Try a different prop

[WYRD]

So looking to switch up props to get a better hole shot. 29' Lavey craft NuEra with a 600sci turning an Imaco scx upper/ SC lower. Drive has an extension box on it as well. Currently spinning a 28 Bravo1 but it's dinged pretty bad.

Talked with Augie down at Cutting Edge and he's going to refinish the 28. He also said that he has a five blade propeller comparable to the max 5 and recommended a 26 pitch for the five blade. He is going to let me borrow it for my next trip to Havi to to see if it will work for me.

I know there was another thread about the max 5 and a few other members have used them on laveycrafts. @lavey jr was recommending a 28 pitch Max 5 and I saw another member using a 27 pitch Max 5. Has anybody used cutting edges brand propellers before?

Curious what everybody's thoughts are on a 26 pitch or if that would be too small and I would lose too much top end.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Hmm. I’m running a 28p Maximus on a 26 Eagle with a TCM985 and a full SCX (upper and lower). It is good on hold shot, crazy good midrange and I dont know how much it gives up on the top end as I don’t really care (but I’ve been up to 75 with a lot left).

I think you could at least pull a 27 max 5 with the 600 as it should have the power down low to spin it.

If you are really after top end and don’t care about dogging it to get on plane you could try the 28.

BBlades has a prop rental option you could look into just to get close, then work with CE for the last bit of optimizations (ie more cup, etc).

 

[Livewire Fabworks]

I have a 255 Hallett with a 540. I was running a 26 Hill Signature 4 blade as well Cutting edge 26 labbed 4 blade. I get about another 200 rpm on the top end with the labbed 26 but felt that I lost some mid range even after having Auggie work it a couple of times.
I now run a 25 pitch Max 5. As a general rule of thumb you should go down 2 inches in pitch when you add an extra blade. Being that the Max 5 is labbed so you can actually go down 1 inch of pitch. I see the same basic top end rpm as my Hill Signature 4 blade but much better low and mid range MPH per RPM. Top end I only lost 1-2 mph.
I believe Auggies 5 blades are all labbed so depending on how your boat does RPM wise on the top end but I would say a 27 pitch Max 5 would be comparable top end rpm as what you are running now.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I would listen to Augie and try the 26 5 blade, since you already have the upgraded drive. I have one of his 26 pitch 4 blades on my 24 Lavey and am considering trying one of his 5 blades. His 5 blade is about a third of the price of a Max-5 or similar, and if it needs a little tweaking you can always send it back for an adjustment.

He was spot on with my boat, give him the speed and RPM you are at, and what you’re looking for, and he will get you dialed in.

 

[Yoshiro]

I have cutting edge 5 blades in a 28 and a 30 for my Nordic Heat with a supercharged 800hp engine. I like them vs a 4 blade bravo, better mid range cruising speeds and a couple mph on top for me.

 

[WYRD]

I would listen to Augie and try the 26 5 blade, since you already have the upgraded drive. I have one of his 26 pitch 4 blades on my 24 Lavey and am considering trying one of his 5 blades. His 5 blade is about a third of the price of a Max-5 or similar, and if it needs a little tweaking you can always send it back for an adjustment.

He was spot on with my boat, give him the speed and RPM you are at, and what you’re looking for, and he will get you dialed in.

Yeah after I read the max 5 thread I was pretty set on one of those props but then I talked to Augie today and his feedback not to mention his five blade is $1,300 including a new hub. BB blades had the max 5 for about $2,500 casing only.

My issue is is I do not have enough seat time in this boat to know what the RPMs and speeds are and I don't want to run the 28b1 in its current condition.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Yeah after I read the max 5 thread I was pretty set on one of those props but then I talked to Augie today and his feedback not to mention his five blade is $1,300 including a new hub. BB blades had the max 5 for about $2,500 casing only.

My issue is is I do not have enough seat time in this boat to know what the RPMs and speeds are and I don't want to run the 28b1 in its current condition.

