Help ! ! 3 or 4 blades

[Helmwurst]

I am currently running 25 Mirages on my 92 Fountain. No steps. Turn around 5000 when drives are way up. What is everyones experience or opinion on swapping to 4 blades, say 24's or should I rework the 25's? The tend to slip when coming up on plane. Otherwise, the boat runs well and will hold plane at some pretty los speeds with a little massaging. Top speed varies from 70 - 72. I also have the original earlier Mirages from Fountain that have their magic added to them, gut they would always slip in turns.

Thanks in advance, my first post. Just found this web site. I am at LOTO near the 11.5 MM.
Also willing to trade one set of 25's for 4 bladers if someone is interested.

[Hell Ya!]

This is a great question for Brett @ BBlades. IMO, go 4 blades. the acceleration and cruise speed will pick up, not to mention it will handel better docking. If you loose a mph or two on top Brett can labb them and get it back +.

Welcome to the site!!! [smilie=042.gif]


Jeff

[Helmwurst]

Thanks for the tip and the welcome. Located at the 11.5 Next to the waterfall house.
The props that came on the boat were actually faster , but would break loose in the turns. Picked up these other Mirages and cured that. Now I am looking to make it even better. Anyone have a set of 24 4 bladers they are not using and would let me try out?? Or anyone want to trade some 4 bladers for a set of 25 3 blades?

[eddie]

I had Brett lab my 25 Mirage + props and it removed the slip out of the hole and picked up about 3 mph. He does great work. He's going to need speed, RPM, gas level, etc and he will get you dialed in. Give him a call.

[Helmwurst]

Thanks, everyone for the input. I have a call into Brett at BBlades. I know they are busy so I will wait for a reply. Boat runs pretty good now, but I know there is more hidden in there somewhere.
I am pretty interested in their prop testing progarm. Anyone know how it works??

[Hell Ya!]

You are right they are very busy. I talked to Brett a few days ago about some props for my Top Gun. They are still working on getting the new building running at full speed and they have a steady flow of prop business too. It was late in the evening and he was still at it. If you don't hear back in a few days give him another ring. As for the test program, I don't remember the details but I remember it is a easy program to use. Meanwhile, If you don't have this info you will want to get it so when you two talk he can run some numbers. Go out and get accurate info both rpm and gps mph for 3000 rpm, 3500,4000, 4500, and WFO. If your boat does not have gps speedo I would grab a hand held. Brett will be able to give you a direction and he will know what to do from this info.

Good Luck!

Jeff

[Griz]

Welcome Helmwurst. I'm your neighbor down the street. [220] This is a great site, you'll get plenty of use from it, and even greater folks. [smilie=042.gif]

[Helmwurst]

Howdy back to ya. Did not recognize the address, but did recognize the boat under your name. I have been on Offshoreonly of and on since it started and use to visit this site or one simular about 2 years ago. Anyway just registered last week and am getting some good info and entertainment out of this site. Stop by some time and say hey. Headed to Springfield, Mo on Friday for street rod show and then to Lake on Sat afternoon.

[sanpan25]

Welcome from the otherside of the lake!

[Helmwurst]

Is that "the other side" or "the dark side" ? Been at this house for 6 years. Was at 24 MM faround corner of Paradise for 10 years before the move.
Still looking for a set of 24 4 bladers to try.

[bbladesprops]

OK, I'm back. Thanks Hell Ya for the cover. He's right, the move didn't come at the best time and I have been behind the 8 ball for a few weeks.

OK, the M+'s are doing really well at just over 10% slip. This is if the tach and actual speed are right on and a 1.5 ratio which I'd bet on. We all know instruments are notoriously inaccurate. Going to 4 blade propellers in a stock configuration will most definitely slow you down at WOT by a couple. However, 4 blades have other great benefits. The ventilation you experience in planing or in tight turns may be all but uliminated. Your cruise speeds and fuel economy will climb noticeably. With Lab Finishing, the top speed will come back and you can have the best of all worlds. If speed is of the essiance......we build the appropriate 3 blade props. Remember, your boat is a 3 blade boat (that time frame).

Get the numbers, if you don't already have them and we should talk. If you left me a message, please bear with me and I WILL return it. If you can't wait, try again! I seem to be on the phone most of the day right now.

Thank you every body for you patience!

Brett:)

[Helmwurst]

Thanks for the update. Hopefully I can get new numbers this weekend. From what I read into your reply, it looks as if you are recommending labbed M+'s. I am sure that my Rpm's and Speed are accurate. Updated all gauges a few years ago and installed a newer Nordskog speedo. Same time put on a spring loaded ss pitot tube. Checked against a GPS initially and recently after I replace the damaged tube, still right on the money +/- .5 MPH. I thought that was pretty cool!

[bbladesprops]

That's great your speedo is that accurate! Most are not.

The M+ props are recomended if top speed is the greatest concern. Also, light loads would be required to get that last bit of the top end.

Let us know how it works out.:)

[Helmwurst]

Sent you my test results. Hope you did not get 3 copies. I got an error message the first two times. Thanks for your time.

[Helmwurst]

Have not heard back from you......... Do I need to resend my test results?

[bbladesprops]

Hello, Sorry for the ridiculous back log.

I sent you a email.

I know we are behind. I still believe the 26 Lab will do the best all around and the 27 in light load conditions can prove to be the fastest.

Otherwise, a custom Lab to your current propeller will also improve the performance.

You are doing well as you are currently set up.

Brett