Finally got the 36 back in the water today.

WOW, what a beautiful day. Not too hot, not too cold, JUST RIGHT.

Sent my Bravo 1, 26 pitch 4 blades to Darin at Houston Propeller and was excited about testing them. The best I had seen to date on GPS was 72 MPH. The max RPM I was getting out of the 500's was 4800 on the tachs. Was hoping for another 200-300 RPM and maybe a couple miles per hour top end.

It did not happen. I am still at 4800 RPM and cannot tell any difference at all. Still planes great, same as before, mid range same as before and maximum RPM was still 4800. No better and no worse than before.

I will have to call Darin Monday and see what's up with this?

The water was dead flat today, no wind, no chop. I had 3/4 tank of fuel and three people on board. These are the numbers I got.

3500 RPM - Drives @ 2 = 49.9 MPH on GPS

3800 RPM - Drives @ 3-1/2 = 54.8 MPH on GPS

4000 RPM - Drives @ 4-1/2 = 57.5 MPH on GPS

4500 RPM - Drives @ 4-1/2 = 65.4 MPH on GPS

4800 RPM - Drives @ 5 = 68.0 MPH on GPS

Later in day with only two people and 1/4 tank of fuel.

4800 RPM - Drives @ 4-1/2 = saw 70.4 on GPS

Not good, It so happens, this is the only set of prop's that I decided to videotape during the labbing process there is alot that was done, but after hearing your test results and reviewing the tape two things have to be done. One is take out the extra cupping that was put on the tips of the blade's, this killed everything else that was done. And two thin the leading edges a lot more, but the extra cup defeated my overall concept and that was the hardest decision I had to make when doing these props and it was wrong. DOC. I will take care of it and the props will be done next day, the shipping will be paid by Houston Prop. We want it right and it will be. I am as dissapointed as you are on this one, but one thing we know is the props are balanced to perfection. As they were not, but no excuses, I will make the necessary changes.

Man, and everybody else makes me pay the shipping, thats a first to hear of a company to pay the shipping charges, props are like black magic, I know a guy who sent his to Spinelli 4 times a few years ago to get them on the money, and he paid the shipping both ways! that adds up quick!
Mark

Way to take care of biz Darin! We all expect problems, its how the problems are resolved that counts.

Thanks Darin,

I was not worried or disappointed. Everything I have heard about you has been good and you have just proven it all true.

We are going to Florida this coming weekend and I will send the props to you after we get back.

The cupping on the tips is pretty cool looking. It is amazing that it can make such a big difference. Compared to most labbed props I have seen, these are still much thicker.

They just need a little more love!

Mark

Hey Doc, Sorry to hear about the props, but sounds like you are being taken care of graciously. Are you going to a poker run in Florida? I am planning on going to the Sarasota Poker run in 2 weeks. Hope the weather holds up for both of us. Hope it is as nice as our Jacksonville experience. Later!!!!!

Hey Steet,

Good to hear from you. Had a great day on Norman yesterday. The weather could not have been better.

Yes, we are going down Thursday for the FBC poker run from St. Augustine to Daytona. Hooking up with sereral other boats in Jacksonville and going to St. Augustine by water.

The Jacksonville Poker Run will be hard to beat. It was just one of those perfect weekends.

Have fun in Sarasota, will not be able to make that one due to business.

Mark

Dock Holiday,

Sorry to hear about your disappointment with your props (to this point). I am happy to hear that they are going to rework them at no cost to you to make them right.

Just FYI, when I had Mercury Racing do a set of Mirage +'s for me I did gain 300 RPM and corresponding speed increase to go along with it. There is still hope.

Be careful,
mark

THANKYOU DOC ! For your understanding on this matter as soon as you are ready to send the props just let me know and I will make shipping arrangments. Darin

Darin,

If you could call me at work when you get this and have a chance. I have a question to ask you about my friends props. He would like to have some things done to them(2 of them). If possible I would like to send them to you with my two this week.

(518) 486-9304

Thanks, Chris