduce bow lift compared to a Bravo 1. So together they will greatly reduce the bow lift over a Bravo 1 with a conservative drive height.

Matt

Re: Best Prop for A/O 2600
 

Thanks for your input guys, but I'm still a bit confused. If my boat now generates considerable slip with a B-1, although the Max should increase (in theory) stern-lift, wouldn't it help to carry the bow as well? I've always thought that a round-ear, non wedged-shaped blade ("cleaver"), especially with more cup at the balde tip and more rake, would generally enhance bow-lift.
So, I'm still thinking that the Max.- at my elevated X-dim.- will help to "carry the bow" - maybe even generate bow and stern lift at the same time?
I know for a fact that a B-1 generates more bow lift than a Mirage-Plus three blade, at my current drive height. on my boat. I would have thought that if a 3 blade is good, 4 is better and 5 best, if the shape of the blade stays basically the same? At this rate, I guess I better stick with the B-1...

Re: Best Prop for A/O 2600
 

Everything you are saying is true. If the B1 gives you more bow lift than the Mirage, it is because it is hooking up better. The blades are remaining loaded and the prop is carrying the entire boat.

The points we were all trying to make before is that as you add blades, the stern is generally lifted higher. However, if you have a high X dimention and the 3 blade can't hook up, the 4 may help. The 5 may decrease slip even more and be the better choice. This doesn't take away from the fact that less blades typically allow the stern to settle and the bow to rise.

The new round ear 5blade props do have some added rake and cup to help carry the bow. But as I stated months ago, you still have alot of diameter, blade area and many blades. This means they are not bow carrying propellers.

You could lower the drive and restart the process. My thoughts are, with your current set up, the Maximus will be the better of the selections out there. Is it a band aid for your slip # ? Maybe, but "this" is the set up you are trying to dail in. Like stated earlier, a Bravo 1 with a "conservative" dive height will give better bow lift. That's not what we have here. Why not test a Maximus 30 and stop the guess work. If it doesn't do what you want, we'll try another avenue. I know this is a little confusing, if you want to discuss it again, give us a call.

Take care.

Re: Best Prop for A/O 2600
 

fmi marine
i've got a 26 footer,last year with a 509in motor and a 31 hydromotive prop, i ran 114mph on gps. i had to turn the motor 6200-6300rpm. 10psi boost , write back if you have any set up questions . pretty good for a 509in

Re: Best Prop for A/O 2600
 

Thanks bblades and fmi.
Bblades, everything you've said so far makes sense. Thank you for your valuable input. I agree that the best way is to try it yourself. I've been doing this long enough to know that the only way to find out is to do it, since everybody's setup is a little different. As soon as I get my motor running I'll give you a call.
fmi: That's an awesome number! What type of Hydromotive prop did you use? I've used the "cleaper" (straight back, round tip) style before but it didn't handle that well on my boat, although that was with the stock x-dim. on a stock lower unit with a nosecone. This setup liked the Mirage Plus 3 blade prop and carried the bow awesome with a B-1 prop.
Also, what drive height were you using? Do you have a set-back box?
I'm currently chasing tuning bugs, which I discovered was a stuck accelerator "squirter" check valve which was causing the boat to shut out getting on plane, as well as the jetting being on the very rich side. I should have some numbers soon, and know how well the 32" B-1 is working. I have a Merlin 509 with AFR heads, custom Comp Cam and a Intercooled M-3 Procharger. I would really love to get to where you're at.