I have a 2008 353 with 496 HO's running 28" Bravo props that came with the boat new. Getting 70-71 top end at only 4700 rpm. Also seems like I am having to give the boat too much trim to get 70. Big rooster tail. I am thinking I may need a new prop setup. Advice on which props are the best to use on a 353/496 combo would be appreciated.

been there done that

put 26's on it you'll be much happier!
quicker to plane
lower min planing speed
better accel and throttle response to move the boat around in the rough
no loss in top end in fact I gained, boat runs 72/3 everyday heavy and has run 74/5 quite a few times
GPS top speeds all at 4900~5000

it's that simple!
night and day difference

they send all the black motored stuff OTD over-propped IMO
gave the same advice to a local with a sluggish 29...
loves the boat now!
as do I mine

Good to know. I have a friend that had a 2001 353, first boat they made with the HO's. They put 30P on it. It was not good out of the hole, about 72 max on the best day. I never thought it was prop'd quite right. We talked about trying the 28 labbed 4 blades I had at that point but never got around to it. I bet it would have been lots better with them.

As usual,Rippem is right

Thanks Rippem, Just looked at your response. Been gone since before Thanksgiving. I will give it a try.

A 2008 353 ? What are the drive ratios? huge difference between 26 and 30's .... I would think the 353 running 30's would have 1.65 drives ... I have some 26's might be interested in trading for the 28's .......m

I have a 1998, 353 with 500hp carb, stelling ext. boxes, and fresh bravo 1XRs, and 4-blade, 30p labbed props. On a freshwater lake, I get a consistant 82 on GPS, and can go 85 in good conditions (also low on fuel) at 5200rpms. I don't know a ton about props, but these are the best that I have had.

However, it isn't great out of the hole, so I guess a lot depends on what you are looking for. I don't really see the need to be great out of the hole anyways, considering that it's hard on your drives to hammer it out of the hole, just my $0.02.

I have 2006 353 with 525 EFI's
I am running 5 blade 28's.
I was just giving some 6 blades to try has anyone ever been down this road.

Get 80 out of 28's on GPS.

Rodney

huge difference between 496's and those 525's .....

496 HO boat!