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So Ill have some more info coming next week guys. I have been having so much fun just running around all over the place in my boat that screwing around with the set up has been the last thing on my mind. I did get the set of Dewald props from Dave that I have been waiting on for a while. He is a very busy man and does excellent work which puts him in high demand. I received a set of 34 pitch 15.25 diameter and 20 degree rake roughly from him 2 weeks ago but I had to get together with my Mechanic to widen the bushing inside so I could get them on my propshafts. Wasn't hard to do at all Im just stupid like that. Im gonna run them next week as I have to go away this weekend and its raining for the next couple days.

I did get out a few days ago and ran the above vessel view pic. It is not a higher top end but I did run 114mph with 2 people on board and about 110 gallons of fuel. The indicator says 96 gallons I think but I have the total gallons set a 190 so I have a reserve of 30 gallons. It holds 110 gallons a side. The guys at Mercury Racing were able to hit that number with one guy and about 50 plus gallons of fuel I believe. I ran with about 500more lbs of weight than they did that day. The interesting part is that my Port motor was turning 7073rpm and my starboard was at approx 6775rpm.Thats 300 rpm difference. Could be the props are off. Im hoping the Dewalds are accurate and show those numbers closer together. Im also gonna have my Merc props checked out as a lot of props can be way off on their measurements. I think if I had my Dewalds on I could have picked up a few. Ill know more after I run them in this nice cooler air we've been having. The other night when I ran the above it was about 70 out. Ive also checked and rechecked engine heights. If that motor is off by that much and its something that can be corrected I would have to believe Id be running up a few more mph easily. Just picking up the rpm with the Merc props on with 33 pitch id be up a few mph for sure and almost on limiters. With 34 pitch or the Dewalds id have to pick up 2 to 3 mph easily. I know in the end its not where I run all the time and the conditions are optimal for running top end numbers but its the game were in and we have to have something to shoot for. Im hoping to see 117mph before the boat comes out of the water for the season. Its within my grasp with just changing out the props to my new Dewalds as the port motor was pretty well tapped out on power.

Steve, Glad to hear you are enjoying the boat and being able to do what we all wish we could do! GO BOATING!
It wil be interesting to see what happens with the Dewalds.
Thanks for posting!
Now it is Sam's turn! He has different props to run as well. Also I heard they are running the 318 in the coming days at Mercury so that should shed some more light on whether the notch proves to be a big difference maker or not.

Glad to hear you got the Dewalds on it, and it's already running equal or better to the $10k set of Merc props. I'm certain that once Dave get's done dialing them in for you, that you'll see the 117 you're after on a cool day with a light load. That's doing VERY well for how big/heavy your pleasure-palace setup is! You've got to be more than happy with your beautiful boat! And it will be interesting to see how the black/white 318 that was just finished up runs. I believe it's a very similar build to yours, just with that small notch in the transom.

Yea Ron. There are some differences in that boat from mine. I think more or less the same weight. We will see what the notch can do. and also if they try any different prop sizes on it or whether they turn the props in or out. With my boat they started turning out but with the props they were using and none worked well or held the bow up they decided to have them turn in. Towards the end of testing is when they brought out the CNC 5 blade cleaver props. Originally they tried 14.5 diameter and then 15 diameter. They really ran out of time as they were just testing the 15 inch dia ones when Tony and I showed up for the ride and photo shoot. I think they have a better starting point this time and won't waste time eliminating all the other props they tried on my boat. Im pretty sure they never switched the lowers back to turn out when they started with the CNC props on my boat. I bet my merc props would have no problem holding the bow and may be a bit faster in the end turning out.These are things I will have to do on my own which is ok with me. I would expect this new boat to be a bit faster than mine. The set up is different right off the bat and since they won't waste so much time with what props to run starting out they can fiddle around with engine heights and running the lowers in or out. I have the best wishes for them because as anything they try will give all of us some direction to go in. That being said because the feeling that I think i can get better with just props right now I think its gotta end up much closer to 120 than I did. It just makes sense I think. who knows. We will see. As you know its not an exact science and every boat is different. Would love it if it got to 120mph. I think that would be so cool for Skater and the new owner.

Ha. Don't have the Dewalds on yet as the bushings were too tight. Just got them fixed up today and will run them next week as Im going out of town till Sunday. Im betting that Ill pick up 2mph from them once I find the correct engine height. They need to run a bit lower than the Mercs do. We will see. I have faith. Ive seen them run faster than the Mercs pitch for pitch. They just need more depth. Mine are 15.25 instead of 15 dia. Should be very interesting.

Well I have 3 sets of 32's to run this weekend. Merc's, Dewalds, and my old BBlabe bravos for kicks and grins. Stay tuned.

Steve we ran the CNC merc's and Dewalds in and out on my boat in Miami. John and I found that the CNC Merc's were fastest and faster when running in. They also allowed a higher position for the motor.

Which way are all of you guys spinning - in or out? My 30 handled HORRIBLY when spinning in. As soon as we changed the drives to spin out, it became an entirely different boat. The 30 w/ 300XSs that my buddy had for a season was set up spinning in, and drove great though. I've always run my 28s spinning out. I plan on starting spinning out when we get the 400Rs on my 30 - unless you guys all tell me the outboard 30s suck spinning out!

