HELP with Scarab 23 prop

airshares · 07-09-2004, 12:36 PM

I have a 97 Scarab 23. It came with a stock 454 and bravo 1 set up. The prop is a stainless mirage 3 blade 24 pitch (i think). I operate in the Ocean 95% of the time. Somedays when its rough the prop spins out constantly. Also seems like its struggling to get on plane with 4 people in the boat. I want something with more bite but that wont sacrafice top speed too much. What should I buy that is reasonable? I was told to get a 4 blade Mirage but I dont know what a good pitch would be. Can someone help out?

TomR · 07-09-2004, 01:03 PM

The prop you have now, if it is a Mirage, would be either a 23" or 25"pitch. What is your max rpm & speed? The Scarabs tend to be a little bow heavy, so a 4 blade would not be my suggestion. You need a prop that will help carry the bow. The Mirage "Plus" would be a better choice! It has more cup built into it than the Mirage and will help the acceleration and cavitation.
Have you checked the pad for a hook? If you have any hook in the bottom it will tend to keep the bow down. I have found that this is common on the smaller Scarabs (under 29ft with a pad). By removing the hook you may gain anywhere from 2 ot 4 mph & will have more flexability when experimenting with props.
Once you nail down the right prop you may consider sending it out to be "lab finished" which will help maximize performance.

airshares · 07-09-2004, 01:18 PM

TomR thanks for the input. I think you are right. The prop is a 25 Pitch. This is my first boat and I am new to boating so I dont know what you mean by Hook or pad in the boat. Can you explain this to me?

throttleup · 07-12-2004, 09:16 AM

There are some 4 Blades that may help your situation. Feel free to call me.

Julie

TomR · 07-12-2004, 09:42 AM

The pad is on the last third of the bottom of the keel. It's approx 10" wide, and helps the boat higher in the water for less drag, almost like a ski.
Hook refers to just that, a hook in the bottom of the boat. If you take a straight edge at least 3ft long and place it along the bottom of the boat (in any given area), look on the pad area on your boat first, with one end at the transom and then look to see if you if there is any gap between the straight edge and the bottom of the boat. The effect that a hook has is almost like a mini trim tab, tends to keep the bow down which is turn takes more energy to carry the bow for maximum speed.

airshares · 07-12-2004, 01:08 PM

TomR, If I have a hook. How would I remove it? I also did check and I have a 25 Pitch Mirage Plus. 3 blade.

TomR · 07-12-2004, 04:50 PM

Airshares, Unless you have done a little bit of fiberglass work you may want to find someone that specializes in fiberglass repair.
Depending on how bad it is, you could sand it out and then re-gelcoat, or you could fill it and sand it smooth and then apply finish.
Family and Performance Boating Magazine did an article a few months back. It was a 22ft Scarab that picked up 4mph after the hook was removed.

airshares · 07-12-2004, 06:31 PM

Talked to Julie at Throttle-up and learned some good information. Im going to try the 4 blade Bravo 1 soon. Thanks Julie.

Bryan