Hi guys
I'm looking for an alternative to Raker. One that is somewhat less aggressive. I feel that the Raker uses much energy to fight gravity with the sternlift. My stern lifts it self easily, but the bow does need help to rise. I think a bit less trailing edge cupping to the Raker would do. My engine is mounted high (stepped transom), so I need the prop to be suitable for near-surface operation. Also, I prefer good fuel economy at cruising speed over acceleration, hence I don't want (nor need) any ventilation holes.
One reseller recommend Ballistic. From what I read online lots of users of the Ballistic are happy with its performance. All the happy users seems to have one thing i common: Prop running deep. The users of the Ballistic in near surface operations seems to be unhappy. As my boat likes the engine high, there's a high risk I'll end up in the group of unhappy users.
Another reseller say Rapture. To my understanding the Rapture is similar to the Ballistic but heavier. Then I assume it doesn't love high mounted engines either.
A third reseller say they don't have any suitable props.
So what are my options? Some of the options I see is:
1) Modify a Raker. Give it less trailing edge cupping and plug the vent holes. Will such work destroy its near-surface capabilities?
2) Modify a Ballistic. Give it better grip in near surface conditions. How would that be done? Is it a matter of adding trailing edge cupping?
3) Find another prop.
When it comes to finding other props I've been looking at PowerTech. PowerTech catalog list some interesting props. There is the high rake / light cupped TSO3. It sounds like what I'm looking for, except that an old catalog I found say the TSO3 is for running deep. Another interesting prop is the NRS3 which they say is "more aggressive than RED, less aggressive than PTR". About RED3 they say it's similar to Rapture and Ballistic. The description of PTR3 sounds much like Raker. Hence the NRS3 sounds like the prop I'm looking for - between Raker and Ballistic - except that it's described with "25 degree rake, good lift, extensive cup". I take it as it provides the bow lift of Ballistic and the stern lift of Raker. I wanted it the be the other way around!
Any suggestions?
Engine: e-tec 60HP (2008), boat: Castello 533HT, 17.5ft, bow heavy, 2200lbs total weight including engine, family and gear.
Cruising speed: about 23mph, wot speed: about 34mph.
I'm living in a small country with limited selection of products available for testing. I'll probably need to import any prop myself, which makes returns complicated.
I'm looking for an alternative to Raker. One that is somewhat less aggressive. I feel that the Raker uses much energy to fight gravity with the sternlift. My stern lifts it self easily, but the bow does need help to rise. I think a bit less trailing edge cupping to the Raker would do. My engine is mounted high (stepped transom), so I need the prop to be suitable for near-surface operation. Also, I prefer good fuel economy at cruising speed over acceleration, hence I don't want (nor need) any ventilation holes.
One reseller recommend Ballistic. From what I read online lots of users of the Ballistic are happy with its performance. All the happy users seems to have one thing i common: Prop running deep. The users of the Ballistic in near surface operations seems to be unhappy. As my boat likes the engine high, there's a high risk I'll end up in the group of unhappy users.
Another reseller say Rapture. To my understanding the Rapture is similar to the Ballistic but heavier. Then I assume it doesn't love high mounted engines either.
A third reseller say they don't have any suitable props.
So what are my options? Some of the options I see is:
1) Modify a Raker. Give it less trailing edge cupping and plug the vent holes. Will such work destroy its near-surface capabilities?
2) Modify a Ballistic. Give it better grip in near surface conditions. How would that be done? Is it a matter of adding trailing edge cupping?
3) Find another prop.
When it comes to finding other props I've been looking at PowerTech. PowerTech catalog list some interesting props. There is the high rake / light cupped TSO3. It sounds like what I'm looking for, except that an old catalog I found say the TSO3 is for running deep. Another interesting prop is the NRS3 which they say is "more aggressive than RED, less aggressive than PTR". About RED3 they say it's similar to Rapture and Ballistic. The description of PTR3 sounds much like Raker. Hence the NRS3 sounds like the prop I'm looking for - between Raker and Ballistic - except that it's described with "25 degree rake, good lift, extensive cup". I take it as it provides the bow lift of Ballistic and the stern lift of Raker. I wanted it the be the other way around!
Any suggestions?
Engine: e-tec 60HP (2008), boat: Castello 533HT, 17.5ft, bow heavy, 2200lbs total weight including engine, family and gear.
Cruising speed: about 23mph, wot speed: about 34mph.
I'm living in a small country with limited selection of products available for testing. I'll probably need to import any prop myself, which makes returns complicated.