Props

[throttleup]

Hello,

I want to introduce myself and my company to Las Vegas Hot Boat members. I own Throttle Up Propellers, a Prop Shop located in Largo, FL. We specialize in High Performance Boating applications. Servicing many boats in the APBA and the SBI. We provide sales and services to meet most clients propeller needs. And I have a feeling that we have one thing in common...the need for speed! So at any rate I just wanted you to know that I watch this forum daily and would like to offer any advice that may be needed in reference to your prop needs. Check out our web-site at www.throttle-up.com there are some great pictures of our race teams!

Looking forward to speaking with you!

Julie Croce
Throttle Up Propellers
877-842-6855

"When you feel the need for speed...Throttle Up!"

[BADFISH II]

huge question here Julie, I have a bravo 3, with stock props. I can only hit about 4500 rpm's with my 454 Merc. I have through outdrive exhaust. What can I do to my props so I can hit higher rpm's and get more speed?

[THOR]

Get transom exhaust. At least it sounds like you are going faster. LOL

Seriously LM, the 454 should be running WOT at 4800-4900 rpm.

[throttleup]

The OEM recommends you full throttle RPM's at 4600-5000.
If your running at 4500 you are not quite reaching you torque or power band. You can acheive this in a couple of ways. With the Bravo III the props are available cupped or with no cupping If they are moderately cupped you can remove a bit of the cup to increase your RPM's. Secondly you could Lab Finish the props and gain a couple hundred RPM's. Third ...you could purchase new props in a lower pitch to increase RPM's. It would be helpful to know the pitch of the props your running. This may narrow down your choices. Hope this info helps!

Julie
Throttle Up Props

[BADFISH II]

oh hell Julie, everyone on here knows I don't know S**T about this stuff (I'll let it slide because you're new here:D http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ), Pitch?? I know what it is, but don't know what I have. I'll check into it!

[THOR]

Here is what I have rolling on my new one:

Its a 4-blade and I plan on getting it --
1 -Lab finished

2 - Balanced

3 - De-cupped

this will probably run at least $400-$500, but the trade is a few more RPMs and a few more mphs.

[throttleup]

Lab Finishing a prop is a great start but to take it to the top you may consider Blueprinting the prop. Lab Finishing is sort of a one size fits all! Blueprinting the prop will give you the greatest bang for your buck...so to speak. Balancing you wheel is standard with any prop work! Cupping is very important in the Blueprinting process especially for acceleration. Your close on cost most companies will Lab Finish for about $120 to $150.00 per Blade. Blueprinting is a different story it isn't necessarily cost...it is finding a shop to do it ...right! The benefits of Lab Finishing are great and Blueprinting are even better. We do provide Blueprinting services at Throttle Up and we are more cost effective than the prices I stated above. Keep in mind when you Lab Finish or Blueprint a prop you can expect an increase in you RPM ...the amount depends on the shop performing the service. So make sure you have the room for the increased RPM's!

[THOR]

Throttle up,
I have 21P 3-blade SS lying around. How hard is it to make it a 22p? Is this possible to go up in pitch? It is a POS Hill prop, but I would like to have an extra 22 around.

[Rude]

correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't "lab finishing" a merc term (which i believe they are currently trying to copyright) and means the same thing as blue printing? so by lab finishing and blueprinting you are doing the same thing twice?

[throttleup]

Lab Finishing is the standard term used in the industry. If you want the blades thinned and the leading edges sharpened that is "Lab Finishing". Additionally you may change the pitch at the time of Lab Finishing. It is also important to remember that No Two Prop Shops Lab Finish alike. This is why they call it Black Magic. We Blueprint the prop to the Motor/Drive, Hull and Driver. This requires more information from you and even possible baseline testing leading to more time invested by the Lab Tech; accuiring information and performing different adjustments to create a custom prop for a specific boat. This all equates to time and commitment on everybody's part. Ultimately, when the Blueprinting is complete you have a propeller that is truely Blueprinted to that specific boat! And will not perform the same if used on another boat. I hope this clears it up for you... and again every Prop Shop has a different term and process by which they Finish Props.

[throttleup]

It is possible to "Re-Pitch" a Stainless prop 1-2 Pitches. By increasing the Pitch you will decrease your RPM'S. So keep this in mind. Call me if you need assistance.

Julie
Throttle Up
877-842-6855

[throttleup]

It is possible to "Re-Pitch" a Stainless prop 1-2 Pitches. By increasing the Pitch you will decrease your RPM'S. So keep this in mind. Call me if you need assistance.

