What Is Propeller "Labbing"?

[Carl C]

I've thought of labbing as basically blueprinting and lightening a prop by thinning areas of each blade and polishing all rough edges and checking and truing each blade to make sure there are identical. I have seen it said more than once in magazines, by people who know, that it is better to buy a factory labbed prop than to take one to a prop shop where you really don't know if you'll get your money's worth.

Lately there have been some posts that indicate that labbing is more like customizing a prop to your needs and your boat. Two shops have been recommended: BBlades and Throttle Up. I do not dispute the reputation of either shop as I recognize the names.

So what exactly is "labbing" and is it better to buy a factory labbed prop or find your best prop first and then have it labbed at one of the mentioned shops?

What if you don't have any issues to resolve and simply want a prop that is as perfect and efficient as possible? How many rpms will you pick up after labbing if no significant changes are made to the pitch or design?

[WingWing]

for a pretty detailed explanation:

http://www.throttle-up.com/services3.htm

[BigGrizzly]

The term has expanded. It originally was thinning and blueprinting now it is everything

[blackhawk]

Yep, a "basic lab" is blueprinting the prop so all blades are identical and thinning the blades to get more rpm and hopefully more speed. But now you can get a "custom lab" for your boat. A good shop can help with bow lift, stern lift, chine walk, prop blowout, etc, etc in many cases(not all).

[glashole]

not to get off topic but based on experience who would be the prefered prop specialist to lab a set of blackhawk props?

[blackhawk]

not to get off topic but based on experience who would be the prefered prop specialist to lab a set of blackhawk props?

I don't think you can go wrong with Throttle Up or Bblades. I will be using Bblades just because he is closer and has already taken a lot of time to answer my questions.