I have a Cigarette Cafe Racer with bravos. I've picked up a set of bronze ASD6's which I've sent off to Rik to for rebuilding since one has a broken chain. He's setting them up with standoff boxes like the 7m kits. My power is undecided (502's need rebuilding, debating 540's) but at this power level the smaller 19 spline shafts should be fine. Im most likely taking the boat to Kolor Craft in Syracuse NY for the conversion, so my biggest unknown right now is props. I'd like to get feedback on prop selection from anyone who's done a similar conversion and dialed in wheels for a heavy straight hull deep V. Plus leads on anyone who may have good options on SSM3 props lying around. Looking for feedback specifically on following issues:

• Ive read 4 blades are better for bow lift in a straight hull, but also told that 5 blades will feel smoother, less vibrations, and get on plane easier.
• Is it true that if going 5 blade, get a bigger diameter (18") and 1 to 2" smaller pitch than a 4 blade?
• spinning in or out? ramifications of either?
• I will probably be around 600-650 hp per side, my current thinking on props is 29 pitch, 18 diameter, 18 degree rake, 5 blade.
• Has anyone bought props from Hill Marine? Gave them a call after finding this listing on ebay, they can custom make 19 spline cleavers in whatever diameter, pitch, and cup for $2380 per wheel. https://www.ebay.com/itm/155293637008

Btw if anyone has a good huber 1050 or similar, I need one more. Thanks

I have a 35 non stepped fountain with 775hp per side . I have ASD7's with a 1;32 gear ratio , I run Herings that are 31 pitch 18 diameter and 20*rake .I have never seen new props that were usable for arnesons for $3,000 most are in the $6,000 to $7,000 range each . Unless you have shafts set up for bravo props .

I’d reach out to this guy. He had bronze ASD-6’s on his straight bottom Gun for years. Recently went to #5’s.

He will likely have good information for you as the setups will be about as close as you’ll get.

Rik has 19 spline adapters to fit the 26 spline props. Having that in your back pocket gives you options.

Very hard to speck a prop without a baseline.

What ratio are you running?

Spinning in generally gives more bow lift, what you're looking for.

The ASD-6 drives are rated at 650ft lbs. Get the rpm up a bit, you can run more hp.

The extension boxes enable more leverage for the bow lifting rake in the props.

BBlades props has a prop rental to try-out and dial in props. I would start there if yoy can't get your hands on a loaner set, or a cheap spare set to get a baseline. Not sure I would trust a $3000 surface prop...but CNC has come a long way...and prices should ststt to reflect that.

The RonHill props may work...but will they handle the 650 HP? They blades appear a bit thin.


https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?276230-Ron-hill-props-yes-no-or-maybee-so

Seems they've been having issues with loosing blades and getting the the pitch consistant.

thanks for the tip, I found him on FB and reached out.

My drives are 1.57. They came with a set of 4 blade 26's, 16.5" which may be a good starter set if the 502's go back in. Previously these drives and props were pushing a Donzi 33zx with 454's

Blown, what mph are you looking for?

I looked into the Ron Hill props a bit more. A lot of red herrings. I don't think they would take the HP you want to put down.

I would setup your engines to run a bit more rpm. 5500-5800 at WOT. Easier on the drives and the engines. Gives a better prop for your hole shot. Cruise tends to be a bit higher rpm...but not much. Depends what mph you want to cruise. Generally high vacuum low engine demand.

Cafes with twin 650s are doing 80mph. Surface drive bonus maybe 5mph.

Your current props at 26 pitch will almost get you to 78mph @5800 rpm at 14% slip.

55mph cruise around 4000 rpm.

The props you have will get you on the field so someone like Bret at BBlades can give you a prop suggestion.

Nice setup… the Cafe Racer with ASD6s should run great. Rik’s standoff boxes are a solid choice.

You’re right on the props: 5-blades are smoother and lift the bow better; 4-blades might give a bit more top end. If you go 5-blade, go slightly bigger in diameter and drop 1–2" in pitch.

Most deep-V guys spin inward for better tracking. Hill Marine’s custom props are good value — worth a try.

Keep us posted on the build!