I have 2002 Baja 232 w/ 496 (375hp). Currently I only have 10hours on the engine, so maybe these numbers will change after brake in period. The boat came with a Mercury Marine Mirage Plus 23P 3 blade prop and I'm currently getting 64mph @ 4,800rpm with more throttle left. Manual says max rpm should be 4200 to 4400.
What size prop do you thing I can move up to?
Do you think this boat should have come with a larger prop?

Double check the book but I think the normal range for a regular 496 is 4400-4800rpm. The catch is that peak HP for this engine is reached at only 4600rpm and not 4800rpm. So, you may be right on with the 23". If you have "more throtle left" at 4800rpm, then maybe have Bronson Hill lab you a 25" but don't do anything until after break-in.

Thanks 29 OUTLAW

What options are available for spare props?
Something to get you back to the dock incase of emergency. More like an insurance policy than anything else.

WOW - as far as a spare prop to get you back to the dock, I don't know. When I was running a single engine boat I just made sure I had phone numbers for all the people I knew who had boats as well as the number for "Tow Boat US". Nowadays my emergency prop is attached to the "other" 496HO.

Propco makes a spare prop for emergencys only for 50 bucks that was tested by powerboat and sounded like a deal, other than that just anything that will line up to get on the trailer

4400-4800 is the reccomended rpm range for the 496MAG.

I'm surprised that they supplied you with a 23P. This is the second time I've heard of this. If you're turning 4800 with throttle left, you need more prop = 25P.

The other one I've heard is an H2X with 496MAG, same prop, also high rpms.

25 Outlaws(quite a bit heavier) come with 23P MP's when equipped with 496MAG's...They turn them just fine at about 4600rpm...

Try a labbed 25P after break-in and I think you'll see a bit more speed -- until then stick with the 23P(less strain on the engine until broken in)

Good Luck!

Another user (wild willy) of this board has a labbed mirage plus 25P and is willing to sell for $450.00.

First question is this a good price?
Second does any know is guy? If so is he cool to deal with?

I have been looking at the Islander 212 with the 6.2L, 320 HP and they all come with the SS 23 pitch. Does this sound right to you?

thanks,
Eric

Eric,
I would venture to guess(just a guess) that the 23 would be a good choice on that boat. The 212 Islander weighs 3550#, has a 20* bottom and should work well with 320HP.

In comparrison:
232 = 3900#, 23* bottom, 375HP, 23P(bcoffield too high rpms)
H2X = 3900#, 21* bottom, 375HP, 23P(friend too high rpms)

A buddy with a 25 Outlaw with the 375HP 496MAG was turning a 23P MP perfectly at 4600rpm(same HP above, more weight, deeper vee)

Mine with the 425HP 496MAG HO will turn the same prop(23P MP) at just a hair under 5000rpm.