87Mirage,

Are Signature props cast in the US? Hill doesn't say and Signature's website is still "under construction".Not that it REALLY matters. Just curious...

Thanks. Brad.

Both companies say 100% built in the US from virgin stainless. When you have the 2 side by side, I'd swear they are using the same molds. Wouldn't surprise me if Cutting Edge is buying castings from Hill or vice versa. Somewhere I heard their 4 blade bravo copies are a casting copy from the early bravo one propellers. I think the newer Mercury propellers have some differences in the webbing between the hub and the outer wall, to aid in engine exhaust exiting.

87Mirage,

Ah... I didn't see that on the Hill website. All good, then. And you're probably right; same foundry. Hell, they might even combine their orders to get a better QTY break.

Thanks. Brad.

They are inconsistent. That's why.

how many have you owned?

I have purchased 8 pair hill signature SL4 and one pair of signature 5 blades so far the last couple of years and never had any issues,

so I ask you, do you have any experience with them if you do share it with us

I have a Signature SL5, a labb Maximus (I do not know by who.) and a Max with 15,25" dia.
The Signature holds the bow better than the other two, you can trim it very high and still have grip, but unfortunately it is too small for my speedboat and accelerates very slowly, and there is also more slip like by other two.
Both Mercury props have better matched blades. Blade angles by the Signature blades deviate much more and end finish is not so good. But I didn't notice this while driving. I don't know, maybe it affects the worse acceleration and more slip, but I don't know enough to evaluate.

If the Signature SL5 had a diameter of at least 15.5", I would buy it, but the one I have has 15", even though it says 15.25".

I have owned one Hill propeller. It was a custom 4-blade Hoss-style. You could see the differences between the blades with your own eyes.

Over the years, I have used propellers from Mercury (non-Lab and Lab), OMC, Yamaha, Dewald, Spinelli Brothers, Mazco and many others.

Hill is known for inconsistency. If you don't trust me, just Google.

BoatNT,

Following the convo where it leads, with interest toward why I started it....

You've got experience, specifically with the PQ 280... How do the 5 blades do? Ever tried any Hydromotives? Tom @ Hydromotive is suggesting a P5X. Not sure I want to go the 5 blade route, but it's been suggested by a couple people now....

Otherwise... Bow-lifting, transom-lifting or neurtral? Which does the 280 like? Bravo props generally considered which?

Thanks. Brad.

That is very much my experience, too.

By the way, there is someone who blue prints Hill propellers. I no longer remember the name, but the result is supposed to be very good.