I'm doing some propeller research in preparation for hauling the Cabo later this season. My boat is a 2005 40' Cabo Convertible. Engines = 700 hp CAT C12's Transmissions = ZF 325A 1.485:1 Props = Federal EQY 4 Blade Nibral 26X32 Cabo Yachts Sea Trial (C40FB)Props = Michigan HX400 26X32, 0.85DAR #3 Cup I have been reading some info on the Veem props as well, however I never had a boat with these. My pervious Cabo 35 Express had Michigan DQX. Are the Veem props paired more towards the Common rail MAN Cabo's? Let me know your thoughts. Looking for a good match for this hull w/Cat C12's.
If you’re replacing, I would consider Veem Interceptors. We installed them on our previous C12 powered Tiara 42 open and were happy with them. Picked up a little speed at cruise (.75 kt) and they were a bit more efficient.
I went with the Veem Interceptors when I did my repower. I’m very happy with them and Veem did a great job recommending the right size, # of blades and pitch. Even with all the boat changes I made the props were great right out of the box. Even my CAT techs at trials told me not to touch the props. They are perfect for my new C-18’s.
Sounds like Veem Interceptors are the way to go. I spoke to the owner of another local Cabo 40 that is also very happy with the Veem wheels. Excellent high end and overall performance. He also had Federal props previous and experienced a 2-1/2 knot improvement after the Veem wheels were installed. I will let you know what the local Veem distributor recommends for the C-12's.
No, the Veems are not geared towards MAN or Cat. Veems were by far the best props Cabo put on their boats. They just happened to end up on more MAN boats due to the era of when Cabo was using them, before Brunswick then cut costs and went michigan/federal. The Veems were generally about 2 knots faster on the same Cabo's and less Vibration and they're a stronger prop.
Wildcat is the distributor? Veems are good wheels, but don't get the interceptors. They are very difficult or impossible to fix after a hit and aren't needed. They'll get the wheels right, save the money and headache.
Yes I spoke to Brian at Wildcat Propellers...very helpful. I gave them the specs on my boat with the C12's and should have some info soon. Looks like 11 week lead time from order to delivery. From everything I'm seeing they will be worth the wait.
I ended up having my Federal wheels adjusted. Wildcat Props reduced the pitch slightly which reduced the load on the C12 CATS and virtually eliminated sooting issue I was seeing on the transom. I lost about a knot at the top end, however the boat is performing very nicely at cruise (24-25 knots).
Hey Capt M, Owner of a 40 Cabo X with Cats here. Would love to discuss prop specs and performance numbers with you as I’ve been going down this road a while now.
My props were re-pitched last time and as I remember my re-pitch numbers are very close to what your running. During my sea trial after going back in the water with a fresh coat of bottom paint, Federal props serviced, new cutlass bearings, and PSS seals everything ran great! Speed/RPM numbers below: 1,415 hrs 2357 RPM WOT 34knots I believe the hull on the 40 Conv and 40 X are the same. My convertible might be a bit heavier with the superstructure and flybridge. I think the travel lift guy was seeing 32,000 lbs when my boat was in the slings.
that’s what my 40 Convert. w/800 Man’s weighed as well.. 32-34k depending on fuel on board. i believe my boat ran 29x38’s w/veems. i have the spare set of mi wheels down in the cellar.. if anyone is interested fwiw
Just checked my prop scans from the service on my (4) blade Federal wheels back when I had the Cabo out of the water in November 2022. Initial pitch as measured: 26"X31" Re-pitched to: 26"X 29.5" Also - I found my Veem quotes for new props. Quote (1) They specified a (5) blade prop: 24.5" X 32.5" I've seen a 45' Cabo with (5) Blade Veems. Any 40' Cabo's with Veems out there? Quote (2) They specified a (4) blade prop: VEEM offered a second sizing option for your vessel but determined it was only 97% efficient as the optimum sizing. Please see below. VEEMSportfish-C propellers 24.5" diameter x 32.9" pitch x 4 blade with 100% B.A.R. and 2.5" SAE taper bore
I'm assuming the "92" & "93" bottom center is engine load. Further assuming you were on the pins and governor holding WOT @ 2357. Do you see taller loads full of fuel? Full of fish, ice and crew? When mother in-law is onboard? Climbing the back of a swell?