Are merc labbed cleavers, better than stock ones?

[dalin]

Are merc labbed cleavers, better than stock ones?
2. would a 200 hp outboard be able to turn a 14 1/2 26p cleaver?
3. how big of a 4 blade cleaver would a stock 200 hp turn?
4. would a 4 blade lift the back of the boat up more?
Thanks to all that reply I am new to speed boating and looking to get more lift at the back of the boat. (Starcraft CPS 20) (kind of like a mod v hull like a STV?) tried a merc 23 pitch cleaver Saturday, and got 63mph and steered nice.
Tried a 24 pitch chopper and got 68 mph, but it porposed very bad and steered very bad.
thanks

[Markus]

Are merc labbed cleavers, better than stock ones?


Better as in faster, yes .However, the thinner the propeller, the younger it dies.



2. would a 200 hp outboard be able to turn a 14 1/2 26p cleaver?


Yes, but not on any boat.



3. how big of a 4 blade cleaver would a stock 200 hp turn?


Depends on the boat. An inch or two smaller than a 3-blade is a rule of thumb.



4. would a 4 blade lift the back of the boat up more?


In most cases, yes. There are a lot of different cleaver designs out there, though.



Tried a 24 pitch chopper and got 68 mph, but it porposed very bad and steered very bad.
thanks

Looks like you need bow lift, then.

[j_martin]

I bought a fairly badly behaving 18 foot Tracker bass boat with a 2.5 150 on it that behaved like that. Turned out the engine was about an inch and a half too deep. Cranked the jack plate up and it's a new boat. Better speed, much, much better handling, and it even looks like it'll handle a steeper screw.

My manual jack plate is 6 inches back, and about 2 inches initial lift. It's now set at 3.5 inches.

handling problems were low speed porpoising, and high speed chine walk in a corner easily resulting in a spin out. The first time that happened, I had to take my passenger to shore to deal with the pants. Now she (the boat) goes like a scalded dog, and turns well at any speed. I can go at water skiing speeds (slow) without having to tuck the motor under and plow just to keep from porpoising.

Another thought, be sure all the play is adjusted out of your steering. If you don't, straaannnggge things might happen. At this speed, if your steering isn't twin cable rack and pinion, change it. I've seen quick boats like this set up with rotary steering, and they were dangerous.

hope it helps,
John


Tried a 24 pitch chopper and got 68 mph, but it porposed very bad and steered very bad.
thanks