what helps planning ability??? Diameter/# of blades?etc...???
 

anybody want to answer??? I know simple answer is to lower the drive, but if a boat can get on plane with surface drives, why cant it get up with some high speedmasters????? is it just a matter of playing with the props?????

Not an answer, just an experience.

I would say diameter could help. Had a pair of props that came up nicely and performed fairly well, was looking for more so I had them worked. Without my knowing the diameter was reduced by a 1/4", doesn't seem like much but in this case it made it harder to get on plane. Sent them back several times and the shop was never able to regain the planing ability. In my mind the diameter never should have been changed, wish it could be put back in.

get away from those 4 blade props. Add a blade.

What do u mean.....

Try a 5 blade.

Brett at bblades said most straight bottom boats like 5 blades

Bottom configuration doesnt matter its the heigth of the drive in comparison to the bottom that matters. your shopping for 4 blade blade props all winter and this post says your x is high put a 5 blade in it you will get on plane better and cruise better.

Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner! When coming up on plane, how high your propshaft is relative to the planing bottom is almost everything. With a surfacing drive, adding more blades puts more blade area deeper in the water - which gives you more bite and gets you up on plane quicker.