That's fast!...which 454 did you have horsepowerwise...The very best I've ever done is 67 with 425hp 496MAGHO.

Daze,
Just curious, what type of prop are spinning? Do you think my buddy with the '01 25 Outlaw the the 496 MAG HO speed of 67-72 is accurate? I think he is turning the 23 Rev 4 prop?

Luv-N-it,
I alternate between a 23" Mirage+ and a 25" Lab-finished Marage+ That speed was with the 25P prop, light on fuel and only myself on board. This was, however, on a fairly hot day.

I don't know much about the Rev4's, but I would say that, yes, the speed is about right based on the pitch. I also understand that the rev4 doesn't knock-off a couple mph from a 3-blade like the Bravo1 does. So, based on that, your buddy's speed's are close.

Daze,

385HP. The only thing I did to it was add a Vortec flame arrestor and their Maxflow Fuel Optimizer. Best run prior to that stuff was 68.2. Don't know if they really added any MPH, of if it was just conditions. The boat was very light at the time, temps were in the mid-60s.

Daze,I am impressed with the 496 MAG HO. I'm not going to tell you anything you already don't know, but man, I think this motor is a little on the conservative side of 425 HP. What do you think?

I have a 96 272 w/502 another friend has an '01 272 with the 496 MAG HO and he seeing speeds of 65-70 MPH! I typically see 62-66 MPH. Speedo MPH. We both turn the 23 Mirage.

Cool, thanks BajaDude!

gashn1,
If you want to regain some speed, switch to a 23P or 25P Labbed Mirage plus. They will be faster. The 25P may be a little on the high-side, though, and you will only be able to use it when light. The 23 is great for all around use. That's the dilema I have, too. I like the 25P when light but it is no good when I have a full load of fuel and people. That's when I use the 23P

However, the Bravo1 prop you have on now probably handles better, gets on plane quicker, stays on plane at lower speeds and is less likely to blow-out in turns. It's a trade-off, but what in life isn't?

I agree completely, in most cases, it is definately conservative.
And don't forget, with the latest CG regulations, all marine engines are rated at the prop...So there's actually a lot more HP at the crank. Besides that the way the rating system works it's like all engines produced need only be within 10% of the rated figure. I think Merc chose to go conservative this time.

Hey man, welcome to the board. Tank only has one ball......................

Welcome to Baja land