New F-29 prop choice...

[new2cats]

OK, so I am new......got lots of questions that I am sure can be answered on here:
Building new DCB F-29 with 525s, XR, ITS, SportMaster lower (think 1:35 ratio, not sure yet), vac bag, composite, etc. (there goes the kids' college fund..I know!)
Looking for best overall prop....want everything (of course): quick plane, great mid-range, killer cruise speed and respectible top-end.
I assume there are some others on HB that have this setup.?? My guess is a stock Bravo 32.....just a pure stab-in-da-dark.......
ANY SUGGESTIONS...I hate changing props for conditions!
Thanks.

[SWOOP!]

I would try a set of Maximus 30P 15 1/4, 5 blades, I am still testing props on mine. Have you asked Dave what he suggest. He can get you dialed in pretty damn close to the performance you are looking for.

[MACH26]

I had 33" Maximus 5 blades on this exact same set up. 6-7 sec to plane, sweet mid range, and 113 mph top speed. My boat was an open bow and not kevlar or composite. Hope this helps. PM me with any other questions

[new2cats]

Thanks ya'all...I have spoken to Dave & Bryan....I trust them so will bounce ideas off of them both. Just thought I would ask real-world folks!
Wish list is:
7 second plane, 90+mph at 4,000 rpm, 120+ top end.....it is vac bagged, kevlar, composite and open bow.....likely I AM DREAMING, RIGHT!!??

[TOBTEK]

Thanks ya'all...I have spoken to Dave & Bryan....I trust them so will bounce ideas off of them both. Just thought I would ask real-world folks!
Wish list is:
7 second plane, 90+mph at 4,000 rpm, 120+ top end.....it is vac bagged, kevlar, composite and open bow.....likely I AM DREAMING, RIGHT!!??
120 WITH 525'S may be wishfull thinking. That boat with 525 isnt known to roll over very well to start with, put on some large wheels for that # your shooting for and you may roller by the time you get to the Springs.....starting at the Island:D Dave had the red F29 with 525's out for the poker run, he was saying 109 was the number. That was in the spring temps....summer #'s will be slower.

[new2cats]

Got it , thanks.....I am actually no speed freak....kinda have a good perspective on death now...when you hit 40 things just get a bit scarier (at least for me).....I just want a really solid cruise speed. What is opinion on light layup advantages??
This HB forum is very cool and informative...I am sure the sparkle will fade and I will just be getting my a$$ handed to me constantly.....too nice for public banter....guess I will find out, right.

[XFactor]

I've got to agree with Toby. 525's are dog motors out of the hole. Think about Ilmor 550's or if top end isn't an issue maybe the 496HO's are a better fit.

[TOBTEK]

I've got to agree with Toby. 525's are dog motors out of the hole. Think about Ilmor 550's or if top end isn't an issue maybe the 496HO's are a better fit.
im sure thats killing you in it self:) I just might use that in a signature line :)

[TOBTEK]

I've got to agree with Toby. 525's are dog motors out of the hole. Think about Ilmor 550's or if top end isn't an issue maybe the 496HO's are a better fit.
YEP, I was flat out told NOT to do the 525's cause the bottom end was really bad. How much $$$ is it these days to step into the 525's from the Std 496's? Think I ave a price list or ten here somewhere....

[new2cats]

yeah ...but that huge billet dolphin tail fin bolted to the drive should shoot her right out......(sarcasm) I know, I am a typical testosterone-idiot.....ordered the HOs but my ego did not allow it......wife's only requirements were 87 octane (some issue with available fuel at some of our lakes) and open bow.....so there were few motor options for me.
I guess I can still flip-flop and go with the HOs, add headers and call it good...would save me $25k+ (I see that as 6 years in insurance!!)
This toy gig is tough business.....

[SWOOP!]

525's should be a very reliable set up for you! You should see around 115mph depending on how you prop it with that lay up. I just got mine end of summer and can't be happier, it is truly an awesome ride.

[the_gray_goose]

Where is Patyacht?
He has that exact setup and almost a yaer of history with it.
Come on Pat , chime in here!

[ClownRoyal]

Where is Patyacht?
He has that exact setup and almost a yaer of history with it.
Come on Pat , chime in here!
I would speak for him but don't want to steal his thunder. But I do know Pat likes his setup very much;)

[DMOORE]

YEP, I was flat out told NOT to do the 525's cause the bottom end was really bad. .
??? The 525 is an all forged motor. Not sure where the problem is with that. The 496 is not an all forged motor.
As for props, with only a 525, a good 5 blade will work great and the drive will handle it no problem. Maximus or hydromotive.

[phebus]

??? The 525 is an all forged motor. Not sure where the problem is with that. The 496 is not an all forged motor.
As for props, with only a 525, a good 5 blade will work great and the drive will handle it no problem. Maximus or hydromotive.
He is talking about bottom end as it refers to acceleration, not the bottom end components of the motor.

[TOBTEK]

He is talking about bottom end as it refers to acceleration, not the bottom end components of the motor.
True that Rick... Merc makes a nice turn key package, Just WAY over priced. You can get alot more bang for your buck.