That must be a different Cutting Edge 5 blade than I was looking at, retail on the unlabbed 22-23 5 blade I was looking at was 750 (no hub).

Find a good, untouched 28 4 blade to use as a baseline to get your speed and RPM and go from there. Or, borrow the 26 from Augie and document your speeds and RPM. You’re probably going to end up with a few different props- heavy load vs light load and summer vs winter, and possibly 4 blade vs 5 blade depending on how you boat.

If you haven’t been, keep an eye on the RDP classifieds- lots of good deals on props in there.

 

[RiverDave]

It seems like there was another thread about a 2750 or 29 Lavey that they were looking for more hole shot..

I don’t have much experience with them but I know they have pretty aggressive steps on the bottom that are probably creating a ton of aeration coming on plane.. (being the rub) but are probably responsible for the top end numbers the boat can put up (being the positive).

I’d try a five blade if it was me, but other than that I think your only luck is gonna be a drive spacer which is gonna have its own rubs..

Weirdly I just had a half hour conversation with a guy about a 288 that was looking for slower cruising speeds that I recommended the same thing..

RD

 

[WYRD]

It seems like there was another thread about a 2750 or 29 Lavey that they were looking for more hole shot..

I don’t have much experience with them but I know they have pretty aggressive steps on the bottom that are probably creating a ton of aeration coming on plane.. (being the rub) but are probably responsible for the top end numbers the boat can put up (being the positive).

I’d try a five blade if it was me, but other than that I think your only luck is gonna be a drive spacer which is gonna have its own rubs..

Weirdly I just had a half hour conversation with a guy about a 288 that was looking for slower cruising speeds that I recommended the same thing..

RD

I think that was me and the other thread also. This one already has the Drive spacer just trying to gather as much information as I can this is my first boat ever having a stepped hull so not really familiar with their handling Oddities

What does the drive spacer do by putting the prop farther back? Does that help with aeration?

 

[boat527]

Ive got a brand new 15.25 by 26- 5 blade from cutting edge ( for sale) if you decide on one.

 

[Runs2rch]

I think that was me and the other thread also. This one already has the Drive spacer just trying to gather as much information as I can this is my first boat ever having a stepped hull so not really familiar with their handling Oddities

What does the drive spacer do by putting the prop farther back? Does that help with aeration?

Your boat has ITS. 7 Inch standoff with steering built in. Not a drive spacer.

 

[Tooms22]

I have almost the same setup as you (2950, 600, SCX upper, 0 SC Lower - Not sure if you're closed bow like me and no ext box).

I'm running a 28P Bravo. It seemed to be the best prop for rolling on plane easily but still have the top end.

I've also run a 26P... and it didn't plane a whole lot better. It's one of the larger single motor V bottoms and it just doesn't like to plane.

But once it's moving, it likes to run.

My mechanic didn't want me to try a 5 blade because it's harder on the drive.

Here's my thread from last year: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...prop-slip-while-planing-and-low-speed.274405/

The real answer: Stage 3 Upgrade and get yourself a 32P

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Our 30 Eagle has a 1200QR and a six drive and runs a cut down (to) 16” 30p 5 blade Merc cleaver.

Not exactly apples to apples but it gets on plane just fine with the large steps it has (and the transom notch). It also is an OBWT. No extension box other than the standard transom adapter. Does run a drive spacer at the moment.

It’s propped more for holeshot and midrange than top end. We’d probably need a 34 to run the big number.

Just more info to go along with RD’s post about the 29 and big steps.

 

[WYRD]

If I decide to go with the max 5 would I want to run a long tube or a short tube to to get the desired hole shot improvement?

 

[Livewire Fabworks]

That must be a different Cutting Edge 5 blade than I was looking at, retail on the unlabbed 22-23 5 blade I was looking at was 750 (no hub).

Find a good, untouched 28 4 blade to use as a baseline to get your speed and RPM and go from there. Or, borrow the 26 from Augie and document your speeds and RPM. You’re probably going to end up with a few different props- heavy load vs light load and summer vs winter, and possibly 4 blade vs 5 blade depending on how you boat.

