Blaster props
 

Hey everybody, Building a new model Skater 318 with merc 400Rs. It is basically a 30 foot skater wide body flat deck. Starting to think about props. I know that the general idea is that the Dewald props probably would be best in the end. My question is has anybody ever run the BBlades Blaster props. I have not heard much discussion about them. Thanx Steve.

Ok,

My view will be biased. But I hope it will have weight and logic in the end.

So let me start with this. I love the boat you are building and am excited to hear how it progresses.
Next, the new 30' OB Skater purchased by Mr. James Kimmel that was on display in the Douglas Marine Skater booth outfitted with 300XS's at the Miami International Boat show, has 31 Blasters on it. The reason it has Blasters is they work from start to finish. By this I mean they get on plane with ease. They carry a load. They accelerate like a banshee and the top end is slightly better or maybe the same or could be a touch lower than any other propeller set you decide to run.

When you say the Dewald propellers will be better in the end, I assume your end route is top speed only.
What we have seen over the last year with the Dewald cleavers is they have taken the Mercury outboard cleaver propeller and increased the blade area. With additional diameter and overall blade area, the slip numbers from the old Mercury cleavers has been diminished. The lower slip numbers can create better performance numbers with these heavier OB's on the transom. With the new HP ratings and additional torque ability, added square centimeters is going to be a help. Now this statement is not intended to take anything away from the bigger Dewalt cleaver. It is simply physics. I know some 30'sh Skaters have seen the best top numbers with those props.

Ok, Nastybug, you are asking a question that nobody can answer since your boat is a new being.
My best suggestion is to contact us when Douglas Marine has you pick up the boat. After you splash the hull and you run whatever you have and get numbers, let's talk about the performance results and we can then send you some test propellers and Blasters (or others) to compare and contrast.
Ultimately, you most likely will determine certain propeller sets are best for certain boating days. I hope the Blasters are the everyday go to propellers. By the way, the Bblades OB/F is a formidable every day prop competitor for the added 1' of running length your bottom has as well as the added weight. We should test those as well.

Congratulations on this awesome build you doing! It's very exciting.

Brett

Thanx Brett, I know they will be tested on my boat even before I pick it up and Im hopping for good things. Dale spoke very highly of the Blaster prop. I respect his opinion greatly as he has never steered me wrong. Im new to this area of high performance boating and never owned a cat before. Do you have the casting for a 34 inch pitch Blaster prop yet as I may need it. Only testing will tell. I spoke to Brad the other day and he was very helpful. Told him Tony would be in touch when they get to that point. I have bought several props thru you in the past and your knowledge and service were absolutely fantastic. I know we will be speaking together in the near future. Thanx for your input it is greatly appreciated. Steve.