Julie
Throttle Up
877-842-6855

[THOR]

Julie,
I heard you the first time! j/k

I am very interested in this. Can I get a first time/LVHB discount. I will tell you that Bronson Hill has gotten a very bad rep here in SoCal so me an buddies are looking for someone to do some good work. I would like to send my prop to you. How much does it cost to fed ex a prop?

[throttleup]

UPS Ground is the most economic way of shipping. Usually around $10.00. Fed Ex is a bit more. US Post Office is about $18.00 2-3 Day Priority. It is of course based on the weight of the prop.

LVHB Discount Program: YES
Why: Because you asked for it!
How Much: Great Question...How about 10% discount!


When You Feel The Need For Speed...Throttle-Up!
www.throttle-up.com

[BADFISH II]

Hi Julie,

Your link is being added to my other site BoatXchange (http://www.boatxchange.com), and here at LVHB, could I get a return link for BoatXchange?

thanks!


(why... because I asked http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif )

[THOR]

You rock! I will be calling you soon to hook this stuff up.

[Essex502]

What kind of information will you need to blueprint my spare prop. I have a Mercury Marine Mirage Plus, 23P installed on a Mercruser 502 Mag MPI. I am turning 5100 RPM at 69.9 MPH with full tanks (60 gallons) and 2 passengers at approximately 360# combined body weight. The boat is an Essex 21' Sterling that the manufacturer has told me weighs about 3100# dry. Bottom is non-stepped. I have tried 3 different Mirage Plus props besides on one I have on there now...the spare which is identical per stock specs and 2 Mirage Plus 25P props. Both of the 23P's ran nearly identically. The 25P's dropped the RPM to 4500 and the boat slowed down to about 65 MPH and was more sluggish coming on plane. What would be the best method of gaining MPH? Blueprinting and/or repitching the spare 23P or going to a Bravo 1 (4 blade) at 24P and then blueprinting it?

[Beach Bum]

I'm ready to have you do mine, I have a 25' Eliminator Daytona with 650 hp, naturally aspirated, with a Bravo 1, 1:50 gears, 30 pitch Bravo 4 blade. What do I need to do to get this going?

[throttleup]

Essex,

Sounds to me like you have the need for speed! Let 's Rock. You have a 502 MPI which has a manufacturers recommended RPM of 4600-5000 RPM. When we,Throttle Up Propellers, Blueprints a prop you can expect an increase of 150 -200 RPM's. Your 23P Mirage Plus is running at 5100 RPM as a stock prop, therefore it is not a canidate for Blueprinting. You would fall off of your torque band leading to increased RPM's and decreases in MPH. I suggest that we Blueprint your 25P Mirage Plus. With your WOT at 4500 you can afford the RPM increase and still stay in you power band! I would recommend Blueprinting your 25P Mirage Plus. You should see a MPH increase over the 65MPH you saw. We Blueprint Props using the Hale MRI 3D Electronic imaging system which has the ability to measure Pitch to within 1/100,000 of an inch! So your prop will be extremely true to pitch or to the highest of tolerances! Now keep in mind for your prop to be a canidate it must not be greater than 4 years old generally...metal gets more brittle thru time. Let me know what your thoughts are.

Julie
Throttle Up Propellers
877-842-6855

When you feel the need for speed....Throttle Up!

[throttleup]

Beach Bum,

Sounds like you have the need for speed like Essex! Tell me about your motor and drive. I know you stated it to have 650 HP with a 1:50 ratio. What are your Full Throttle RPM's and your speed? You can expect an increase in RPM's of 150-200 RPM's by Blueprinting. Let's get started with this info and we can start the process.

Julie

Throttle Up Propellers

When you feel the need for speed...Throttle UP!

[Essex502]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (throttleup @ Sep. 27 2002, 06:34 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Essex,

Sounds to me like you have the need for speed! Â*Let 's Rock. You have a 502 MPI which has a manufacturers recommended RPM of 4600-5000 RPM. Â*When we,Throttle Up Propellers, Blueprints a prop you can expect an increase of 150 -200 RPM's. Your 23P Mirage Plus is running at 5100 RPM as a stock prop, Â*therefore it is not a canidate for Blueprinting. Â*You would fall off of your torque band leading to increased RPM's and decreases in MPH. Â*I suggest that we Blueprint your 25P Mirage Plus. Â*With your WOT at 4500 you can afford the RPM increase and still stay in you power band! Â*I would recommend Blueprinting your 25P Mirage Plus. Â*You should see a MPH increase over the 65MPH you saw. Â*We Blueprint Props using the Hale MRI 3D Electronic imaging system which has the ability to measure Pitch to within 1/100,000 of an inch! So your prop will be extremely true to pitch or to the highest of tolerances! Â*Now keep in mind for your prop to be a canidate it must not be greater than 4 years old generally...metal gets more brittle thru Â*time. Â*Let me know what your thoughts are.