If you haven’t been, keep an eye on the RDP classifieds- lots of good deals on props in there.

The price must have jumped on Auggies 5 blades as when I looked at them they were still $750 which I think was the same price as a Hill Signature 5 blade.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

If I decide to go with the max 5 would I want to run a long tube or a short tube to to get the desired hole shot improvement?

Long tube adds stern lift. Short tube gives bow lift. How is the boat riding now and where do you think you need the lift?

I don’t think the tube length does anything for holeshot, the 5 blades helps that.

 

[RiverDave]

I think that was me and the other thread also. This one already has the Drive spacer just trying to gather as much information as I can this is my first boat ever having a stepped hull so not really familiar with their handling Oddities

What does the drive spacer do by putting the prop farther back? Does that help with aeration?

Not a stand off a drive spacer to lower the x dimension..

Most aggressive step hulls like that are going to aerate like crazy coming out of the hole and be a lot slower to plane the. A traditional straight bottom.

 

[lavey jr]

For what it’s worth; here’s my data on what was originally the Adler 29 NuEra mid cabin, Merc 600 stock, ITS, Bravo 1 DWP.

28 bravo
5200 79mph drive 4.5 left tab 4

27 Maximus
5200 84mph drive 5 left tab 5.5

28 max 5 15” diameter regular length tube.
5200 84mph drive 5 no tab

 

[lavey jr]

Long tube adds stern lift. Short tube gives bow lift. How is the boat riding now and where do you think you need the lift?

I don’t think the tube length does anything for holeshot, the 5 blades helps that.

Tube length absolutely plays a factor on hole shot.
Easy explanation; the longer the tube, the longer the “trim tab” on the propeller.

 

[WYRD]

Tube length absolutely plays a factor on hole shot.
Easy explanation; the longer the tube, the longer the “trim tab” on the propeller.

So a long tube would benefit a sluggish hole shot? But it would also create additional Stern left at higher speeds which might affect boat handling?

 

[Runs2rch]

So a long tube would benefit a sluggish hole shot? But it would also create additional Stern left at higher speeds which might affect boat handling?

See post 18.

 

[Bigbore500r]

So looking to switch up props to get a better hole shot. 29' Lavey craft NuEra with a 600sci turning an Imaco scx upper/ SC lower. Drive has an extension box on it as well. Currently spinning a 28 Bravo1 but it's dinged pretty bad.

Talked with Augie down at Cutting Edge and he's going to refinish the 28. He also said that he has a five blade propeller comparable to the max 5 and recommended a 26 pitch for the five blade. He is going to let me borrow it for my next trip to Havi to to see if it will work for me.

I know there was another thread about the max 5 and a few other members have used them on ladycrafts. @lavey jr was recommending a 28 pitch Max 5 and I saw another member using a 27 pitch Max 5. Has anybody used cutting edges brand propellers before?

Curious what everybody's thoughts are on a 26 pitch or if that would be too small and I would lose too much top end.

My experience isn't with a Lavey per say, but a Max 5 should make a huge difference on hole shot and bring prop slip down quite a bit at lower speeds. Dropping down 2 numbers in pitch seems about right to me, they grab alot of water. Went from a 32 Bravo to a 30 Max 5 and it was a huge difference getting on plane and midrange cruise rpm came down despite the lower pitch number. This was on a heavy open bow 29' Cat.

 

[WYRD]

See post 18.

My reading comprehension hasn't been great since the 5th grade maybe I'm missing it but I don't see anything in post 18 that talks about tube length. I understand what lavey jr is saying with the longer tube acting like a trim tab to me meaning it should bring the nose down quicker but the offset of that would be I lose a little bit of stability at mid-range because of stern lift?

 

[Rbcconst]

So looking to switch up props to get a better hole shot. 29' Lavey craft NuEra with a 600sci turning an Imaco scx upper/ SC lower. Drive has an extension box on it as well. Currently spinning a 28 Bravo1 but it's dinged pretty bad.

