I'm sure this has been done before but maybe we can include some more recent experience from everyone. Also, please copy/paste any old threads that may be pertinant.

2005 42 Fountain Ex staggered 525's with XR drives
Bravo 1 32P non-labbed props turning in
80-80.5 mph GPS WOT approx. 5100 rpm at 150 gals gas, trimmed to about 5, tabs level, about 72 degrees and only me aboard. Also the hole shot with this setup sux and I almost cannot get on plane with "heavies" in the back seat and full gas sometime.

Lab or modify these props? Get P5X's or Maximus, lab or non lab and what pitch? Thanks for any advice from BBlades and Throttle Up. I am looking for optimum prformance under usual conditions of 1-2 passengers and light to medium load. Please include actual experience.

my 32's stock bravos pulled only 5100 RPM. When I had them labbed they pulled 5400. I hear Hydromotives work well on the Fountain.

I have just machined two sets of props for 42' Fountains. One with 525s and the other 500's. The results with the 525's were great we picked up 4 mph over the Labbed Maximus props. Keeping in mind that Fountains run extremely well with semi-cleaver props. The boat with the 500's will be running this coming weekend. I would recommend a minimum of 5B props for a 42' as it simply carries the length better than the 4B props.

Julie

Hello,

We have outfitted numerous 42's with Labbed Maximus propellers. The outcome has been good or great in every situation.

Your efficiancy is poor in the 20% slip range. I am confident we can get you to the mid to upper 80's with Labbed 30 Maximus propellers. This has been our largest selling setup in 2007. One of the best included results would be a 3-9 mph gain at all mid range rpm's. Thirdly, planing issues will completely go away. Labbed versions of Maximus propellers outshine the box stock propellers in leaps and bounds. Gains of 4 mph on the top with Labbing have basically become a give in setup issues such as yous.

B

At 20% slip you are a candidate for 6B props. Thats even a little high for a Fountain.

Julie

Thanks very much and I will contact both of you. Any customers out there who have experience with these props?

I just got my Maximus props from BBlades last week and Brett delivered what he promised. And I get to send them back for a free update to get more top end!

Read here:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=168896

Beak42, I have a 35 with HP600's and Bravo1's.
Julie changed the handling of the boat and performance completely with the 5 blade CNC's... no more trouble planing at all, improved midrange speed (6mph) and better throttle response. Top end up 3 to 4 mph. Carder

If you figure it out, let me know I have been messing with this for almost 2 years....BZ

Big questions will 5 blades break more drives?????

Sidenote: I originally had Hydro 29p QIV's that I traded for Hydro 29p P5's.. I hit the rev limiters (5600) @ 87 mph with the QIV's, but with the P5's, I could only turn 5200 rpm and maxed out @ 85 mph. It appeared the P5's were lifting the transom too much, and even extra trim couldn't bring the speeds up. If you get a chance @ some Hydros I think you will go faster with less trim with the 4 blades.
The CNC's were definitely the next level above the hydros, tho.
Carder