I don't disagree on going higher with the drive. I feel that a 3" change is drastic. If you can try in between, I would.

BBLADES makes CNC'd spacer kits for the #6 drive. We make them in .25" increments because that small of a change can affect the performance. I usually like to test in .25"-.50" increments with OB's, Bravo. SS drives. I know it is easier said than done.

Thanks man! I've got a good buddy with a BIG camera!

I'm going to monkey with the spacer and try the 5 blade props to see where it goes. I figured I'd try something drastic just to see what I get. Griff (the former owner) initially ran a 2" spacer (original from Pantera I think) and said he had a lot of blow out, but I figured I'd try a 5 blade with the extra hp and see what I get.

I really appreciate the advice and input!

when i asked out local marina a couple years ago about buying one for our old boat, he said that it would give the boat a killer hole shot for skiing, but would hurt the top end pretty bad. is that true? if so, how much top end can you expect to lose?

cheers,
josh

My 26 Nova lost about 4mph on the top vs. 3 blade Stainless

ive wanted to try stainless props but ive messed up a couple aluminum ones over the past couple years. i figure id rather have to buy a new aluminum prop then replace all the sterndrive inners. right now im running a 4 blade aluminum 17x14 that tops out around 5000 rpm. the other prop is a 3 blade 21x15 that will only do about 4500rpm. question is how can i get the 3 blade to do another 500 or so rpm cus to me that seems like it would be good for a couple mph's. top speed with the 3 blade is 54.8mph and the 4 blade is 51mph both on gps btw.

I tried one on my, uh your Pantera 24 and it did not work well at all, Not enough diameter, poor trim control, poor speed, slippage and many other bad traits. I would personally not bother trying one on your 28 or anything over about 3000lbs with an elevated drive height. We ran it on Pismo's old, really old Century with an alpha 228 combo and it worked really well with a low drive height , Pulled like a tournament inboard for skiing and trimmed out nicely on top.

Thanks Chris. You mean Tim's 24.

I've abandon the high 5 and have a buddy that's offered to let me try one of his Herrings (yes Tom, I'm talking about you!), so hopefully that will be a better option.

I tried a high 5 on my 19' bass boat with a 150 merc and it cost me 5mph on top but it did jump out of the hole like a tournament ski boat. It seemed like trim made no difference with that prop either. I could never fly the bow to get top speed.