Talked with Augie down at Cutting Edge and he's going to refinish the 28. He also said that he has a five blade propeller comparable to the max 5 and recommended a 26 pitch for the five blade. He is going to let me borrow it for my next trip to Havi to to see if it will work for me.

I know there was another thread about the max 5 and a few other members have used them on ladycrafts. @lavey jr was recommending a 28 pitch Max 5 and I saw another member using a 27 pitch Max 5. Has anybody used cutting edges brand propellers before?

Curious what everybody's thoughts are on a 26 pitch or if that would be too small and I would lose too much top end.

When you say hole shot do you mean getting on plane? I had a 2750 with a 496 in it and they plane nice with a 4 blade or 5 blade. Part of the trick is not hammering the throttle and washing out the prop. hit 3k to 3.2k rpm and let the prop work.

You should also have giant trim tabs on the boat.

I had used the cutting edge 24p 5 blade for a while. The first one Auggie did the diameter came out real small and the boat was basically doing a burn out like 14 5/8 diameter. He remade me a new prop that was 15 1/4 and that seemed to work well.

Eventually I bought a max 5 24P. The max 5 worked better for sure but is substantially more $. It was not a night a day difference but the max 5 was a little better in all areas.

The cutting edge is close to the same as the max 5 but not there not the same or the same quality. The cutting edge is thinner and I feel like the cutting edge flattened out after a while and needed to be tuned up.

A 26P would likely be to small for your set up. They are typically running a 26 with the 525 power. I would say you would need the 28P.

I personally would buy the max 5 over the cutting edge but either one is going to help you some getting on plane and will net you the same cruising speed at a lower RPM. But just like the 4 blade you will have to roll the throttle to 3k-3.2k rpm and let the prop work, or you will be breaking that drive.

 

[lavey jr]

My reading comprehension hasn't been great since the 5th grade maybe I'm missing it but I don't see anything in post 18 that talks about tube length. I understand what lavey jr is saying with the longer tube acting like a trim tab to me meaning it should bring the nose down quicker but the offset of that would be I lose a little bit of stability at mid-range because of stern lift?

Every boat model/manufacture is different and will react different.

For Lavey’s I never tested the Max 5 ST (short tube). I have tested regular vs ST in other applications and only really noticed a difference when it came to getting on plane.

On a Lavey 29 or 2750 I do not think you will notice any difference at all in the mid/high speed range but you will absolutely notice a difference getting on plane, the regular Max 5 being better and the ST being not as good.

One recommendation for a normal X dimension boat, and both the 2750 and 29 benefit from this. Run a 15” diameter Max5 not the 15.25”. This will give a little less bite, being a little easier on the drive, but still keep the benefits of the Max5 and still get on plane just fine. The 15” Max 5 will also give a bit less torque lean that the 2750 and 29 are notorious for.

Lastly, a 15” Max 5 is normally an order only prop and not very many places stock that diameter. With that being said, I know of a couple new in the box Max 5 28 15” RH that could be up for sale if needed.

 

[Runs2rch]

My reading comprehension hasn't been great since the 5th grade maybe I'm missing it but I don't see anything in post 18 that talks about tube length. I understand what lavey jr is saying with the longer tube acting like a trim tab to me meaning it should bring the nose down quicker but the offset of that would be I lose a little bit of stability at mid-range because of stern lift?

It is your boat when he tested it. Start with a 28 Max 5.

15 x 28 Pitch | Max 5 Mercury Propeller | RH | 8M0117998 | Merten Marine

www.mertenmarine.com

 

[WYRD]

It is your boat when he tested it. Start with a 28 Max 5.

15 x 28 Pitch | Max 5 Mercury Propeller | RH | 8M0117998 | Merten Marine

www.mertenmarine.com

Yes I gathered that it is my boat test reports but I do believe that the max 5 is available with both a long and a short tube length. Not sure which one the boat was tested with originally with the XR Drive.

 

[WYRD]

Every boat model/manufacture is different and will react different.

