I posted this on the general forum and got very little help.

My Hammer is hitting the rev limiters pretty easily. 310hp 7.4MPI, 1.50:1 Bravo I, 23p Mirage Plus.

The main recommendation I've heard so far is a labbed 25p Mirage Plus. I'd also like to consider a B1 prop but wouldn't know what size to try.

Any tips, recommendations, etc would be appreciated.

I also need names/URLs/phones of reputable shops that will let you try props without buying them (by putting up a deposit or whatever.) I want to be able to go through a few props before deciding.

Thanks!

Ran into the same problem with my 25 w/ the stock 23 mirage. I opted for the 24B1 labbed. I got back to about the same top end and the 23 after lab finishing. Midrange is the trick as well as hole shot. Also the 4 blade doesn't blow out at all in sharp corners which is just plain nice. If all you want is top end the the 25 labbed would most likely be the ticket. For better all around I recommend as I am sure most others will the B1. High end Merc certified dealerships will let you try merc props. I believe on the Merc website you can get a list of the shops that are on the demo program. If you can't get the list points of contact will be listed that you can call. You may also be able to have more cup put into you 23 to take you off the limiter and pick up a little more top end for less money than going with new prop. Just remember it is always nice to have that spare prop around for when you need to repair dings or if you are going somewhere that you aren't all to familiar with the waterways. Dinging the leading edge of your thousand dollar labbed prop really sucks bad. I always put me 23 on if the tide is low or I am in strange waterways. Best of luck.
Larry

I used to have a Hammer with the 7.4 carb motor(300hp). We used to run the 23+25 mirage props depending on weather but stumbled across the Hydromotive Turbo series. I ran a 24p Turbo and my buddy used to run the 26p Turbo( he had manifolds+ intake upgrades). The top end stayed pretty much the same but the boat handled better then the Mirage props. This is still the same prop he runs on his Hammer. I dont have an opinion on the B1 with the Hammer because of never using one but JAX is correct about the better bite which should also help handling. The QIV would probably give you the best handling out of all the props mentioned but you will lose some top end. Good luck!

I think you should try the Hydromotive Q-IV that baja2x105 mentioned. And by gosh I have one for sale. Seriously, it's a 24P RH that I bought used about 4 weeks ago. The prop is in great shape. I tried it on my Baja 240 with a 502 Mag NA, the hole shot and midrange was great and but my drive sits deeper than your Hammer and caused a little too much stern lift. If you can turn a 25 Mirage labbed you could turn this Hydro fine. BTW the price is $260 plus shipping. email me if your interested [email protected]

KC, I have a 24 3b Turbo from Hydromotive. This may be a great prop for you if your having stern lift problems. Let me know what you yhink! I would be interested in your QIV. Thanks

Are you hitting it alot or just a little at very WOT? A board member pitched his 23 to a 24. It was a huge pig out of the hole but stayed off the rev limiter. I'm pretty sure you won't be able to pull a 25 unless you have a higher than normal X, blue printed hull or some other mods.

Brian

I can hit the limited without the throttle all the way up every time I go out. REALLY easy to hit it.

On the other hand, it's already a dog out of the hole... which is why I'm thinking maybe a Bravo I...

I need tabs pretty bad, but I want Merc K-Planes and they just aren't in the budget right now.

Caincando1, Believe it or not, When I had my Hammer it came with a 25 Mirage from the factory. I do believe that a 25 from a different company may be a bit much thanks to the slippery action from the Mirage props. Other than that the 25 Mir. was right in the correct rpm zone on my carbed Hammer. Go figure!

The Hammer is a pig out of the hole with alot of props. I had to put on Bennett 12x16 dual ram tabs to water ski. And with people in the back-Forgetta boudit! The balance of the Hammer is a bit off thanks to a 21' boat with a heavy big block. That balance also seems to screw up the handling of Hammers. They are a handfull to drive with a bow lifting prop. The tabs made a great addition to my Hammer and I never had a problem with them. There are a few people I know that bought the Bennetts with the same results. Merc. makes a great tab, but for the money and your boat style---Get the Bennetts. I wouldn't lie to you! Oh yeah, Don't forget a drive shower .

lol... the shower is on the list, right after the prop... followed by tabs later this summer.

I'm toying with the idea of doing an engine swap for a HP500EFI and adding dual hydraulic steering this winter. It's a big maybe at this stage, but I might do it.