We tested all props in and out in July. We were faster spinning in with less porpoise and it was almost non existent with the Merc CNC props. So I'm spinning in now. Same as with my 300XS's. There was no noticeable difference in handling and JT agreed on that with me. I was originally going to spin out due to additional weight and higher motors but the hull handles them fine spinning in and the porpoise was less spinning in. Bill is spinning out and said he did not like the way the boat handles spinning in. I have not seen that yet.

As for props we were faster by a couple of MPH with the Merc CNC props. They also hooked up and had a better mid range acceleration. The Merc CNC are over hub and heavier. Dewalds are thru hub and thinner. I have asked Dave if he can build a set of over the hub. I think the hub kills the hole shot planning and mid range also suffers. I'm still testing. I can say the Dewalds are very well made and for lighter boats they probably will prove faster as seen on Racing circuit. We varied the Jackplate hieght for both and the Dewalds required a lower hieght. I'm running a new set is 32 Dewalds and 32 merc's this weekend and condition should be much better. So we will see.

I did not get the 33's to rev limiters with the load and conditions I tested without over trimming. Since I actually have passengers, upholstery, fenders, lines, ice chest, food, stereo, tools and fuel onboard when I boat I'm opting for smaller pitch in an attempt to get the motor into its best power band above 6800 RPM.

So far I'm at 109 with 33" Dewalds spinning in and high temps and humidity approx 2 1/4" up. Flat fresh
water. In Miami we could run higher straight but lost water pressure when turning. I'm not sure but my not knotch appears to be 12"+or- I'll measure it.

Dale,
When I got the boat it was set up turning in. Tried turning out only once but not enough test data to support anything yet as it was at the of a testing day and we were on the limiters. I agree with you in the past turning out has always been the best. I will say though in confidence this boat with Dewald 5 blade cleavers it handles very well turning in (except around dock LOL) and very little or no porpoise. As soon as it cools of in a month or so will resume some more testing and plan to swap rotation with a complete test to see what happens.
Regarding Bill's boat I think he said it handled better turning out but when they were testing down here it ran about the same speeds. I believe Sams boat down here was a tick faster turning in if I remember correctly?

Thanks for the info guys! Doesn't sound like there's a definitive answer yet. Seeing how everybody's 30 is set up quite differently from each-other so far - notch, no notch, 400s/300s - I think it's going to be hard to pin down what is going to work best for all 30 outboard rigs. Every picture I can find of the X-Cats w/ 400ROS on the back are spinning out. Since these boats are most similar to what my setup will be - no notch, similar weight and motor setback - I am probably going to start spinning out. Plus, just going off of what my 30 liked with the Sterling/ASD combination tells me to start with spinning out. If it doesn't run/produce the speeds I'm after spinning out, I will then try spinning in for certain. When/if I do this, I will make test runs back to back after swapping the rotation, to give an absolute true test. Even this will only tell what works best on my setup (if I end up having to do it). Sounds like most of you are pretty happy spinning in after testing both ways already though.

what's the weight now vs what you and pete think its going to weigh when its done...I know you're all about the performance so no BS stereo and what not LOL. I know what mine weighs with all the gear and half tank of gas.

Dale the beauty of the 400r's is you can just swap gear case's with NO changes to the shifter cables or programming.
Set the motors to level trim and it literally takes about 15 minutes with the right tools.

My 30 weighed 6,800 #s when it left Skater w/ the Arneson/ASD package (less tie bar). We're hoping to weigh right around 5,000 #s when it goes out the door with the 400s on it. The X-Cats must weigh 5,300 #s with whatever fuel is left in them at the end of a race, so we should be real similar, if not a little lighter than an X-Cat. We still won't be as light as Daren's DW32, but quite a bit lighter than Steve and Sam's rigs with the 400s. And yes, you're right - no stereo, intercoms, center console, side panels, bolster seats, carpet, etc.

Yup, that's what I've heard! Will make it so easy to see true back to back performance comparisons of spinning in vs out, as we could come in, put it on the trailer, and be back out on the water in less than an hour so the ambient temperature won't even change much.

Steve
Sorry to hijack your thread. We should start another for 400r set ups or Dale can get his going!!!!!!1

No problem. Please continue guys. It will all tie in in the end any way. Doesn't have to be about just my boat. It can be about Mine,Sams and Dale's. everything we are trying together. Will be more fun that way. Steve.

Steve, I know that I haven't met you, but you seem to be a really genuine and nice guy (with one hell of a cool boat)!

I have met him and second that!:ernaehrung004:

I have spoke with him a bunch of times. Can I 3rd that? Lol
Steve is good people

I spoke to him a lot thru text and met him in miami for about 3 minutes and I will 4th it !!!!:evilb:

I trust you guys ... and he said he liked my boat. ;-)

He is a cat guy what did you expect!?!u:cool-smiley-027:

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I had an oportunity to run the boat this morning. 113 with 32" Merc 5 blade cleavers on the river dead calm no current. 63 gallon fuel 70* 50% humidity. 550# of passengers. Yes we are all Bubba's in Arkansas

Dewald's 32" 110-111 with 70 gallons fuel 550#' of bubbas.