Julie
Throttle Up Propellers
877-842-6855

When you feel the need for speed....Throttle Up![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Actually, I do NOT have a 25P prop. I was using Teague Marine's policy of trying and returning props (as long as there is no damage) for testing. What I am interested in doing is POSSIBLY re-pitching one of the 23P's to 24 or 25 and then blueprinting it. Both props are about 2 years old at the present. One is virtually unused and the other is without any damage.

Is it possible or practical to re-pitch the 23P Mirage to 24 or 25 pitch? Or would it be better to try the blueprinting on a new 24 4-blade Bravo 1 prop? I'm looking to surpass the 70 I can already achieve.

[Beach Bum]

I just spoke to Julie and she was very knowledgable and very helpful!
I will be sending my prop to them on Monday for their blueprinting procedure, so I'll keep ya posted!! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[STV_Keith]

Just to remind you guys as well, Kevin (on here as Propman) runs our LOCAL prop shop. Â*He just fixed a 26 Chopper I picked up cheap. Â*It looks NEW now! Â*I'm gonna go run it tomorrow.

Also, remember that he can go with you for a ride to give you suggestions on what he thinks might work for your boat/situation.

Don't forget our local buddies now. Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[throttleup]

Your 23 p Mirage can be repitched to a 24 but I don't think you will get what you are looking for, top end. Â*Ideally you want to take the next higher pitch prop, 25p in this case, and reduce the pitch. Â*If you are more interested in low end, hole shot, mid cruise, etc then pitching up is the way to go.

The Bravo 1 prop is an excellent prop but again I don't think it will achieve what you want, top end. Â*As a GENERAL rule the Bravo runs about 2-3 mph slower than the Mirage. Â*It does handle better, has a better hole shot, accelerates better and runs smoother than a 3 blade but the trade off is top end speed. Â*Of course if you have a high X dimension than there are times when the 4 blade or even a 5 blade is faster than a 3 blade. Â*Every boat is different and that's what makes this fun.

If your Mirage satisfy's your requirements then stick with it and consider going up in pitch or lab finishing. Â*Like anything else with props when you lab finish you will usually give up something on the bottom end.

[BADFISH II]

damn, she's got me worked on the prop knowledge for sure, I bet she can take apart my engine and put it back together before I turn 90 years old too - what a chick http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Too bad I don't know this stuff, maybe you can hold a class Julie? I'm just a piker who knows how to drive and shine his boat http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[BADFISH II]

(the 90 years old thing was about me being 90 before I could figure it out http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif )

[Rude]

just a word of advice from personal experience, DO NOT us the u.s. mail to send anything you want delivered on time. i used the u.s. mail the other week and had it "overnighted". it took 5 days to get there!! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif i had a tracking number that was absolutely useless. the package was never scanned so i had no way to track it to check its progress and the only help the post office had was "it's definitely been sent". i used ups the next time and it was there by 10am the next day. just food for thought.

[Essex502]

Throttleup -

Do you guys ever "swap" props? I have that spare 23P Mirage Plus, run once then put into the box that I'd like to get swapped for a 25P then I could have you do your "magic" on it.

[BADFISH II]

ooooo, good question 502, I wouldn't mind swapping for a discounted price of course (for mine).

two prop are expensive!

[throttleup]

We would be happy to entertain that. I will give you a credit on your once runs or even used props towards the purchase of new props and /or services. But I will tell you that I know most of our clients looking for big bucks out of props will sell them on e-bay. But if you are looking to get of your prop and into a new one without the hassle of actively trying to sell one the trade ins work well. It simply requires you sending the prop to me and I will work up the numbers for you. If the numbers are acceptable to you, we will apply the credit! Don't hesitate to let me know what you've got and what you need.Give me a call at my toll free 1-877-842-6855

PS: I bet it would be an even heat in motor repairs between Lakemead and myself...ninety sounds about right!

Julie
Throttle Up

[RUNNIN A FEVER]

How familiar are you with the Revolution 4 props? I did some dredging with mine this weekend. I'm looking to get more top end out of it. The blades weren't bent only very minor knicks in the leading edge. I still have about 400 more RPM before WOT.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

[throttleup]

It sounds like you need a lower pitch to bring your RPM's up. The Rev 4 is a great wheel but it is also a very heavy or large wheel to turn. Tell me a bit about your boat... Size, make, model, engine size and drive. Let see if we can get you dialed in!

