Maximus prop and drive shower clearance
 

I just got my hands on a Maximus 5 blade. I put it on the boat and noticed that the blades won't clear my drive shower pickup. I was running bravo props before and didn't have an issue. The drive shower is an IMCO.

I figure I can just cut the pickup tube off a little shorter. Whats the best way to cut SS tubing? My options at home are a hack saw, jigsaw, cut-off wheel, or I might be able to use a pipe cutter.

Mine has a little notch in it that probably was to clear the prop too. You can use any of those and it will work fine. Careful not to overheat with the cutter wheel though as it can accelerate corrosion. Just dress it with a file when done so no sharp edges. Did you ever get a ladder figured out?

Thanks Ted.

I did get a ladder that goes over the side. It has two feet that rest against the hull. I didn't like that so I stick a large fender under the ladder so the feet don't touch the boat. It's a little bit ghetto, but it beats a trip to the ER. I'll post a pic when I get a chance.

Make sure to allow for blade flex. The tips of the blades can move 1/2" when surfacing. I feel pickups should only extend .25-.375" below the cav. plate.


Brett

Thanks Brett! As it is now, the pickup extends approx. 1" below the cav plate.

They can go lower than I mentioned above but higher usually draws enough H2O and doesn't induce cav bubbles to the high pressure blade faces.

Brett

I cut the drive shower pickup down and everything seems fine. I ran the Maximus yesterday. I saw HUGE mid range increases. Not sure what the top end results will be yet. It's a 26P and I was turning about 4850 with FULL gas, 4 people, and gear.

Your numbers seem to be in line with mine. I also noticed it doesn't like trim. I could run the drive trim up past 3-4 and it would actually slow down. But it has VERY little slip in the midrange.

I agree about the trim. But that was my findings running a bravo prop too. Not sure if all indicators read the same but I can't even get to 3 without loosing speed.

Brett, When calculating slip on a 26P Maximus, what entry should I use for pitch.

Be careful mercury racing claimed these props can flex up to 3/8 of an inch.

Ken