OK, I thought it was worth pulling this thread back to life. Some of you know that about a month ago, on our 10 day trip to VA beach, we didn't make it. We hit something in 20 feet of water and, well, went thru a new coupler, outdrive & so on. I had some decent dings in my 4 blade HM props. So, luckily, with a fantastic mechanic, got the boat back up and running within days! But, I had to use my old 3 blade AL props. Which, yes, I was very thankful having.
Well, I had contacted Hill Marine when all this happened and ended up speaking to Ron, who is the guy that started up the place and runs it. Very cool guy to talk to (would love to chat with him over some drinks, he knows a lot). He said he'd put a new hub on it for free (because some of the initial big cows had some slight issues with hubs anyhow). I had them refurb the prop as well.
I got the prop back and installed this past Saturday! Prop looked brand new! Oh my freaking goodness!! I really did gain almost 300 rpms back! Let alone really splitting my on-plane time in half. I had really missed those props for the last month, but so happy with another 10 day coming up this Friday!
Can you guys post a link on where you purchased the 4x4? I heard something about there being two Hills maybe family or something like that and one is better than the other.
I’ve been thinking about ordering Hill 4x4’s for my 330 since I bought it. I like the idea of being able to get up out of the hole quicker, little bow rise, better slow speed maneuvering, no cavitation during high speed turns and less engine noise. I hope all of these are true!!!! I ordered two sets today. I called and asked a bunch of questions, they recommended that I go from my 22P 3x3’s to 20P 4x4’s. I asked if they ever have any off season sales, he said no but if I ordered them he would sell them for an even 2k including shipping. He also said that in March they will be raising the price $100 per set. Can’t wait to get her in the water!
Still loving my Hill Marine 4x4's... mechanic has been all over my engine and even though it's just 3.5 years old he asked me what I've been doing, (changed the impeller out yesterday and it barely looked used, etc) because everything inside and out looks barely used. Have to think maybe it's something to do with the low stress caused by using these HM props where the motor really doesn't work that hard to get the boat moving. Who knows, just a random thought on a Thursday night.
Still loving my Hill Marine 4x4's... mechanic has been all over my engine and even though it's just 3.5 years old he asked me what I've been doing, (changed the impeller out yesterday and it barely looked used, etc) because everything inside and out looks barely used. Have to think maybe it's something to do with the low stress caused by using these HM props where the motor really doesn't work that hard to get the boat moving. Who knows, just a random thought on a Thursday night.
I to have tought about this. I put the 20 pitch on my 270 and it made a world a difference. My 342 has no problem getting on plane but I run close to 4000 rpm (faira tachs) to stay at 30mph. I fell like the boat really flattens out at 32mph but thats to many R's. If I was to make switch I would stay with the 22's just keep the top end ie: fuel economy. Im going to invent an ajustable pitch prop so you can dail in the RPM to speed.
@reneechris14 , the way he was explaining it to me was that Rinker chose the pitch for our boats when they are light. Start adding all the gear, coolers then passengers, water and fuel plus the added blade he recommended to go with 20P. He said if there are any issues it would be no problem to exchange them.
Aero, the 20P will be perfect for you! When I ordered mine, I went down a notch in pitch as well. I am still happy and amazed with my boat every time I throttle up!
@aero3113 could not agree more and if I was selling you these prop I would say the same thing. I think you will be amazed at the difference. The admiral makes me run the boat full of fuel and water all the time not to mention other goodies.
Still loving my Hill Marine 4x4's... mechanic has been all over my engine and even though it's just 3.5 years old he asked me what I've been doing, (changed the impeller out yesterday and it barely looked used, etc) because everything inside and out looks barely used. Have to think maybe it's something to do with the low stress caused by using these HM props where the motor really doesn't work that hard to get the boat moving. Who knows, just a random thought on a Thursday night.
What a tease! since I can’t use them, I put a coat of wax on them! LoL. The installation instructions says no evidence has shown clock position of propellers to alter performance. I wonder what you would experience it the Merc props weren’t clocked correctly?
I installed my propellers tonight. I also timed them even though the Hill instructions say there is no evidence at this time that timing the props help.
Comments
Well, I had contacted Hill Marine when all this happened and ended up speaking to Ron, who is the guy that started up the place and runs it. Very cool guy to talk to (would love to chat with him over some drinks, he knows a lot). He said he'd put a new hub on it for free (because some of the initial big cows had some slight issues with hubs anyhow). I had them refurb the prop as well.
I got the prop back and installed this past Saturday! Prop looked brand new! Oh my freaking goodness!! I really did gain almost 300 rpms back! Let alone really splitting my on-plane time in half. I had really missed those props for the last month, but so happy with another 10 day coming up this Friday!
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
Ras, did you have your coffee yet this morning??
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
https://www.hillmarine.net/
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
2018 Cherokee 39RL Land Yacht (Sorry...)
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
so what Hill marine 4X4 pitch have most been going with on mag 350mpi FV270?
20, 22 ?
Part of me wishes I went with a 22 to see the difference.
PC BYC, Holland, MI
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express