Safe Boating!

Regards,
Julie
Throttle Up

When you feel the need for speed...Throttle Up!

[RUNNIN A FEVER]

I have a 2000 Fountain Fever II, single step. 502 MPI, Bravo 1

Approx weight 4600 pounds w/o fuel (60 gal cap)

The prop is RH (if that makes any difference).

Thanks for the advise.

[throttleup]

Hello David and Jamie,

It sounds like you have one beautiful boat with a great set up!The Manufacturers recommended RPM for the Merc 502 is 4600-5000 RPM. I believe that you said you needed to pick up an additional 400 RPM so that means you are running at about 4200-4600 ...please correct me if I am wrong. Can you tell me the Pitch of the prop you are currnetly running...the Rev 4. This will help us determine the appropriate pitch for you to achieve the WOT. Let me know!

Regards,
Julie
Throttle Up
www.throttle-up.com
877-842-6855

When you feel the need for speed...Throttle Up!

[BADFISH II]

Hi Julie,

I just sent an email to you at info@

Greg

[RUNNIN A FEVER]

Julie -

I have a 23 pitch Rev 4. I was thinking that I need the extra 300 or so RPM to be at 5100. This is the RPM at WOT that everyone else seems to strive for, is this incorrect.

Currently I run about 68 MPH (speedo) at 4700 RPM. My Rev 4 seems to be a small pitch campared to everyone elses 24 -26 pitch Mirage, Bravo etc. Does this prop not directly relate to the others?

My goal is to try and gain some top end when I have my prop checked for trueness after my little mistake.

Thanks for the continued info.

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (RUNNIN A FEVER @ Oct. 16 2002, 12:10 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">My goal is to try and gain some top end when I have my prop checked for trueness after my little mistake.

Thanks for the continued info.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Did somebody go somewhere they shouldn't have? http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif Been there done that...more than once too! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif

[RUNNIN A FEVER]

Hey Kevin - How ya been?

I was in the channel at Havasu, got cut off by a pontoon boat full of big boned http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif people. Had to move and luck would have it, a small jetty http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif .

The real bummer was it was at 5:05 on Friday before the Poker Run. Ruined the impeller. Props to Savage Marine for comming in early to get me repaired and on the water with 10 minutes to spare before the run started.

My prop suffered minor damage, my ego on the other had suffered major damage.

I think I'd rather ram them if I had it to do over again. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Later

[kevnmcd]

David-I am doing well, thanks. Sorry to hear about the mishaps, but at least you got to run in it. Good luck with the prop repairs. Rumor is....that Throttleup does very good work. I know that BBum is very happy with his. Later.

[throttleup]

Hello David,

The Rev 4 is a very different prop than the Mirage Plus! It is for different applications. First the Rev 4 is of course a 4 Blade...a big 4 Blade! It's performance aspect is for lots of lift.
The Mirage Plus of course is a good high performance 3 Blade.
Typically 3 blades produce better top end speeds while 4
Blades produce better hole shot, mid cruise grip and acceleration. For your style of hull I would recommend a different propeller if your goal is top end speed.

If you were to go with a 3 Blade such as the Mirage Plus I would recommend trying a Mirage Plus 23 first anticipating the possibility needing to try additional pitches. If you were to go with a Bravo I would try a 24P Bravo I. Bravo I propellers are not true to pitch from the factory (Merc). They are actually 1 1/2 P less than what is marked on the prop. It is important to remember this when calculating slip! I think a little test time would be good prior to purchasing a prop to achieve the goal of Top End. Let me know your thoughts and we can move forward. I do have a Test Prop Program in place.

Regards,
Julie
Throttle Up
www.throttle-up.com
1-877-842-6855

When you feel the nedd for speed...Throttle Up!

[RUNNIN A FEVER]

Julie -

That explains a few things. My goal is to see if I should do any tweaking to my Rev 4 when I have it checked out. I want to try different props next season, but I need to get this one back in shape. Have you seen more people run 3 blade or 4 blade on boats like mine? I seem to see more people posting about 3 blade.

Thanks.

[digginfordollars]

Fever, fyi my brother in law's boat runs about the same as yours, 68 mph. I know he has a four blade but I'm not sure the pitch. Also his is a left hand prop, some people think they run faster, I don't know. He has the 502 MPI, stock except stainless exhaust manifolds. I'm not sure what year it is but he has had it about four years and I think he bought it slighty used. I hope this helps.

