Cleaver vs. ET ...time to get on plane

[4Speed]

On a STV Euro, I realize the Lightning ET would come up on plane faster than the cleaver by design but what are we talking a few boat lengths or what. I am thinking of getting a cleaver but don't want to be sitting at 6k for a few hundred yards until it hooks up. Also will I need to raise the engine to optimize the cleaver or can I run at the same "X" dimension as the ET.

[Brookbbb]

Good thread/question I am also curious...

[CHICKENHAWK]

What is the "X" dimension?

[JPEROG]

The cleaver will have more slip but its not a hundred yards different planing time unless you have a bunch of weight in it. If the diameter of the two props are the same, the optimum height will be very close. I ran a couple of 3 blade cleavers on my STV today for the first time. The four blade Dewald it still in the number one ranking for me.

Joe

[aaron78viper]

i dont understand what makes you think a cleaver wont plane faster. it lifts the stern, which helps a rear heavy boat plane out very quickly. maybe not with low slip, but it is great on my viper compared to anything ive tried. hooks up just fine well above the pad

[XstreamVking]

Got to keep the exhaust away from a cleaver for it to plane quick and hook up.(above water exhaust) Lightning will clear up fast even with some exhaust.

[Markus]

The cleaver will have more slip but its not a hundred yards different planing time unless you have a bunch of weight in it. If the diameter of the two props are the same, the optimum height will be very close. I ran a couple of 3 blade cleavers on my STV today for the first time. The four blade Dewald it still in the number one ranking for me.

Joe

How does the 4-blade Dewald run compared to a 3-blade Mercury Lab cleaver?

[JPEROG]

It accelerates better and they are close on top end. The 4 blade is just smoother running so I prefer it.

Joe