For Lavey’s I never tested the Max 5 ST (short tube). I have tested regular vs ST in other applications and only really noticed a difference when it came to getting on plane.

On a Lavey 29 or 2750 I do not think you will notice any difference at all in the mid/high speed range but you will absolutely notice a difference getting on plane, the regular Max 5 being better and the ST being not as good.

One recommendation for a normal X dimension boat, and both the 2750 and 29 benefit from this. Run a 15” diameter Max5 not the 15.25”. This will give a little less bite, being a little easier on the drive, but still keep the benefits of the Max5 and still get on plane just fine. The 15” Max 5 will also give a bit less torque lean that the 2750 and 29 are notorious for.

Lastly, a 15” Max 5 is normally an order only prop and not very many places stock that diameter. With that being said, I know of a couple new in the box Max 5 28 15” RH that could be up for sale if needed.

Thank you sir this is exactly the information I was looking for. You guys built a hell of a boat and I'm excited to get out on the water with it and learn all about the high performance features.

 

[WYRD]

When you say hole shot do you mean getting on plane? I had a 2750 with a 496 in it and they plane nice with a 4 blade or 5 blade. Part of the trick is not hammering the throttle and washing out the prop. hit 3k to 3.2k rpm and let the prop work.

You should also have giant trim tabs on the boat.

I had used the cutting edge 24p 5 blade for a while. The first one Auggie did the diameter came out real small and the boat was basically doing a burn out like 14 5/8 diameter. He remade me a new prop that was 15 1/4 and that seemed to work well.

Eventually I bought a max 5 24P. The max 5 worked better for sure but is substantially more $. It was not a night a day difference but the max 5 was a little better in all areas.

The cutting edge is close to the same as the max 5 but not there not the same or the same quality. The cutting edge is thinner and I feel like the cutting edge flattened out after a while and needed to be tuned up.

A 26P would likely be to small for your set up. They are typically running a 26 with the 525 power. I would say you would need the 28P.

I personally would buy the max 5 over the cutting edge but either one is going to help you some getting on plane and will net you the same cruising speed at a lower RPM. But just like the 4 blade you will have to roll the throttle to 3k-3.2k rpm and let the prop work, or you will be breaking that drive.

Yes I mean getting up on plane. I'm not hard on the hammer so definitely roll into it but my last boat was a 26 ft advantage with a straight V bottom and a 496 mag so this boat is substantially heavier and handles much differently with the 600 and step bottoms. I do not care much about the top end as it's mainly going to be a family boat for us. Thank you for the comparison of The Cutting Edge versus the max 5 props. Our main place of boating will be Havasu and Mojave so I think the max 5 would be a good all around prop thinking about the 27 pitch though instead of a 28. The Cutting Edge might be a good second prop for when we go to high altitudes like Bear Lake in Utah in a smaller pitch.

 

[Rbcconst]

Yes I mean getting up on plane. I'm not hard on the hammer so definitely roll into it but my last boat was a 26 ft advantage with a straight V bottom and a 496 mag so this boat is substantially heavier and handles much differently with the 600 and step bottoms. I do not care much about the top end as it's mainly going to be a family boat for us. Thank you for the comparison of The Cutting Edge versus the max 5 props. Our main place of boating will be Havasu and Mojave so I think the max 5 would be a good all around prop thinking about the 27 pitch though instead of a 28. The Cutting Edge might be a good second prop for when we go to high altitudes like Bear Lake in Utah in a smaller pitch.

I think if you run the 27 max 5 it would be an all around great prop for you no matter where you go. You will not be over propped in my opinion.

It is a lot larger boat then your last. Hit that 3k-3200 and let the prop work and I think you will be very happy. I never used the trim tabs to get on plane in the 2750, I only used them to balance the boat after we were on plane.

The bottom is aggressive but you will love it. The max 5 compliments the handling of the boat very well. You will figure out what trim and tabs settings make the boat ride the best and will always use that as a gage. You need less of the tabs with the max 5.