[Beach Bum]

Well folks, I got my prop back from Full Throttle as promised, on time, and for a GREAT price. I was very impressed with the look and workmanship they did, and was really anxious to try my newly tweaked wheel.
Upon arrival in Havasu I picked up a couple of buddies and launched at the marina. I explained to them that I wanted to go for a quick run to see how it would work.
Weeeelllllllll, she planed okay, just okay and I was not overly optimistic.
I cruised for a while to warm up the oil and etc.. and after a little while put her through her paces.
All I can say is holy shit!
This thing pulls through the midrange like you just wouldn't believe!
Then, for a little top end run-6000rpm's!!!
I have NEVER been able to pull that 30 to 6000 rpm's!
It works better than it did after Mercury lab finished it!
I didn't have a GPS to verify speeds, but I am confident that I am running every bit as fast as it did before the "bad" work was done on it.
I even had a couple of races and I am happy to reprt that no one was able to pull us all weekend!
Thank you very much Throttle up!!, you have a loyal customer in me!!! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[RUNNIN A FEVER]

DF$ - Can you ask him how he likes the SS manifolds? I am thinking of upgrading to them/ or headers as long as I can still use my captains call. Is he able to use his? 68MPH is just way too slow for a Fountain, 75 is the min acceptable speed.

I have had many discussions online about RH or LH props and nobody can prove one way or the other. Can you find out what he's running?

Thanks.

[throttleup]

David and Jamie,

Lets look into doing some diagnotics on our prop. This will help you to determine whether you want to invest in the Rev 4 or not. We do not charge for our computor diagnostics!
When you are ready next year we can do some testing with my test props! So you can try before you buy!!!!!

Feel free to call me toll free at 877-842-6855

Julie
Throttle Up
www.throttle-up.com

[digginfordollars]

He bought the SS manifolds just because of the Florida humidity. He says the cast iron will rot out after a while. He didn't notice any performance gains but they are just manifolds, not headers. Headers should net you 20% to 30% more horsepower depending on who you talk to. It shouldn't affect your captain's call cuz the diverters are after the manifolds anyway.

[Craig]

Lots of good info here! OK Julie, I sent you an e-mail for a quote, but could use some general info others might use as well. I run a 22' Advantage Sportcat, best speed, 114.5 at 5800 rpm with a stock 32 Bravo 4-blade and 1.36 gears. I was borrowing the 32 at the time so now I want to buy something. I'd like to try a 34 and see if I can get some more mph. Would it be best to buy a 34 and if I can't spin it, tweak it down to a 33, or buy a 32 and tweak it up a little.
Craig

[throttleup]

Craig,

WOW! Great Numbers. What type of motor do you have and what drive? If you have run the 32 at 5800 then I would anticipate a decrease of 400 RPM going to the 34 BravoI. So that should put you at about 5400 RPM..assuming that the 32 is a true 32P! It is generally preferred to pitch down rather than up if you were to need a 33P. I sent you an email as well.

Keep me posted.

Regards,
Julie Croce
Throttle Up
877-842-6855

[Craig]

Thanks for the info Julie. I'll get the dyno sheets out tonight and see where peak torque and HP come in.

[kc0000]

I called throttle-up today and spoke with Matt, very knowledgable - their commitment to work with their customers really comes across.

KC

[kc0000]

did I kill this thread or what?

[throttleup]

Not a chance Craig!

We are getting ready for the Worlds! There are two sanctioning bodies putting Worlds on in November. November 3-10, 2002 the SBI is hosting Worlds in New Orleans! It will be a week of excellant racing. The second Worlds are November 18-24, 2002 with the APBA hosting the races. This race is being held in BEAUTIFUL KEY WEST, FL! These races will prove to be exciting! There is an incredible number of Super Cat Light Boats! They run in the 100 to 115 MPH range! Zipp Express S777 will be there! They took the Kilo in Washington, NC this past summer!

Is anyone going to try to take a little R & R and go to the races in November? Let me know. I will be in Key West supporting all of our teams. Great chance to meet some of the racers!

Julie
Throttle Up Propellers
www.throttle-up.com

When you feel the need for speed...Throttle Up!

[aquaholic iv]

throttleup, i was wondering what u would suggest for a 500hp with a whipple for a prop size? last test run was 5000 rpm with 3 lbs boost @98 mphwith a 30 pitch prop

[throttleup]

aquaholic,
I have a couple questions;
What 30p prop did you run last time? Â*Was it lab finished? Â*What drive do you have? Â*Are you looking for top speed? Â*Do you generally need a bow lifting or stern lifting prop? Â*Do you have a stepped hull? Â*

Throttle Up