Cleaver vs Chopper Prop

[Chrisravosa36]

I have a 13'6" runnabout, going to put a 40hp Merc. on it and am looking for some props. I understand Pitch, Diameter and the 3 vs 4 blade thing. I am looking for the best possible top end, but I love the holeshot and planning ability of a 4 blade. What are some of the differences of a Cleaver prop and Chopper prop, I dont think I will have any problems about getting the bow and stern lifted, the boats only 300lbs. Also will a 4 blade give me better grip going in and out of turns?

 

[steelespike]

You need to get us the year of the motor, the pitch of the prop.Usually under the prop nut. Your lightly loaded wot rpm and gps speed with the present prop.
When setting up the Merc the anti vent plate(just above the prop) needs to be about even with the bottom.
Will likely need further adjustment depending on the results .
Top speed and strong hole shot don't usually go together.
we need the brand,design/model and material of the boat.Pictures would be good.

 

[Chrisravosa36]

Well, unfortunately my lake is closed at the moment, the motor is a 82 merc 40hp short shaft, running a 14 pitch I belive, its plenty of power for the boat, Im just wondering if a clever or a chopper would be better. I understand top end and holeshot dont go well together, but I would like a 4 balde depending on how much top end Id lose, usually how much is it?

 

[Bondo]

Im just wondering if a clever or a chopper would be better.

Ayuh,.... Generally speakin', a chopper provides more bow lift, 'n a clever provides more stern lift,...

 

[steelespike]

Well, unfortunately my lake is closed at the moment, the motor is a 82 merc 40hp short shaft, running a 14 pitch I belive, its plenty of power for the boat, Im just wondering if a clever or a chopper would be better. I understand top end and holeshot dont go well together, but I would like a 4 balde depending on how much top end Id lose, usually how much is it?

If you can get the Merc Spitfire for your motor It is said to exchange pitch for pitch and won't sacrifice top end .
This is assuming your present setup works.If you don't have the present performance numbers you might as well put all the props in a barrel turn off the lights and pick one.

 

[Texasmark]

.If you don't have the present performance numbers you might as well put all the props in a barrel turn off the lights and pick one.

I love it! Well said.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Hmmm! You want to have your cake and eat it too. unless you have massive amounts of horsepower (which you don't) hole shot and top speed are mutually exclusive so pick one.

​ For your purposes, unless you intend to race, or unless you have one of those little go-fast boats, then look for stock props. If you do intend to race then expensive custom props are the way to go along with a jack plate.

As far as pitch etc, as said above, without numbers it is a crapshoot

 

[Dukedog]

its true with tha chopper carrying tha bow and/or load better but neither one is gonna be up to their full potential unless ya able ta "surface" tha prop.. tha chopper is more of a V bottom prop and tha cleaver is more tunnel/mod vp type bottom hull..... most cleavers run their best ona hull that actually runs best with slight negative trim at speed....ie: entrapment type hull....jmo

as with ANY prop its gotta be tried with actual testing..... even those that are supposed ta be "identical"...

when lookin' for top performance ya gotta have a very good prop guy that can bring a prop "ta life" so ta speak.. you would be very lucky ta have a "store bought" prop do that....