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View Full Version : what is a lab prop



dallas
05-01-2002, 07:13 PM
im running a 4 blade 28 pitch turning about 4900 rpm i should be turning 5200 some one told me if i had a 28 lab prop i would get those other 300 rpm is this true and why id be happy with 200 more rpm. can i have my prop made into a lab prop or what explain please thanks one more thing ive been on other sights more for snowmobiling i live in wisconsin. and this is the best sight ive been on every one seems so helpful. on other sights people seem to be blowing smoke up your ass so thank you every one for your advise

riverliver
05-01-2002, 07:25 PM
RPM adjustments of up to 200 RPM are possible.
Speed increases of 2-3 miles per hour are common.

Havasu Secret
05-02-2002, 07:14 AM
Hey Dallas,
You really should talk to Kevin Taylor at R & R props in Henderson NV.
Kevin is the nicest guy and is a total expert in the field of props. I met him at BBSPIV in Havasu. Here he is at BBSPIV.
http://208.179.63.16/dcp_3479.jpg
I would always go to him first for advice and purchases.
HS
See You in Havasu!!!
http://www.taycoeng.com/images/HavasuSecret3.jpg
[This message has been edited by Havasu Secret (edited May 02, 2002).]

Screaming Pete
05-10-2002, 12:31 PM
HS, Don't you think it might be quicker if he sent it to fon du lac (mercury) or are the guys in nv. better I have a 28 lab and it works great but if it can be improved I'm game
S/P

RiverDave2
05-10-2002, 12:59 PM
I'm all about the "tech" questions today.. http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif
A "lab finished" prop is something that can be ordered directly from mercury. Basically what they do is thin the blades a little bit and give her the ole polish job and there done.
By thinning the blades they have reduced the amount of mass spinning through the water, and they have also reduced the amount of drag on the leading and trailing edges.. Thus the RPM gain.. Becuase this shouldn't affect your slip percentage more RPM = more speed. I don't personally feel it's worth the $$$ and headache if ya nick one for extra 1/2mph. http://free.***boat.net/ubb/wink.gif
A "Cleaver" is where the prop is smaller at leading edge and larger at the trailing edge. In effect the Prop will look like this < (exagerated of course) http://free.***boat.net/ubb/wink.gif
RD <--- Waitin on another prop question.. http://free.***boat.net/ubb/wink.gif
[This message has been edited by RiverDave2 (edited May 10, 2002).]
[This message has been edited by RiverDave2 (edited May 10, 2002).]

Havasu Hangin'
05-10-2002, 01:26 PM
Uh Dave...what about how they make sure that each blade is the same pitch, rake, size, shape, and balance?
It's not as easy as you think, as almost all props have a variable pitch....
HH <-----talkin' in 3rd person cuz it's cool...
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy25.gif
PS- There are some other shops that do this as well, Merc calls it "labbing"...

playdeep
05-10-2002, 02:19 PM
The last prop that I had lab finished netted me almost 300 rpms and 2 mph cost was $ 150.00 by propellar co. in Havasu.The prop came with a flat matte finish.Richard who owns the the shop said that a matte finish as opposed to a polished finish allows the water to stay on the blades longer.
[This message has been edited by playdeep (edited May 10, 2002).]