[Patyacht]

Where is Patyacht?
He has that exact setup and almost a yaer of history with it.
Come on Pat , chime in here!
Damn, an old man can't even take a nap these days.....:D
With 2 operations this year, not much testing for me but here's what I've got:
I've got the same setup except I've got the IMCO extension box so a little more set back then the ITS. I think 12" vs 7". When I ordered my boat I wanted a 100 mph boat any day, any temp, any place, any load. The 300XS's and 496 options did not do that. I actually got a easy 106 mph boat any day, any temp any place, any load. Some places I've been have an elevation 2,500+. I've actually seen 111 on the rev limiter with 5 souls on board and full fuel and full coolers for the cool aid.... :) :) Some have told me I'm running 115 when they are running with me when I was showing 110-111. I'm running 5 blade Maximus props and yes it's slow to plane (6-7 sec) with more than 2 on board but I've actually got her to plane with 6 at 2,500feet and full fuel. My mid-range acceleration is great.
I've wanted to test 4 blade 34's either Hydros or Bravos because that's what alot of 28' Eliminators run but haven't had the chance yet because of the 2 ops and kind of hard finding props to test.
Reference engines, my last boat had a 525 and it smoked and had other issues like using lots of fluids etc. Merc has changed some things and these newer 525's are great to include good fuel economy and the 87 octane. Boating in Havi I'd be leary of Illmors (heat) and may think of the Merc 600's but you'll loose the 87 Octane capability. I just got 7 hours on the boat without fueling. With only 55 gallons a side that's amazing...
Also put insurance into the equation... The faster you go the more you pay and how much time do you send at the upper speeds.
Not sure I'd use out of the hole performance as a decision factor unless you plan on doing alot of racing to the Turtle Bar from a stop :) :) . But then you need to add extra drive $$ to the budget...

[andy01]

Congrats on your purchase, very nice boat..... well except for the open bow. I would think the best place to get prop advise would be from Dave at DCB. He has set up a few of these boats in his time :) . I am sure he will know the best prop for what you want to do as far as speed and exceleration. He also knows what most of his customers are running for prop. That engine package will be very turn key, will be easy on drives and easy on fuel. I would have opted for more power, but you can put more power in your 32'. :D
Ady

[XFactor]

Damn, an old man can't even take a nap these days.....:D
With 2 operations this year, not much testing for me but here's what I've got:
I've got the same setup except I've got the IMCO extension box so a little more set back then the ITS. I think 12" vs 7". When I ordered my boat I wanted a 100 mph boat any day, any temp, any place, any load. The 300XS's and 496 options did not do that. I actually got a easy 106 mph boat any day, any temp any place, any load. Some places I've been have an elevation 2,500+. I've actually seen 111 on the rev limiter with 5 souls on board and full fuel and full coolers for the cool aid.... :) :) Some have told me I'm running 115 when they are running with me when I was showing 110-111. I'm running 5 blade Maximus props and yes it's slow to plane (6-7 sec) with more than 2 on board but I've actually got her to plane with 6 at 2,500feet and full fuel. My mid-range acceleration is great.
I've wanted to test 4 blade 34's either Hydros or Bravos because that's what alot of 28' Eliminators run but haven't had the chance yet because of the 2 ops and kind of hard finding props to test.
Reference engines, my last boat had a 525 and it smoked and had other issues like using lots of fluids etc. Merc has changed some things and these newer 525's are great to include good fuel economy and the 87 octane. Boating in Havi I'd be leary of Illmors (heat) and may think of the Merc 600's but you'll loose the 87 Octane capability. I just got 7 hours on the boat without fueling. With only 55 gallons a side that's amazing...
Also put insurance into the equation... The faster you go the more you pay and how much time do you send at the upper speeds.
Not sure I'd use out of the hole performance as a decision factor unless you plan on doing alot of racing to the Turtle Bar from a stop :) :) . But then you need to add extra drive $$ to the budget...
Only true with the 550's and 625's. Whole different world with the 710's. I lost 3-4 mph on the very hottest of days and I'm not sure that's real accurate because I never got the water to get all it had in it.

[Patyacht]

Only true with the 550's and 625's. Whole different world with the 710's. I lost 3-4 mph on the very hottest of days and I'm not sure that's real accurate because I never got the water to get all it had in it.
I thought someone in post #7 suggested 550's!!!!!!! Oh that was you! XFactor:) :D

[new2cats]

Thanks for all the great advice......

[XFactor]

I thought someone in post #7 suggested 550's!!!!!!! Oh that was you! XFactor:) :D
The suggestion was for low end, not top end. 525's a slow out of the hole and Ilmors have more torgue. He didn't seem to be interested in achieving a big top end number. :)

[Patyacht]

The suggestion was for low end, not top end. 525's a slow out of the hole and Ilmors have more torgue. He didn't seem to be interested in achieving a big top end number. :)
Not correct... Read his post #4: "7 second plane, 90+mph at 4,000 rpm, 120+ top end.....it is vac bagged, kevlar, composite and open bow.....likely I AM DREAMING, RIGHT!!??" :) :) Besides the Illmor 550 requires 92 octane not meeting his 87 octane requirement. His 525 decision meets all his needs minus the top end which he won't spend that much time there anyway.

[XFactor]

I've only been in one 29 w/525's and no way did it plane in 7 seconds and top end was 114 with 3 people in 100-105 degree heat. Not sure how vac bagging is going to change it that dramatically. 525's are known to wake up around 3000 rpms. They've never been known to be a strong low-end motor. I have a friend with a Howard 25 bullet and he complains every year when he goes to Powell because the low end is so bad. He says it's almost impossible to pull a skier up unless he goes way down in props and sacrifices ALOT of top end.
I looked over the fact he was looking for a 87 octane motor. Your absolutely right. Ilmors demand high octane. Sorry about that. :D ;)

[new2cats]

Absolutely educational banter......love this place.....thanks again

[Patyacht]

Absolutely educational banter......love this place.....thanks again
True.. If Gray Goose hadn't woken me up you wouldn't have gotten my .02 worth. But yes we all mean well and it's great we can all voice our opinions. Good luck with the new boat. You'll love it.