Are the mercs the 10000 dollar props everyone's talking about. Or something else

Sam, Sounds like the conversion is a great success! :thankyouthankyou:

Well it's definitely no longer boring lol! We need to get together. Hated I misssed you in LOTO but it's all better now! These 400Rs seem to have awaken the beast:evilb:

I got sucked in by your avatar ... I'm thinkin those are special 300 Optis. "Nice Ride"

Thanx for the kind words guys. We're all in this together. Ha. So I ran my Dewalds the other day. They are 34pitch 15.25 dia and 20 degree rake. I ran 111mph at 6441 rpm. They are on their way back to him for some adjusting. I think 33 pitch by 15.25 dia would be perfect. He's gonna start by taking some cup out which he left a lot of in this time around. Also bit of Dia. we will see what happens. Im sure they'll have to go back one more time before were done. My last run out with my Merc props was 114mph at 7049rpm. Im sure I was one tick off of 115mph. I have a problem with my starboard motor as it runs 300rpms behind my port. Its been that way all season. The heights have been rechecked several times and the Dewald props yielded the same info. My girlfriend videos the vessel view so I could stop it to see where they were at certain speeds. If I got that motor to pull its own weight equal to the port motor Im sure Id be up around 117 or 118mph. That last run the port was on limiters with nothing more to give and the starboard was lagging behind. I think the Dewalds will put me at 115mph very conservatively and that 300rpms would yield another 2mph conservatively. Being that new 318 that just ran did 121?mph I think with my boat with two healthy motors could get close to 120mph with the set up as is. Understanding I ve been running in 70 degree weather with mild humidity which is perfect speed testing weather. Take the above for what they're worth. I did up to 114mph the one day with 2 people on board and about 110 gallons of gas so I think my projection of 118mph plus is totally attainable with two healthy motors. Im working on getting that fixed soon. Hopefully its not a major headache but you never know.

Post the video so we can see how it accelerates.

I love the boat , but just prop it to run 105 to 108 fully loaded with fuel and peep's and be done . The way I saw the other boat in the video running look's dangerous for the average boater , one boat wake come's by with the bow so high we will be reading about you :( and not the good way . if you want the boat to run 120 then build it to do so properly without the risk of a accident ." I/O's or 7 marine

Be safe and forget about that one time top # the next guy will always be faster

mike

Hey Darren Im gonna try and do some fly bye vids tomorrow and Ill also try and do some cockpit shots. Supposed to be 20 mph winds here so Im not sure what Ill be able to get accomplished.

Hey there Mike. I agree with your theory. I do have a motor issue I need to correct and I cant do it with them running on the limiters so Im going to try and run it for its all out top speed right now as it gives me a good reading on whether the motors are running correctly. After that partially because of a long talk I had with Ron/Doublerigged when we met in Florida a little while ago Ill probably put a set of 32 or 31s on it so I can run to about 110 anytime with any load and the acceleration will be very good. In order to get to the extreme high end you need to really hang it out on the edge and I mean EDGE. Your advice is well taken and I would recommend it to anyone else who is on the hunt for that top end/everyday dial in number. Steve.

Steve,
Regarding the motor issues I would recommend them doing a compression test on both and compare. It would be a good place to start.
The other would be to make sure the motor is getting good fuel flow. I can tell you the pick ups that Skater installs with the 90 degree fittings are junk. I have had issues when i got this boat with trash getting caught in 90 and causing the motor to starve for fuel. It had nothing to do with the tanks coming apart but when they glass the lid on the tank and drippings of the resin/epoxy break loose as you beat up the boat a bit in rougher water.
I over sized and changed mine to straights with flowing 90 fittings and also installed some OBERG filters that you can take apart to see what is going on and monitor things.
Just a thought.

I'm running 300xs'- and the port motor is always a few rpm ahead of the starboard. Its faster, but also more fuel efficient which is weird. Isnt this common, port motor being faster?

if this is correct then it could take a extra few HP to turn the prop one way vs the other ?

I've been running twin outboards for about 15 years on different boats and have seen the motor with the counter rotating lower consistently turning 200+/_ rpms slower.

I've always believed the difference to be the way the lower handles the thrust. (front tapered cone bearing R.H.) (flat needle thrust bearing L.H.)
The counter rotating also runs hotter and will "burn" the oil faster.

My $.02

Interesting........if you click on the link and watch the video of my tachs, you'll see that my 300XSs run almost identical rpm at WOT. But not everyone will take the time to do what it takes to make this happen either. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWSPBLFvPFE

This is my 1st year running twin outboard and my port motor has run a little slower. Also burns more fuel and oil. I thought I had a issue with that motor? Thanks for the post.

Nice video .... It is pretty obvious that your passenger blew out of the boat ... making the left side ride a little higher ... letting the slow motor rev up. ;-)

Now ... back to the regular programming.