A little hydro help please

[Flat freak]

I recently picked up this 74 two rib drag hydro at an Auction in Nevada. I planned on pulling the Lenco bell housing & clutch and a few other goodie’s out of it to install in a runner bottom I’m building then resell the Sanger. I’ve had four runner bottom’s over the last 30 years but no hydro experience. After walking around this thing a few times my curiosity got the better of me and I’ve decided to keep it, S I have a prop question for you hydro buff’s. Even though the boat has a 1.125 prop shaft With no prop on it I found a brand new Menkens 1in. Prop in a cardboard box under the dash. I do have a 1.125 Menkens two blade I can use but am wondering if I should find a cleaver for it. I haven’t figured out what gears are in it but the clutch makes me think there’s probably some bigger gears in it. I have a 600 HP. Motor for it so this is my question, should I just run the prop I have or would it be better to find a cleaver for it

 

[warpt71]

Ski or Drag hydro? Certainly any prop will move the boat, if its going to blow the tail and run as it should, it would benefit from a cleaver. Even ski hydros can blow the tail if the rudder is deep enough. Lets see some more pictures

 

[Flat freak]

Drag hydro as stated, glad to find out any prop will move the boat. I guess I should have asked if a regular two blade will blow the tail. This boat is a bit of a head scratcher, it’s definitely been out in the weather for years. But it’s got a brand new t tank & brackets, carbs, magma flow pump, fluidampr ,crank driven alt. & Milodon pan plus the bonus find, brand new prop in a box. I pulled a rocker cover & everything looks new , I pulled the dip stick & no oil so I pulled the drain plug & not a drop . I’ve sent a letter to the person who donated it with my phone number so maybe they’ll call and answer a few questions.

 

[warpt71]

Id find a cleaver and not look back. Run that other prop you found on one of your flats. Very cool stuff you have!!!

 

[Flat freak]

I found a 12x17 cleaver for sale, I know my flat bottom props , but I’m wondering if that pitch is a little aggressive for 600HP without knowing what gears are in it . And yes that shiny Menkens is going on the T deck I’m putting together

 

[Flat freak]

AgainI don’t know shit about hydros , I’m thinking with minimal resistance that 12x17 will be fine , just looking for a little input before I spend $600 bucks

 

[rivermobster]

I've never been in or driven a hydro.

Jezuz they look so bad azz!!!

Are these exclusively glass/flat water boats? How do they turn?

Am I hearing they make good ski boats??