Torque Shift Props

[Capt. T]

Bondo:<br /><br />I read the posts on the torque shift props from a while back. It sounds good but here's the confusing part: "Richard" Lowe at Land & Sea says it will work fine, Jim Sullivan at Land & Sea says forget it, I don't have the power to weight ratio to make it work. <br /><br />My boat is 18'6 Rinker deep V, w/ 4.3L 2bbl Alpha, runs around 3000-3200 lbs depending on fuel & passengers. You've got the 4.3L, what is your setup?<br /><br />Would a 4bbl be worth the effort?<br /><br />BTY: This is an outstanding forum & you've been a big help.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Torque Shift Props

Bucky---see what Bondo says---I have been running a Torque Shift off and on this season and here is my take:<br /><br />I trust Jim Sullivan. I bought the larger cam and blade set (14 to 32 pitch). We had some problems and I sent it back with all my boat specs. Jim had it rebuilt and it works like a charm---no charge.<br /><br />Surely, Jim could talk to "Richard" and confer about your application?<br /><br />Another note----if you buy on ebay, make sure you know the cam set and spring size you need before you bid.<br /><br />Land and Sea put these props on sale last winter and I got mine new for $675. The last one I saw on ebay went for $650.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Torque Shift Props

Well, Thanks......<br />I haven't been able to talk to Anybody at L&S, Except D*ckhead......<br />Anyway, My Barge has the 4.3LX, that I Massaged a little bit when I built it... I'm running an Alpha1 with the 1.65/1 ratio.. I've not weighed the thing yet, But I'm Sure it weighs Atleast as much as yours...(21' Starcraft Islander, Fully Dressed for Salmon fishing)... It'll give you a Bloody Nose if I Hammer it... Neck Snapping Accelleration.... WOT of 44mph @ 4650rpms...53mph in the Salt...<br /><br />As to your boat, What is your WOT now,+ with What prop ????<br /> Would a 4bbl be worth the effort? <br /> I Wouldn't have it Any other Way.....<br />I've been a Mechanic/ Motorhead All my life... I'm getting Older, But I'm Not about to Slow down.....

 

[Capt. T]

Re: Torque Shift Props

DDBoater:<br />Good comments, particularly the winter sale. no doubt about it, if I do go with a torque shift I'll keep checking their web site and buy direct during the sale. That price is not much more than a HighFive.<br /><br />Bondo:<br />WOT=4300 w/ 19" pitch mercury ss prop. The prop dates back to '91 when I bought the boat.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Torque Shift Props

Bucky---just a few performance notes:<br /><br />I pulled two kids on tubes in the Ozarks and popped them out of the water instantly---they were little kids who did not want to go fast so I kept the prop in the "low" setting by running about 2300 to 2500 rpm. I could control the shifting by trimming in or trimming out. Normally, to go slow like this (about 23 mph) would lug the motor with a fixed blade prop. I really had the chance to play cause we pulled them all morning. You would also run in this mode for a wakeboarder who does not want to run over about 22 mph.<br /><br />My son loaded the boat up with young adults (8) and popped out two tubes with adults---no problem---on plane in about 4 seconds. They like to go fast so he was running about 3000 to 3500 rpm in the "upper" shift range, slowing down and down shifting for turns by trimming in.<br /><br />Pulling performance can't be beat. I am still working on the top end at wide open throttle---torque shift gets me to 60.1 gps and the fixed blade 21 pitch gets me to 62.3. I am getting way too much "porpoising" when I trim out the torque shift over 1/4 of the trim range.<br /><br />Any other torque-shift users out there with this problem?

 

[Capt. T]

Re: Torque Shift Props

DDBoater:<br />Your "porpoising" problem may not be entirely related to the prop. I've been thinking about this whole performance / proping thing quite a bit and something hit me - weight AND balance (just as in light aviation) might play a much bigger role than we think. <br /><br />With most I/Os most of the weight (engine, drive, fuel tank) is at the aft of the boat (right where we don't want it for quick planing) when we hit the throttle, fuel sloshes back making it even worse.<br /><br />So I tried an experiment before pulling the boat out for the year. I bought 50lbs. of "play" sand in plastic bags (total cost $5) & placed them as far forward as I could reasonable get, with the bowrider this is almost to the nose of the boat.<br /><br />The effect on time to plane was significant (not measured as I was the only one in the boat) but my general impression was that it cut planing time in 1/2. Also I was able to trim up considerably higher without "porpoising". I will need to wait till spring to measure the effect and also see what effect it has when I have a full fuel tank (320 lbs).<br /><br />I really appreciate the input, the torque shift sounds like the way to go. <br /><br />While no substitute for low pitch changing the weight and balance might be enough for some people

 

[Bondo]

Re: Torque Shift Props

Bucky,<br />You're barely pulling that 19" Now.....<br /> Jim Sullivan Might be Right.... You'd have to turn the screws in pretty far to hold the prop down to a pitch you can pull... <br />I see a 4bbl in your future.... <br />You should be able to find a Merc/Webber Carb,+ Manifold for less the $200 on Ebay between now,+ spring.... I'd look there for the prop too...<br /> Even though I also saw the 2 L&S props go for $5/600. in the last couple weeks... Another 1 went for Less than $300... <br /> I paid just over $300. for the 1 I'm running...<br />And, I Just bought 2 more, 1 Complete, 1 lacking springs + cams.... All for Less than $400. to my door.....<br />Pump up your Horsepower enough that you can pull a 21" prop to 44-4600rpms, Then Add the Torque-Shift..... <br />You Won't Believe it's the Same Boat.....