Chris Cat
 

I have an 1984 Chris Cat with merc 400's and SSM II's. It takes a long time to get on plane - 3 blade cleaver props. Will 4 blades help? Don't know the current pitch- I will check that.

Thanks Wannabe

What diameter prop are you running? 15"?
IMHO 4 blades may help; you'll be limited in diameter because of the #2 drive and might have trouble finding small diameter props.

Changing to a larger diameter 3 blade might help, but you'll need to cut-off the back part of the "anti-cavitation" plate for clearance. Even with the cut, I think you're limited to about 16" diameter.

Also note that the larger diameter & 4 blades will put extra stress on the drives and parts are hard to find.
Due

OK, the planing issue was taken care of this summer. I experimented with the drive settings at launch. Previous owner told me to keep the drives at "0". I tried in October setting at "-2" and boom up on plane in 150 yds. OK, I am learning about this boat.

Wannabe

You have 4" hubs, 4 blade props are non-existant for the 2 drive. There were diameters to 16.5" though. I can't remember how big you cn go with the diameter though.

Brett, I will confirm if 4 inch or 6 inch propshaft length this weekend. I may have to go to used market for larger pitch if I repower.

Wannabe

Your boat presently has a 2" spacer in the drives to promote planing. Also, the props that were on it were 16x28 three blade, which is about right for the power you have. I would encourage installing a ballast tank in the cabin and removing the 2" spacer on the drives. This will help with planing, but also greatly improve top-end performance since the props are presently running partially submerged.

CcanDo

CcAndo:

I was not aware you know so much about the boat. Thank you for the information!!! I will try and attach a picture of the outdrives. I also didn't know I have a spacer- interesting.

The boat planes fine now, I have tried fooling with the drive settings to launch and found the correct settings.

Wannabe

i wnt round and round with similar questions and advice,the person that set me straight and was accurate was hydromotive propellors

Here is the pic. had to resize.

im running 5 blades and a 1" spacer and mine leaps out of the hole with good top end