have 454 mpi in my 98 253 with a 23 p mirage prop put about a hour on the boat today just cruising around mostly about 35 mph and went through about 100 bux in gas is that right? I was thinking about putting a 25 or 26 4 blade on it. I am thinking that will help th fuel mileage alittle.

its close to 5000 rpms at wot. that why I was thinking alittle more prop. at about 32-35 its at about 3300 rpms

I would not go any higher then a 24p bravo 1 4 blade. If you have a stock 454 in that 253 a 26p will be to much prop. That 23 sounds about right for your set up

How much are you paying for a gallon of gas

strange, my boat has a great cruz speed. at 3400 rpm im at about 42 mph 3600-3800 in just about 50 mph. top speed sucks tho at about 60-62 depending on the load.

paying about 3.05 a gallon.

noyzee- what kind of boat do you have and what prop is on it?

Looks like you used about 33 gallons, seems a little much for an hour of just cruising ?

ya thats what i thought!

I have a 95 253 509 procharged. If I cruise at 3000-3400
rpms turning Bravo 1 34p. I'll use about 11 gallons an hr. If I run hard I seem to use 11 gallons a minute!

so i am thinking either a 24 bravo 1 or a 25 3 blade.

A 25p will be to much also if you are stock in your boat. A 24p bravo,, I really think will be pushing it to much.

You say you have a 23 turnning a hair under 5000 rpms maybe 22p bravo 1 4 blade would be a better choice the more I think about it.

What HP is your engine