I run the VMax SHO. Finally had the opportunity to play with 3 props. The boat came w/ a PTP VMX 3 blade 24p. I bit the bullet and talked to Mark, got his Raxor 4 XL 24p. I also got my hands on a PTP VMX 3 blade 26p. Results below:
VMX 24p
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VMX 26p
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Raxor 4 XL 24p
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The Raxor destroys both the 3 blade props in hole shot and overall acceleration, especially in rougher conditions. It also gets to top speed a lot quicker, and tapped the rev limiter my first time out (which achieved the 75mph). It easier to drive the boat with this prop at higher speeds, stability is much improved. Runs ~50mph at ~4200 rpm. Stays on pad below 2500 rpm (I could keep it on pad at ~2200 with some work). Mark is recommending we swap out to a 25p, so I suspect it'll be a ~77mph prop and stay away from the rev limiter. Ran the boat in the 4-5 setting on the gauge (1.8" to 0.8" ptp, below pad).
The prop I've run the boat most with and took a *while* to get the 74.8mph top speed, was the VMX 24p. Holeshot on this prop improved once I got my Bob's hydro plate and I could bring the plate up more. The manual plate had ptp of 4", and I had manually gotten to 3.25". I found 2.25" ptp was the best hole shot on this prop once I had the hydro plate. This prop runs about 42-44mph @ 4200 rpm. It's also a little slow to pick up speed after ~68-70mph. Took much work and effort to achieve it's top speed (and nearly ideal conditions water conditions). Also likes to run in the 4.5-5 setting.
I made a gamble and picked up the 26p VMX 3 blade. As expected, the hole shot is the worst of all 3 props. Not horrible, but you can tell it's a little slower to get on pad, but then gets moving. Gets to 70mph quite easy, with 73-74 easily achievable in rougher lake conditions. Runs 50mph @ 4200 rpm like the 24p 4 blade. Achieved 76mph first run across the lake in the morning. On the run back to the dock the conditions were worse, but still pulled off 76.8mph (nearly 77) @ ~5900-6000 rpm. This prop has the same characteristics as the 24p VMX -- where it continues to pick up speed and rpm, albeit slowly at high speed and with more work (more trim, you gotta drive it above 75). Similar jack plate settings as the 24p VMX, probably could go up more on the plate.
The 4 blade Raxor definitely provides more stern lift. The boat feels to run flatter even with more trim, and a gust of wind won't cause it to porpoise -- but instead carries the whole boat flat. If that makes sense.