andyrey

Just picked up a used 2000 42 Fountain with Staggered 500 EFI's. Bravo XR drives , currently has 27 Hydramotive 4 blades. What props are people seeing good results out of ?
About 150 gallons of fuel and two people on board seems to top out about 74 MPH. (what should top in speed be?) Seems to have good mid range power, but cavitates 2800-3500 rpm with 4 to 5 people on board. WOT RPMS 5300. Former owner says the limiters were raised so may can stand more pitch...Hydramotives seem to have small blades..Thanks

endeavour32

iTrader: (4)

I have a few questions for you and then maybe I can give you some advice.

Do you know what your prop shaft depth is? Are you running a standard XR lower, Imco or sportmaster.

Has your prop ever been worked on?

Have you tried a 5 blade?

andyrey

Thanks for replying...No I have not tried any 5 blades, standard XR lowers, since I just recently purchased ...The former owner just said that he had tried different props and the 27 Hydramotovie's were the best. Not saying he is correct by any means. However, I don't know that they have been worked on or not. I can tell that he has had them in the sand before...not perfect mirror finish. Also, where am I measure prop shaft depth..from the bottom of vee I assume.

endeavour32

iTrader: (4)

I personally really like Hydromotive props. When I had my Active Thunder, I tried every prop under the sun, including having a set of Maximus props custom made. The best prop was a bone stock Hydro P-5X. You really shouldn't be having issues with cavitation in the RPM range you stated. Maybe send the props off to have them inspected. Hydromotive can certainly do that for you. If you are still having issues you can always try their P5X. Just be warned 5 blade props are really hard on Bravo drives and heavy boats. As far as speed goes, whenever Performance Boat Center lists a 42 with 525s, they list the top speed at 78, this is the same number I've seen magazine reviews. Now on here, you will see guys claiming way higher speeds than that with 525, but I don't believe it. So I think 74-76 is a good number with your boat and 500 EFIs.

andyrey

Thank you Sir. Will do.

andyrey

Thank you!

endeavour32

iTrader: (4)

What I would also do is search in the Fountain section. If I remember right, even with the standard lower, I believe your boat has a very high drive height. Ask some of the guys with your year of Fountain, what they have found to be the best prop for 500 EFI boats.

F-2 Speedy

iTrader: (6)

from your 1st post Id say your getting all those 500's have to offer, rpm and speed look good,