best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

is anyone running 5 blades on there fastech formula i have just installed whipples on a 525's with boxes and bravo's and need to get the guy new props

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

The Formula race boats have run the P5 props very sucessfully. They ran the QIV and P-5 propellers on all of the boats. I will also ad that recently we have been putting the P5-X on the boats and they are performing very well.

Julie

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

Numerous props will work on these hulls.

From the late 90's to the early 2000's I took monthly orders from Thunderbird Products (Formula) for Labbed Bravo 1's as they came standard on the boats. Recently we have been Lab Finishing Maximus props with huge results. Just did a 353 switch to Maximus from B1 props and gained 2mph on top and 6-7 in the mid range.

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

Can you guys make a suggestion for me::currently a 2006 353 fastech 496ho's Bx drives bravo4 blades 28pitch......I am thinking about those 5 blade Maximus....will I see any improvement, or should I stay where I am?? Thanx, ERIC

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

Ericaull what rpm or you getting at WOT and what is your gps speed at WOT. Im not a prop expert but from what I have been reading the 496HO needs a little more power and torq. to really get the most out of the 5 blade props. Not to mention the boat needs a High X dimention. Im guessing that your probobly turning around 4700 RPM if your 28P bravo 1 props are stock. if that is the case i would just have them lab finished so your RPM comes back up to around 4950 or 5000 I think that would be the best choice for you.
JOhn

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

flyboyaa1 is correct. The 496 mag and HO's don't seem to gain the same benefits as boats with bigger power. And if you don't get the performance why spend twice as much on the propeller. If you have an opportunity to run a 5B I would say try it...but I would not recommend buying one without testing first.

Julie

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

Sorry it took so long for me to say thanks for the advice!!! I will stick with what I have till next season. :drink: ERIC

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

I'm running a loaded '02 353 HO's. 71-72 mph GPS most any day, best 73.5 cold fresh water with a full tank of fuel.

Box stock 26 Bravo One 5000 rpm. (tach). I was interfaced to port for another reason and saw rev limit (4994) 130 times or something for a total of 16 seconds on the limiter in 158 hours.

I don't see this boat going any faster. The stock 28's were piggish everywhere and no faster top end @ 4700-4750. Overall performance MUCH better w/ the 26's. Easier planing, lower min planing speed staying bit.

I may pick up 3-5 cruise at a like RPM, and may not loose top speed mph, but in terms of economy, it would take forever for the pay back on the Maximus.

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

Julie, I don't know much about "labbing"....would it pay to have my 4blade props labbed over the winter, or should I just try a set of 26p in the spring? The boat has a bit of trouble staying on plane below 3000 rpms. Also thanks for the prior info... ERIC

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

Thanks for the info John....By the way, what do you fly?? ERIC

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

They are expensive little devils aren't they... :evilb:

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

bblades, what engines/drives on this boat??? Thanx, ERIC

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

I'm betting he's talking (the former)HP 500, (the current)HP525 (540 horse in reality) or more powered boats.

let's clarify that "labbed" B1's are not "standard" as you're 28's Eric certianly don't seem to be! They run just like box props from what you've given for stats.

Hi-jacking the thread to those with lesser powered 353's looking for more "enjoyment"...

Eric, there's a night and day difference in all around driveability between the out of the box 28/26 B1's on this boat. The HOES are "on the power" right up to 5K (this is why you don't loose top end with the 26's at 300 more RPM/5000) so running beyond the powerband is not an issue. See my prior post about where the 26's run. I actually complained while on the phone to Formula that this was piss-poor packaging of 353/HO's and 28's. 26's should come standard, much better all around performance and marginal to no sacrifice of top end (compared to 28's), seems like a no-brainer :confused: but I'm not buying props by the hundreds and dealing with Merc. There is a reason the HO boats come with 28's and I'll guarantee it's business/Merc related, not performance related!

in that out-of-the-box 26's were just too close to being on the limiter too often, and they sure as hell weren't gonna put together some custom propeller pitch/lab for this "low dollar" :rolleyes: choice of drivetrain soooo...

