lab Cleaver?

[dennymac]

Could someone explain to me exactly what makes a prop a "lab" prop...vs. a standard prop of the same type....the difference in price suggests there is a major difference...

[Greg Moss]

the difference is the same as between a stock motor and a blue printed motor. stock motors have a built in production tolorance and a blue printed motor removes those tolorances. same with a prop they remove the production tolorances. A prop is cast from a wax mold and and it is not true to spec a lab finninshed prop is as close to spec as is possible.

[dennymac]

i always thought it had something to do with basically blueprinting the prop.....but with that scenario, a prop worked by any competent prop shop whould be considered a 'lab' prop...no/yes?

[Greg Moss]

but Mercury uses it for a marketing tool. I would imagine that you could take a "lab" prop to any of the more compitent shop and they could improve on the lab.

[Techno]

From Mercury site.

"Customized To Perfection
Customizing services are available to ensure peak propeller performance for every application. Mercury Racing Propeller specialists "lab finish" or blueprint propellers by adjusting blade thickness, pitch and diameter based on the horsepower weight and design of the boat. Every propeller is balanced and buffed by hand before it leaves the factory. "


"Lab finishing: Coined (and maybe copyrighted soon) by the people at Mercury Racing, lab finishing is like blueprinting, but takes it to another level. In the lab-finishing process, all blades and cups are measured, matched and balanced. Blades are thinned and "wedged" to reduce drag so that the propeller moves through the water more easily. Once everything is matched and complete, the prop is given a satin finish."

And finally
"To help boaters, Mercury is the only propeller manufacturer to offer the exclusive Mercury Dealer Demo Prop program. Mercury has a network of dealers that offer demo props (actual Mercury propellers painted bright blue) for boaters to try before they buy. To find the Demo Dealers in your area, call 1-800-MERCURY. "

[AnthonySS]

My Prop Expert (Harold Stuart) and I have put the Merc Lab Props thru a thurough exam.

The speciman was an ET...and we where quite impressed as the thing was spot on, as far as blade blueprint, balance, pitch etc.

They are a great peice, but most experienced Master Prop guys can equal the labour and finish put in by Merc.

Here is an example

[AnthonySS]

Here is another by Harold Stuart

[NPK2003]

When the Pre-Firewater 2001 group wet on Merc Hi-Pro tour, we saw the Prop Lab in action. These guys really are very skilled and most have many years experience in working the props. A lab prop gets everything checked wth templates, blades are cut or welded to get to exact spec's, polished and balanced. Yes, it is the same type of work that prop guru's like John at DAH perform, without the exact tweaking to a specic hull/motor combo like DAH does. However, if you tell Merc what you want the prop for, they will do much the same as the prop guys do. Merc also does repairs like Prop shops too.

Having been to both DAH and Merc Hi-Pro, the biggest difference aside from shop size is that the Merc guys can't talk as much as John can. (hehehe!) As soon as I get a nick in my lab finished 28ET, I will take it to DAH for touching up and I know it will be a treat to run when I get it back.:cool:

[AnthonySS]

Here is another of Harold's peices.

This is used on a 13' Delta with 75 Hustler SS (one of Flatout's Rigs)