2000 Baja 302 props
 

Hi everyone,

I have a 2000 Baja 302 with the 7.4L MPI (310hp) engines, bravo one (1.50R) ourdrives and the stock 3-blade Mirage Plus 25P props.

I'm looking to get a little more bite out of the hole and a little more top-end if possible. I know these might be opposing objectives, so that's why I'm asking you guys.

When coming out of the hole, I definitely have to ease her on plane (with tabs fully down), then I can raise the tabs and punch it and she responds as expected. I get right at 65mph top speed on the GPS and I get there pretty quick.

I heard that Baja went to 4-blade props in 2002 and wondered what the benefits were.

So, a few questions...

1. Would 4-blade props be better?
2. Can I get more top-end with different props, and if so, what kind of sacrifice would I make at the low-end?
3. Any particular prop recommendations?

As always, thanks to you all in advance,
-Michael

If you can get on plane with a 3 blade, a 4 blade will likely be slower, but faster on plane. Try a set of 25" Revolution 4 on it and see how it works for you. I think that B1's will be slower, both out of the hole and on top end than the Rev4's + the B1's have less bowlift than the Rev4's as well. Of course you could get what you have now, or might purchase, labbed.

I ran 22" 4 blades on my '99 302 with 7.4s. Hole shot and mid range was great but top end suffered a little. 62 ish.

I got 63 and change out of 23" Mirage, but preferred the mid range punch from the 4 blades.

In my opinion the 24" 4 blade and 25" 3 blade is a little much for your setup, but your top end numbers are already better than most. However, load your boat with weight and planing is a pain like you said. Everythiing is a trade off:)

The 25" 3-blades are what came on the boat new. Why would you think they are "too much?" I'm not arguing, just trying to understand.

Would a 5-blade 25" add anything?

They went to 4 blades because they raised the X dimension on most models 4 blades are IMO a huge improvement how often do you run at WOT most of the time I'm guessing your around 3500-4000 where you'd benefit from a 4 blade. I'd guess you'll need 22p Bravo's

23" 3 blade Mirage solid hubs is what came on my 302 new.

I spend a good bit of time at WOT. The lake here is about 30 miles from end-to-end and I put in at the top and we zoom to the bottom for dinner... usually a high-speed run before darkness sets in, and then a 25mph cruise back home after dark.

Many of you have mentioned "trying" a certain prop to see how it goes, but at $500-$1000 each, that's a lot of expensive "trying." Is there a place that lets you guys borrow a prop to see how well it does before you buy it? I don't know of anyone around here who stocks props in order to lend them out.

Thanks,
Michael

Bblades has a prop test program

I have the exact same set-up. Mine came w 23p Mirage Plus from the factory. Max I ever saw is 65mph GPS. (with a stiff tailwind) I can't get near the rev limiter tho. What RPM are you turning? I can't get 'er above 4200 with those props. Think the 7.4mpi maxes out around 4400, iirc.

I think its 4600. I couldn't turn 25 three blades or 24 4 blades to my liking. Especially with some weight in the boat. Ill admit though im more of a cruiser and rarely run wot

4650 is where I could hear my rev limiter on my 2000 29Outlaw hit. 29, and 302 hulls are almost identical as both models fit the same trailer. I think we were back and forth between 23's and 25's on the 302 around that time. I know we did not want solid hubs on 7.4 MPI's. My 29 came with the 25 Mirage stock and I hated them from day one. Could NOT get it to even plane off in 4' swells on Lake Erie. Tested many props and the 24 stock bravos would turn 4400, and 4450 on the other motor. Tested Labbed 24's and they turned 4600 RPM (even) on both engines. (perfect) Never tested 23" Revolution's, but they would also be a good choice. Keep in mind that older boats tend to gain weight due to water logged foam, and wood if neglected.

XT

I finally made it back out to the lake. At WOT, I'm turning 4600 RPM with a top GPS speed of just over 66mph. This is on the stock 3-blade 25P's.

Sounds to me you're right where you want to be. I never saw those speeds with either my 302 or 29 OL with 7.4s. Like XT said, labbed 24s would most likely give you the hole shot and mid range, but you'll lose a couple MPH on the top end. Pick your poison....