Martin:
We have been having trouble getting up on a plane with our new C248. I think we're more heavily loaded than most because we stay on board and carry a full compliment of crab and prawn traps as well as cooking gear etc.
I've been dealing with the boat manufacturer, through the local dealer, and they're proposing to supply a Powertech 5 blade prop to improve our hole shot. I'm guessing they're not talking about the channel surfing edition. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Channel Surfing edition is the same as the stock SCE5 except that it has an extended hub. Is this right? If so, would you mind summarizing the benefits of the extended hub?
Thanks,
Dennis
The extended exhaust tube (aka Channel Surfing edition) provides additional stern lift in the mid range and helps with hole shot. It'll improve fuel efficiency between 3 and 4k RPM (12-19 mph). There's no harm (or benefit) in having the tube at faster speeds.
I loaned my spare SCE5-15 Channel Surfing edition prop to the factory, who in turn, loaned it to another owner who's got a C248, to test. I've not heard back, but am pretty sure it's a good fit. I know a boater who put one on his C24 and saw significant improvement.
Also note, they can put the exhaust tube on other size and style props. The twin engine applications (C32, C302, C288 and S-310-SB) all do great with a pair of OFS5, 16 pitch, exhaust tube (Channel Surfing edition). It greatly improves their mid-range, which is where most of those boats would prefer to operate in. For me, the mid-range is important during that afternoon chop of 2 foot seas. I can slow the boat down to 15-18 mph, and have a more comfortable ride without falling off plane, sinking into the hole.
Personally, I wouldn't run a stock SCE5-15 on my boat. I did testing with one, it has no mid-range performance. If the factory is proposing to supply a PowerTech 5 blade prop, I would assume that to be the Channel Surfing edition they're talking about. But best to ask to be sure.
UPDATE: I asked the factory how the SCE5-15 Channel Surfing edition prop worked on the C248 they were testing.
"I have yours and ordered a new one. I sent it to BYS who put it on a customers boat. This customer had four people onboard, a kicker and a Gyro installed in the back. Full tank of fuel, water and well loaded boat. Max RPM was 5600 and got them on plane. They were happy." 