...when faced with this choice, overprop it with the next generic prop size and ship it!!

I KNOW where you're coming from, as mine came with, and I ran the 28's for awhile and was disgusted with planing, low speed ability and need for tab, and acceleration! I was dissapointed with the boat, all it needed was smaller props!

I just don't see where a labbed (thinner) 28 Bravo that is still 28" of pitch (rake and cup not withstanding) can do ANYTHING for the low speed bite issues on this heavy boat other than nothing, or make them worse.

For the price of a lab job you can have a spare set of props!

Nothing against the prop shops!

ANY prop is a compromise. On a boat that you use for everything, and all operating conditions/speeds from mild to wild...a good compromise is tough to find. I feel I found it and it was easy to find, durable (as in not thinned), and easily replacable/matched if you hurt one.

my boat is heavy as run with fuel most of the time, footrests, vaccuflush, holding tank, usually 10 or so gallons of water up front, carrying a bimini, 50 lbs. of 2 anchors and chain/rode alone, fluids, cleaning supplies, clothes, and a whole bunch of other "everyday" gear...though the 353 isn't that sensative to wieght. At 200+ hours I know this. The fastest it ever ran (sustained GPS reading) was on a 2' chop, in cold FW at damn near sea level, full gear aboard, and a FULL fuel tank.

if anybody says they are regularly turning stock 28's 5K, or going more than 74-75 MPH in this boat with HOES, I don't believe 'em...

I do believe they've overtrimmed for RPM, or are using the speedometer :D

P.S. You'll find you'll use less tab less of the time too 'cause the smaller props carry the boat better all the time, and stay hooked up/carry the boat better at low speeds. ;)

Re: best prop for 2003 353 fastech
 

Rip, It seems like trying a set of 26p's would make the most sense. I am gonna ask my shop to try me a set. I will let you know the results.............Everyone , thanks again for the help.

bblades,
what pitch Maximus were you putting on 353's with 500 EFI's?

It depended on the boat and the way it is used and loaded.

What props are you currently running and do you have numbers for cruise and WOT?

What are the goals?

Brett

2001 353 500 EFI currently running Bravo I 30s (not labbed)

Cruising 3700 rpm at 54-55 mph gps
WOT 4800 rpm at 75.5 mph gps

I mostly run with just my fiance, myself, 1-2 coolers, and 50 gallons of fuel.

Goals-love to be able to hit 80 but would be content I guess lol with 78. Better planing would be nice but I'm willing to sacrifice that.

A 353 with 500efi's should run right at 80-81mph. Your speeds are off and you need 400rpms. You definately need to have your props labbed or drop down to 28's. My friends 353 with boxes and 500's runs about 84 with labbed 30's.

Labbed 28 Maximus propellers will most likely put you in the 4900-5000 rpm range with a 1-2 mph top speed gain. The mid range speed gains will be the biggest advantage as you may see 4-7 mph at any setting.

Because your slip is almost 15%, Labbing the B1 props will help the top end at up to 3 mph. However, the mid range cruise numbers will be compromised.

Testing some 28 stock Maximus and Turbo OXP's is a good idea.

Brett

Thanks Brett, I'll look into it when I get to that point on my "to do" list. I'm looking at new valve springs this winter so props will probably have to wait.

Any advice on how Maximus 28's might work on a 99 353 Fastec w/HP500's and boxes? The boat is currently running Bravo 4's 30P and getting just about 5000 RPM but a bit disappointing at only 77 MPH on GPS.

With a 17% slip with the current set up, the 28 Maximus props will work wonderful. Labbed to the correct recipe will give you 1-2 on the top and more than a few in the mid range.

We have these props to test with when your ready.

Brett

Thanks I'll be in touch for more details.