 

[WYRD]

Just ordered from Teague and called to verify they had it in stock

$3200 with a new hub and shipped
Hope I see the benefits with it

 

[WYRD]

That was fast

Old hub vs new

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

She’s a beaut, Clark!

Now go run the crap out of it and report back!

 

[WYRD]

She’s a beaut, Clark!

Now go run the crap out of it and report back!

Going in on the 10th for a full detail and polish with detail Dan then have a soon after

 

[Guest06]

So looking to switch up props to get a better hole shot. 29' Lavey craft NuEra with a 600sci turning an Imaco scx upper/ SC lower. Drive has an extension box on it as well. Currently spinning a 28 Bravo1 but it's dinged pretty bad.

Talked with Augie down at Cutting Edge and he's going to refinish the 28. He also said that he has a five blade propeller comparable to the max 5 and recommended a 26 pitch for the five blade. He is going to let me borrow it for my next trip to Havi to to see if it will work for me.

I know there was another thread about the max 5 and a few other members have used them on laveycrafts. @lavey jr was recommending a 28 pitch Max 5 and I saw another member using a 27 pitch Max 5. Has anybody used cutting edges brand propellers before?

Curious what everybody's thoughts are on a 26 pitch or if that would be too small and I would lose too much top end.

On a V I’d look more at the Maximus than the Max 5. I tried a few of Auggie’s Fast 5’s and frankly I’m dead set I’ll only ever use a Mercury prop, Mercury just has this down well and they know what they’re doing.

 

[Rbcconst]

On a V I’d look more at the Maximus than the Max 5. I tried a few of Auggie’s Fast 5’s and frankly I’m dead set I’ll only ever use a Mercury prop, Mercury just has this down well and they know what they’re

On a V I’d look more at the Maximus than the Max 5. I tried a few of Auggie’s Fast 5’s and frankly I’m dead set I’ll only ever use a Mercury prop, Mercury just has this down well and they know what they’re doing.

Im with you on the mercury props, the quality and function are way better. I think the hill marine props would be the closest to mercury, auggie does a good job labbing and repairing props.

 

[Paradox]

$3200 seems like a lot of scratch to me however, I know Teague is extremely competitive on prop pricing.

While I realize they are completely different props, 3 years back I bought two factory labbed Bravo 4s from them for the Donzi. Total was $2400.

 

[WYRD]

$3200 seems like a lot of scratch to me however, I know Teague is extremely competitive on prop pricing.

While I realize they are completely different props, 3 years back I bought two factory labbed Bravo 4s from them for the Donzi. Total was $2400.

They were in line with pricing I found on the internet. BB blades had them beat by like 50 bucks and I would not have had to pay sales tax since I live in California but BB blades did not have it in stock. That total is a prop a new hub shipping and sales tax combined. A lot of scratch for sure but if it cures the sluggish starts I think it's money well spent.

 

[Guest06]

So a long tube would benefit a sluggish hole shot? But it would also create additional Stern left at higher speeds which might affect boat handling?

So more than anything the ST helps at higher speeds on the cats, the LT is better for a V as it helps hold the ass up at speed. The longer tube as well, as said works significantly faster planing out.

 

[WYRD]

1st trip out with the Max5 with good results

Getting on plane was MUCH better. Cruising speed was 55mph at about 3800rpm and I was able to get it up to 70 mph at about 4800 RPM. Plenty of throttle left but I got the old stink eye from the wife I'll back it down

New prop $3,000
Fuel for boat $200
Day on the water with the family after a 10yr hiatus...priceless

 

[SCHIADATROUBLE]

1st trip out with the Max5 with good results

Getting on plane was MUCH better. Cruising speed was 55mph at about 3800rpm and I was able to get it up to 70 mph at about 4800 RPM. Plenty of throttle left but I got the old stink eye from the wife I'll back it down

New prop $3,000
Fuel for boat $200
Day on the water with the family after a 10yr hiatus...priceless


View attachment 1388936

Glad it went well!