4 blade props vs. Perma trim

[Bryan 2530]

I am weighing my options on getting the 2530 to run a little more level with a heavy load and staying up on plane in rough seas for a better ride.

Right now I am running 15.5 x 19 3 blade SS props with twin f200's she runes like a raped ape at WOT but the performance at cruise is a little to be desired.

I want to go with permatrims and 4 blade props eventually, the question is which one first?

 

[DaleH]

I want to go with permatrims and 4 blade props eventually, the question is which one first?

I'd say neither ...

My order would be larger span trim tabs, then Merc Rev4 STERN-lifting props, and most likely pass on any foil/plate.

Merc Rev4s LOVE to be mounted high and will give you stern lift. They are ideal for HEAVY boats. Another alternate is the PowerTech prop. Comparable perf to Rev4 and actually a little bigger in diameter that should help mid-range/cruising perf over the Rev4, that is ~2mph faster @ WOT. But who runs there?

 

[Bryan 2530]

The problem for me with bigger tabs is I start to disrupt the flow over the props and they will most certainly grab air.... remember I am running twins.
It is close now with the current setup. If I use a lot of tab at low RPMs they will cavitate a little.

I am leaning towards the props right now because I can do that without hauling the boat.

 

[BradV]

i feel your pain brian. I have wondered these questions myself. I have the Rev 4 depending on how heavy of a load you run that may work. Also raising the motor up. You can go up to a 14" wide by 18" long trim tab if you leave the existing actuator. if you want to take out what you have existing and spend at least 2k then you can get the high performance trim tabs that are 14" wide by 24" Long. The other thing that i did was instead of adding ballast by having unnecessary weight was add another fuel tank inside the cabin. 90 gallons of fuel plus a tank and all the stuff added about 600lbs when its full. Between that and the prop i can plane out at 21 or 22mph. But that is when im 1/2 load. When i have full gas 263 gallons 6 people and gear for a few days in the bahamas im not sure how it floats and it wont plane til 27mph. If you havent already add a windlass a 22lb delta anchor and 30' of chain. I also installed a different bow roller that weighed about 4 times more than the stock one.

 

[BradV]

oh yeah permatrim. I never tried the actual brand name permatrim but another version. Makes a ton of difference in bow lift but i did not like the way it made the boat perform. It actually made the cruise mpg worse top speed worse and it felt like i could submarine at any moment. Plus with the weight you are talking about with our boats and the stress im not sure i would want them bolted in too much of a sea.

 

[DaleH]

I have the Rev 4 depending on how heavy of a load you run that may work. Also raising the motor up.

Rev4s should be mounted as HIGH as the OB mount holes allow ... per Ken @ PropGods and HWS @ Continuous Wave.