Re: 5 blade vs. 4 blade prop
 

Great job guys!

One of the pieces of information that is used to determine whether you are a good candidate for shorties is the measurement of the prop shaft in relation to the bottom of the hull and your current propeller slip. If you are on the high side with your slip and if your prop shaft is reasonable meaning not extrememly deep, then you may not benefit from shorties. It goes without saying that if your prop shafts are a 7inches below the hull then shorties indeed may improve your speeds.

Julie

Re: 5 blade vs. 4 blade prop
 

I have both... and they both work very well (for different reasons).

Consider this------ running in big water..... the more blades, the more stress on the drives. Run the 4's in big water and the 5's any other time.

that's my .02 cents!

Re: 5 blade vs. 4 blade prop
 

Sounds as though I will be running 4 blades unless the slip is too servere. I'll try the hydromotives and bravos back to back. If I go to the 1 1/4" vertical shaft in my shorties will I still have a good selection of props. What are the advantages of going to the larger shaft, other than durability? Any opinions on what others have done?

Re: 5 blade vs. 4 blade prop
 

Rebel
Have run both, the big prop shaft is a heavy piece, the advantage is if you do launch the boat you are less likely to twist the shaft when you re-enter. The 1.25 shaft also uses a billet carrier. Props are no problem, you just have to use the hub to fit the prop shaft. Most dealers carry them or you can get them from BBlades or Throttle-up. They are pricey though, but what on a boat isn't?????

Re: 5 blade vs. 4 blade prop
 

So the props that accomodate the larger shaft are more expensive? That along with the short vertical shaft ($630) might make it an expensive option x 2.

Re: 5 blade vs. 4 blade prop
 

The props alone aren't more expensive for a large shaft. What are you trying to do? Put on shorties? I just did this and it cost me approx. $4850 for both drives, that included the shorties, labor and new gear lube. The vertical shaft is part of the IMCO shortie kit, which will run you about $1900 for the kit.

Re: 5 blade vs. 4 blade prop
 

Yes, I am deciding on which way to go with shorties and more importantly will I see any speed gains with the shorter drives. The Bravo Shop lower units complete with a 1 year warranty sell for $3,380/each. Or, I can purchase the case for $1.680 and the vertical shaft for $630. Using my stock uppers. Best value?

I was leaning toward the Bravo Shop lowers because of the water pressure issues with the Imco's. How are yours working?