Bravo 1 dissapointment

migara422 · 07-26-2004, 09:01 PM

I just tried a bravo 1 for the first time, i usually run 3 blade mirage, i was kinda happy to finally test 1, went to the lake today and it couln't been better, it was nice and calm so i had the 3 blade on and went for a ride, nice and top of 70, went to the dock to change props and the wind picked up and got rough in a matter of seconds, i was really happy then since this is what i wanted to test the 4 blade for, i went out and out of the hole is better but not that much, the speed at 3 and 4 thousand rpms are about identical and of course couple miles off top end, with the 25 mirage i turned 5000 rpms and with the 24 bravo 5100 at 68 on gps. I even chine walked some with the bravo 1 wich i was not specting to do at all, if i try a 26 bravo would it make any difference in handling at all or will be the same?
also it seemed that the bow was kinda flat like it didnt have enough bow lift, kinda dissapointed.

MACDAD260 · 07-26-2004, 09:15 PM

The B1 lifts the transom more than a Mirage. Sounds like your boat likes the 3 blade.

Tinkerer · 07-26-2004, 10:30 PM

If your boat can get on plane with a 3 blade that will be the best prop for your boat.
I had to change to a 4 blade because the boat was difficult to get on plane.
Then I went with the shorter drives and still really need the 4 blades.
I would like to try the 5 blades.

Mbam · 07-27-2004, 06:44 AM

Try a Mercury Revolution (it's a 4 blade), only problem is 23" is the max pitch, but it will pull just about the same RPM (maybe a 100 more) than the 25 Mirage. Lot's of rake, should carry the bow. Usually 2-3 MPH faster than the B1 prop. Your drive is probably pretty deep and as Tinkerer says the Mirage might be the best anyhow. Powerboat did a test a couple of years ago, loved it.

08-01-2004, 02:54 PM

I have a lab finished mirage 25 and a bravo 24 for my Baja 272 shooter. My experiences are dramatically different than yours. The 3 blade definitely yields a higher top speed, but the boat cruise speed, hole shot and general tractability are dramatically better with the 4 blade bravo. If your boat can do a full throttle holeshot with the 3 blade, stick with it. That is te simplest test. If it blows out, run the bravo.