Best Prop

[G-BUSTER]

I own a 1996 242 Convincer. Currently I am running a 25 pitch Mirage. The boat has a 502 and spins this prop 4300 RPM wide open with 2 people and a full tank of gas. I would like to increase the top end and overall drivability, any suggestions on a Prop change?
Thanks,
Steve H.

[G-BUSTER]

I own a 1996 242 Convincer. Currently I am running a 25 pitch Mirage. The boat has a 502 and spins this prop 4300 RPM wide open with 2 people and a full tank of gas. I would like to increase the top end and overall drivability, any suggestions on a Prop change?
Thanks,
Steve H.

[175checkmate]

Welcome to the board. Can't help you but I am sure someone will.

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/avatars/rooster_3.jpg


1975 Checkmate Tri-mate 2, 2.4 200+

[Eriktheviking]

G-Buster,
Your RPM's should be higher at WOT. Your full throttle operating range is between 4800-5200 rpm's. Try a 23 Mirage and see what happens.You should get the rev's up. Another member has recomended using a labbed 24 Bravo 1 four blade. I have yet to try one but I guess they work well on your size boat.Good Luck http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[Bill]

from the sounds of the RPM's, a 22p Bravo would work better than the 24p Bravo. Anytime you go from a 3 blade to 4 blade, youneed to drop 1 inch in pitch size

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 24p Bravo 1

[G-BUSTER]

Bill,
Thanks. I had tried a friends 4 blade 24 and was able to actually bring the RPM up a couple hundred. I also liked the way the boat seemed to come on plane quicker. Was thinking a 22 might be the way to go but wanted some input before I went that route. Any advice on a Bravo vs a Hydromotive?
Thanks again,
Steve

[Bill]

G-Buster,

I have heard nothing but good things about the hydromotive. I want to try one, but do not know where to get a loaner... I currently run a 24p Bravo and love it. I lost about 3mph from the Mirage but well woth it for hat I gained in handleing. I am going to get a second Bravo and have it labbed finished which I have been told will gain 4mph from that. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 24p Bravo 1

[vinny p.]

I would definetly recommend running a 4 blade. You would improve your mid-range dramatically over a conventional 3 blade. If you choose to go with a Bravo 1 4 blade, remember that Merc. labels this prop at its' maximum pitch. Other companies like Hydromotive rate their props at its' average pitch. This means that a Bravo 1 24" pitch is actually a 22.5" pitch prop. Don't ask me why but that is the way it was done.
I would also recommend getting the prop labbed. You wont believe the difference. I went from a stock 24 Bravo to a labbed 26 Bravo and picked up 4 m.p.h. while dropping 50-100 r.p.m. The only thing that suffered is the hole shot--it takes longer to pull up on plane with my 26" but I don't care. After all, this isn't a MasterCraft I am running.