I'm running a 312 with 496HO and 30 lab finished bravo props. The boat is only pulling 4,500 RPM (72 MPH GPS) . I tried 28P(non-Lab) and still could only get 4,600 rpm (70 MPH GPS) out on the motors. I just can't believe that 26P is the way to go. Could it be the motors? Any ideas on where to go from here?

26p bravo is probably the best prop for that engine and boat setup.

Depends on gear ratio. Most of the 312's left the factory with 1.65 gear Bravos and 30P props. If someone put 1.50 gear on the boat then 26's could be the right props????

(I had a 312 w/ 502's, 1.65 Bravos and 30P props.......ran 72-74 GPS regularly (77 on speedo)

yes i forgot to check the drive ratio. 1.5 would be best with the 26p. 1.65 should be 30p. as stated above. mine has 502's with 32p's and im wanting to try 30's to see how it would run.

I had the same type of set up as t500hps. 30p prop.

I think the rev limiter was set at 5200. With the 30 pitch prop I would hit the rev limiter once in awhile in the spring and fall.