Stern lift is a relative term.
Too much=bad.
not enough=bad.

Brett

The smallest pitch in a Maximus is 23" and generally you would need to drop down 2-3" going from a Bravo 1 4 blade.
To make a 23 Maximus work, it would probably need some diameter cut off and custom labbing to keep the rpms where you need them.
You may be better off having your current prop reworked with additional cupping.

+1

Quick side note. The Maximus smallest available casting is 24. Mercury Racing offers a 23 version but it is a Labbed propeller. We offer the same option in Labbed or stock but again the casting starts as 24 inches of pitch.
Griff is right that custom Labbing will most likely be needed.
There are other 5 blade propellers that may work as well. We have Hydromotive P5X's and Turbo OXP's for testing.

Thanks,
Brett

What exactly is the physical property of a prop that makes stern lift? Diffuser, rake, pitch, size, etc etc?

Oh boy................

Every point of the geometry you mentioned makes a difference.
I would rather explain those attributes over the phone since it takes less time than writing a book. (which is literally what it would take)
There are all kinds of things including "X" dimension and hull design that also affect propeller stern lifting capacity.
Call anytime and I'll answer any questions you have.

Thank you,
Brett

I try not to bother people by calling them with questions and advice when I haven't done business with them even though I intend to. But if its a long answer, I'll call. I asked in the open figuring it was an interesting question. Thanks,
Brian

bwd,

Thank you for the thought.
Anybody who is a regular to this forum knows I have been offering "free" propeller, boat setup, and performance information since the propeller forum began. Literally 8 years ago.

I have tried to educate people as well as market my business. ( we pay substantially yearly to advertise. Some people try to advertise without stepping up to the plate with money or even offering legitimate input. That's frustrating at times)
I think we have done pretty good at serving the people who visit this forum for information. I see certain people quoting my comments from years ago so I know BBLADES has been instrumental in helping the performance boating public come out of the "black magic" propeller days.
I do keep the special information secret. LOL

Call anytime. If I'm busy, Brad is my right hand man.

Brett

So given my situation what do you think would yeild the best results? 5 Blade prop of any manufacturer or getting my 24P Bravo 1 re-worked?

At this point the best input I can give you is that over the years and with many 27's under our belt,
4 blade propellers at the correct "X" dimension have been the clear cut winner at overall performance.
Determining the specific goal you need helps to obtain the correct recipe.

Brett