Props for Fountain 38 Lightning...
 

I have a 2005 Fountain 38 Lightning, twin step with semi-staggered 525 EFI's turning stock 32P Bravo Ones on XR drives with 1.5 gears. I don't have any complaints per se, but wondering if I could do better. Top end is not as important as improving hole shot and mid-range cruise although if possible, I would not like to lose anything at the top but don't care that much about gaining top speed. A friend with a comparable 38 Fountain with same power and has switched to Hydro P5X 30P's and has said he has gained 1 MPH at the top and around 3 MPH cruise and just feels that his boat handles better overall. On my Fountain performance report, it says the X Dimension is: 19 1/2 x 27 1/2

Here are my current speeds:

3000 RPM - 42 MPH
3500 RPM - 53 MPH
4000 RPM - 65 MPH
4500 RPM - 76 MPH
5200 RPM - 88 MPH

Would Hydros make a difference here?

Yes 5 blades will help cruise and planning.
Top end gains will be minimal if any. Why not call us and try our test program prior to purchasing anything. This way we can describe the differences between various 5 blade options.

Brett

I did and spoke to Brad a few weeks ago who told me that you didn't have 30P P5X's available to try. If that's changed, PM me and I will call you guys back.

Thanks, Neil

We currently have 31 P5X's to test which will answer questions for you. 30's are on back order till next year.
We do have 2 other 5 blade options that will perform as well and could be possibly better than the Hydros. Testing is your best option.

Brett

Hey Brett,

I have a 2004 38 Lightening with same setup as Neil, 525's, Bravo Ones XR drives running the stock 32's / 1.5:1 The only difference is my X Dimensions are 24 1/2 x 19 1/5 according to my performance report from Fountain. My question is: if I were to throw on the new Pro Finish 5-Blade CNC Cleavers from Merc, do you have any idea what I could expect. I know the best way to buy any props is always to throw them on and try them out until you find the right fit. The problem is, trying to find a shop that carry's these types of props in various ratios is not an easy task. That said, If I called Merc direct and spoke with their specialist Scott, explained to him my current set up and what I'm looking to achieve, would this be a safe option or am I wasting my time and basically hoping for the best while preparing for the worse?

Thx in advance,
Barry

Call us and I can get you on a rode to the future.
We have a test program.

Brett