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Five-blade high-performance props
01 Jun 2004
The five-blade propellers are designed for large V-bottom performance hulls equipped with Mercury MerCruiser 496HO, Mercury Racing's 500HP-plus (373kW-plus) and other big block engines, coupled to Bravo One XR or XZ sterndrives.
They say a fifth blade means that the prop slips less and efficiency is increased, due to it being loaded with more water. Acceleration is quicker, there is a powerful grip on turns and with faster cruising speeds fuel efficiency is improved, they say. The extra blade also means a smoother ride.
Mercury says the downside of five-blade propellers has been lower top end speed because of added drag.
But the new Maximus gives up nothing in performance, achieved through reduced surface area and a modified blade shape.
The range is available in lefthand or right-hand rotation and at 30-inch and 32-inch pitch (approximately 76.2mm and 81.3mm). Blade diameter is 31.7mm.
Marine Power Europe Inc T: +32 87 323211 F: +32 87 311965 W marinepower. com
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