What prop is this?

[pondflier]

I saw a 1998 model airboat that was an 18'x8' with a GM 502. It had a 10 blade prop on it. What kind of prop is this? Why would you run a 10 blade prop versus the larger 2 or 3 blade props?

 

[rbjscott]

Look at Warp Drives web page Airboat Directory, right had top corner will get you there.

 

[marshmaster pat]

I believe those are warp drives. From 4 blades (maybe less) to up to 12 I think. Blades are same width from the tip to the hub.

 

[stan]

Back in the days before whirlwinds and powershifts warp drives were the ticket . I am kinda partial to them they respond well to pitching and running at low rpms .Stacking kills the weedeater sound.They also seem to run alot smoother.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree Stan, and you never hear of somebody blowin' one up because the blades don't have that much mass. They come out of the box pretty well matched, but you gotta stack em to get quiet.

BF

 

[pondflier]

Thanks everyone for your help in identifying it. Do the warp drives respond well to airboats with weight?

I am looking for a used airboat for use in my business of aquatic vegetation control. The boat will carry a lot of weight in it, but we're not trying to achieve top speeds. However, getting up on plane and off high ground with weight is important.

Will this type of setup gain low end torque for heavy load use, or are these prop setups for high RPM, high speed use?

I saw this GM 502/10 blade warp drive on a 18'x8' Trail Boss airboat made in Baytown, TX. Does anyone know of the Trail Boss boat? Are they a reputable company and boat manufacturer?

Thanks in advance! Love this site...it's a wealth of knowledge!