Need help on High 5 prop Q

[Argonaut]

Any prop experts out there ?
Picked up 2 2nd hand props ….. both are Stainless Steel High 5 props ….
Neither has any dings or damage, but noticed that they both have what I would class as a slight straight portion on the leading edge of each blade.
I have never had that on my previous stainless props – but never had a High 5 before.

I would have thought that wear this even on all 5 blades on both props is unlikely, but thought I would check.
If you have a High take a look at the pictures I have uploaded and let me know if your prop has same ‘slight flattening’

Pic 1 one shows the blade
http://tinyurl.com/3aj8cp

Pic 2 is darkened off to help display
http://tinyurl.com/38hpox

Pic 3 I have indicated the flat portion.
http://tinyurl.com/2oh39m

[seapuppy]

I would say that it would not affect any performance at all ......looks like a nice prop!!...

[Brit Rider]

Just checked my high 5.. looks normal. what pitch have you gone for?

[Argonaut]

Originally Posted by Brit Rider

Just checked my high 5.. looks normal. what pitch have you gone for?

do I assume that you mean my prop looks normal ? .... (ideal answer if it is)

I spoke to Picton's' ... and they advised that the 21" is ideal .......... 23" is standard, and dropping to 21 plus the 5 blades will give me loads of hole shot.
They advise that going to 19" will risk over revving.

I have put the standard 23" 3 blade Aluminium at the moment, and when I take it out in Spring I'll take some rest to plane times, Max speed & WOT measurements, and then swap to High 5 and repeat.

I'll post the results here .. maybe of interest.

Now have a spare High 5 to sell ....... maybe I'll hang on till spring and put it on eBay.

[racer2c]

I'm interested. What pitch is your spare?

What part # is it? I have a 4.3 Merc in a 2006 1800SR-3.

[Argonaut]

It's a 21" pitch (both are the same)

Mercury pn: 48-815760

[Argonaut]

Also posted same Q to prop repair specialist .. and he confirms the small straight portion on each leading edge is design intent ... Mercury state it's patented and what makes High 5 so good.

[racer2c]

thanks. If you ever want to sell it let me know.

[Brit Rider]

The 19 does allow over revving so you have to be careful with the throttle... ideal for wakeboarding.. cruising its awful. It's a trade off.

I run a custom pitched 20" HIgh five which works a charm... it can over rev but only at max WOT which you shouldn't be running at anyway.. works well for my application.

[Argonaut]

Originally Posted by Brit Rider

The 19 does allow over revving so you have to be careful with the throttle... ideal for wakeboarding.. cruising its awful. It's a trade off.

I run a custom pitched 20" HIgh five which works a charm... it can over rev but only at max WOT which you shouldn't be running at anyway.. works well for my application.

My dealer advised that as well ... hence his reccomendation to go with 21" ... dropping to 19" increases revs, but High 5 drops it by 400rpm, and they just about balance out.