Mercury Maximus

[dr. margarita]

I haven't heard much about the success or failure of this prop. Anyone out there using them now that they've been out for a while? Anyone using them with a 496HO?

[BoatFloating]

I've heard the production ones are not doing what everyone hoped like the test models.

[TPI]

They are not going over so well. They made the diameter 15 5/8" which in my opinion is way too much prop for a single engine vee bottom under 30'. The original tested props were significantly smaller in diameter and they were lab finished. They worked very well. I dont know the exact truth as to why they made the change for production, so I have no facts to pass on............:confused:

[dr. margarita]

Thanks guys!

[Trash]

You'd think they would drop the diameter as they added blades (i.e. surface area).

[TPI]

Exactly, They had a working prototype at somewhere around 15 1/4", and then for production they increase the surface area. Now the smaller boats are dragging a giant hunk of metal through the lake. Its no wonder they say you have to go down a couple pitch sizes to run one. I am sure the big twin boats love them though.

[dr. margarita]

What about Hydromotive's five blade? Looks like a primo prop to me.

[Conquest Deck]

I have a 26p five blade hydromotive love it faster planing unreal midrange lost 2-3 on the top.Was also running 28pbravo for comparison.

[Conquest Deck]

28 foot conquest deck boat 496 whipple

[TPI]

I have heard that the Herring 5 Blade works well, but its going to cost you over $1000. For now, IMO Merc lab props work pretty well all around. But you still have to sort them out and find the "perfect" one.:D

[Trash]

I'm going to have to try out some stock Merc 3 and 4 blades. I've always been using my legacy Mach 4 blades (sterndriver and patriot). Anyone got a loner?

[Three Days Only]

The Hering is a great prop, but very thin on the leading edge. You hit anything, and it's going to need to be repaired. They are great for racers, kilo runners, and rich dudes. I would avoid them for recreational boating, unless you are extremely careful.
Check out the Hydromotive P5, it's extremely smooth, no vibration, and excellent on the bottom end and thru mid range. It too is on the expensive side around 1000, but alot thicker on the leading edge and they seem to hold up very well.
Jeff

[DogHouse]

I suspect that the Maximus would work well in an application with very high X. Might have enough blade area to get the boat on plane and cruise without excessive slip, and still allow the gearcase to be mostly out of the water at speed.