What can I expect
 

I've got a chance to try a set of labbed,26 pitch Maximus props on my Formula 292 w/ 6.2's. I'm told that the diameter is cut down to 15 1/4", and they are labbed, just wondering if anyone knows if I'd see any improvment over the stock labbed 28 four blades.

Most definately in the mid range there will be a improvement. I need to see WOT numbers to determine the top end.

Ironically, I haven't even taken delivery of this boat yet, and I'm already trying to get it to go faster, thus no numbers yet. I was just hoping someone might have tried this set up, or possibly a different 5 blade set up, maybe Hydromotive ? Spring can't come soon enough.

If you haven't taken delivery yet, I'd reccomend upgrading to the 353 with 600s for more speed.

No way, if I did that I'd get caught up in all that racing bs in the TIBBC thread. This boat fits my needs just fine, just want to have a little edge on all the other 292's on the lake.:p

I am interested in this as well. What is the original diameter of a Maximum prop?

bblades, I have the same boat running labbed 28 pitch Bravo 4 blades. The pic attached shows actual numbers up to WOT. Hope this helps!

4mula, I believe the original diameter was 15 5/8 inches. A friend of mine ran these particular props on his 26 ft. Wellcraft Nova, with large displacement small blocks, but he said they gave him too much stern lift. I'll find out the reason he cut the diameter tommorrow.

My single engined boat isn´t much of a reference for you with a twin, but I have the stock 15 5/8" x 26" Maximus and a Merc labbed 15 1/4" x 26" one and have tested both. I have run labbed 28" and 29" Bravos until now because the boat just feels lighter and more agile with the four blade props.
The Maximus feels like it is stressing the drive more, but gives the boat amazing mid range acceleration and control.
I am swapping the standard length XR for an Imco shorty (bringing the prop to pad up to 2") and think that the labbed 26" Maximus may then be just right.

A Maximus likes to run a high x and be driven by a motor making alot of torque.

When I first opened the throttle with the stock Maximus fitted I thought the motor had gone into guardian mode ´cos the 525 could hardly turn more than 1500 rpm, when it normally would break loose instantly. 6.2´s don´t deliver blower style torque either, but twins are a different story to singles..

Original diameter is 15 5/8"

We Lab them from 14.5" up to the 15 5/8" range.

4mula, your slip is a little lower because the actual pitch of the Bravo 1 props is about a inch lower than stated. You could expect increases in the cruise speeds but losses in the top end.

Brett, how does cutting the diameter on a Maximus affect it?

Decreased stern lift, quicker acceleration, speed changes can be worse or better depending on the application. Each application is why we actually change diameter.

Thanks Brett. I guess it will be a " wait and see" on these props.

Did you ever try the Maximus props on your Formula 292 ?

I'm testing Maximus vs. Bravos on my boat right now. Based on what I've seen so far you won't be able to get as many rpm's, will be 4-5 mph faster at mid-range and probably 2-3 mph SLOWER at WOT (partly because of the reduced rpm's).

I tested a 28 pitch maximus on my single 2years ago,it rpm'd about equal to a 32 pitch merc 4 blade labbed and went 2-4 mph slower on top end but slip numbers dropped from 20-24% to less then 10% cruising. It wasn't cut down much or labbed and it stern lifted the boat like no tommorrow. You could feel it stressing the drive ALOT right before I sheared off a billet prop shaft. These props are definately in need of labbing and lightening,Smitty

nearly the same results on my twin engine...28 MAX-rpm's close to my 32 Bravo.Best prop slip from 19% on a labbed 30 Bravo down to 10.5% on the 28 MAX.....cruise about 6-7 higher, top end 2-3 slower.