Had a '97 253. Boat ran 105 gps with about 1100hp. Always ran a hydromotive 4 blade 28 with 1.36 gears. Boat handled very well with the 4 blade. The 251 is narrower than 253/259/270.

I had a 23 Mirage on my 229 and went to a 24 Hydromotive at the end of the season. It really changed the attitude of the boat. It's much more stable at top end and upper mid range. The Mirage was probably a couple mph faster but didn't feel lie much more than the delta pad was in the water. Chine walking was scary. I can run wide open now and remain in control.

I have a '99 259 with a 454 magnum, stock except for Gil Exhaust. Runs 67 on g.p.s. , 73 on speedo. I am turning a 4 blade Bravo 24 pitch wheel. I am real happy with the ride for now, I am not looking to do anything else at least untill the warranty expires.

We are running a 251 with a stock 454. We see 60 on gps. I think I am going to do some more prop testing in the Spring and try to get one or two more. Currnently, we are running a 23 Mirage+. What are you thoughts on a Hydromotive Turbo. Do you think I should try a 24 first and see what happens? Also, what are your thoughts on a 24 Bravo 1? I am pleased with the handling right now but would like to see 61 or 62. Thanks.

mpally,

What kind of R's are you turning with that prop?? Is that a Mag motor or a 330??

Seems to me if you go up in pitch you may loose R's and loose mph. May need to pitch down.

It is the 330 454, not a mag. Currently, we see about 4200 and about 60 on gps. Does Hydro or Bravo make a 22 4 blade? I now CM's love the turbo, but I have not tried one yet.

Mpally,
I have not tryed a hydromotive 4 blade yet but I have tryed 21 merc revolution 4blade=Good rideLots of bow lift@wot58mph 4600rpm,21mirage 3 blade 59-60 @4800 bouncing of the rev limiter,23mirageplus 59@4500Seamed to vibrate at low rpm,s,23turbo vector 14.500 3-blade 61mph@around 4500rpm and a 23turbo 14.250 62mph @4600+- .I thought the turbo props have a better ride in the 3-blades.All speeds were on GPS on different days with 98 251 with a 310 hp efi
Hpe this helps
Dave

Mpally, I would try a 22 pitch Hydromotive Q-IV on your boat. As I said before my boat really loves the Q-IV. 89 251 Convincor.

Eric

Eric, did you see any increase in mph with the hydro? I am very satisfied with the handling with the 23 Mirage+, but I would like a mph or more. Thanks.

Mpally, I did'nt even try a top speed run with the 3 blade Mirage because it had so much blow out on planning and turning. And best I could get from a 26p(stock) Bravo 4blade prop was 72.3mph@5050. I switched to a labbed 26p Hydromotive and got 75.2mph@5150. All on GPS. Also, the Hydro handled better and had no chine walk. The 26 Bravo prop had major chine walk. The 26 Bravo did plane well and turn well at cruise speeds. But that's it.

Eric