Thread:

Cat Owners-Props

Just Whippled (Stage I) my Lavey Sabre 2006 525, I am looking to do some prop testing and am looking for a 5 blade labbed or not in the 30-33 realm, I'll be in havasu this weekend and live in Newport Ca.I have a high "X" so the 5 is the best option, I have a perfect labbed 29.5 Maximus...Thanks........

Dear Lavey5150:

What is your gear ratio?

I have a friend with the same exact boat only it is a supercharged HP500. He is running a 28p Bravo I in a 1:35GR.--- those 5blades are tough on drives.

Since you just Whippled an existing motor drive combo ie... with hours on it---I would bet your ready to grenade your drive with those five blades but maybe not.

If it were me I'd try the above prop and see what RPM your hitting then if your bumping rev limiter go to a 30 Bravo I in a stock config but a 33 is a bit much and only comes in lab finish for a lot of bucks. I know I have them all from 30 to 33 just traded the 34lab and I run a 1.50GR.

I'm just trying to help--- I believe we have met if your the same Lavey5150 I'm thinking about.

Very truly yours,

KAP

Thanks guys, appreciate the input, the drive is an XR 80 hrs, 1.5 GR I am very meticulous on oil changes and drive abuse, the drive may be an issue down the road, just need to exercise "rolling it on" for now.I ran a labbed Maximus 29.5 on it previously a 28 pitch, and it has a high "X" now. So the 5 blade is the optimum choice as far as my research has told me. Shipping guy, I should be out that weekend as well, would like to try that blade out if possible....Kap, if you are in the area, would like to try some blades as well....cheers to both..Thanks........

I was watching your thread on that tail, it sounds interesting,It bolts right up to the XR? Correct? I will get in contact w/ you in regards, I have heard good things on that Hydro P5 as well...................

Will do Thanks a mil.........

I have a non labbed 30 hyd p5 I will let you try. Give me a call tommorow and we can set up a time. Pm for #.

Garry

Originally Posted by Blown Lavey

I have a non labbed 30 hyd p5 I will let you try. Give me a call tommorow and we can set up a time. Pm for #.

Garry

Sent,thanks.......

i've got a 25 daytona 496ho/whipple w/imco 2" shorty spinning a hp5x 27". i would be very interested in the tail - pic's?? will it go on to the imco lower??

Commentary:

You are running a Whippled 525 that is making about 750-800 horsepower through a stock XR drive in a 1.50GR. The gear ratio alone earlier will change the calculations I originally assumed to be a a 1.35.

Your engine limit is probably at 5400 RPM's with a 5 blade your lowering your slip down--- this without a doubt will increases stress on your drive. Throw in the fact the Lavey Sabre is no lightweight in the catamaran department and your gonna have drive issues. Hmmmm! lets see weight+power+less slip----what will give first.

Oh! wait throw the next variable into the equation ie...the drive already has 80 hours and people wonder why they tear up Bravo drives. Yes! there are guys out there that run blown applications through Bravo I/XR drives and never have an issue---but they are the exception and not the norm.

Perhaps, Shipping Guy can tell you a story about a gentleman who put a 5blade on his boat and grenaded the lower gear set in a new Bravo drive. Look you want a forgiving good all around prop not one which will have you checking to see if your Vessel Assist membership is current.

Let's all agree the Bravo I prop is the best all around prop on the market--- is it the best for every application emphatically NO! However, you will not know that until you run several different props---having said this do not become committed to a certain prop early on--- try a bunch of them but first try what works on pretty much any boat a Bravo I prop.

An excellent source of information is Mercury Racing just call their propeller division and have enough information available for them to help you with your selection.

Remember when your testing these props you want the same conditions for each ie... if your gonna load up on passengers or trying to hit high top end numbers keep the variables the same when making changes.

Document critical information RPM, speed and conditions temp water conditions fuel levels etc...

If it were my boat I would START with a 30p Lab Bravo I and go from this benchmark. NOTE: You really did not say what your goal was as every additional fact/desired goal changes the equation.

Very truly yours,

KAP

P.S. Good luck in your pursuit.

P.P.S. Don't forget to check your prop slip.