Prop choices for twin 242LS?
 

Any of you guys with twin SBC-powered 242LS's, (and F233's) tried a bunch of different props? I've been thinking of trying something new, maybe the Rev4's, and just wondered what others have found works and doesn't.
I'm presently running 'old technology' 3-blade 21" Merc cleavers- spin about 5200 RPM, GPS with full fuel, two people, and gear at 68.7 mph (twin 350+/-hp). They seem to work fairly well, I just know they're not real efficient at cruise.
I really don't care about hole-shot; not good for an Alpha anyway. We do quite a bit of cruising around 3500- 3800.
Jim

YOU NEED TO TRY A SET OF REV FOUR'S 19& 21PITCH SEE WHAT YOU GET FOR RPMS/LET ME KNOW IF I CAN HELP.

I'm running 23" Mirage props. I don't know what the top end is, I haven't taken it there yet due to it gets real squirelly above 50 mph. I just bought a tie bar to try to alleviate the squirelly rear end. I also have a pair of 21 Cleavers that I haven't tried yet.

Jafo whats with the Formula should'nt you be consintrating on the Thunder? I have a set of 23 Mirages on my boat if you want to try them next summer.
Don

Jafo Props
 

I tried a set of 23 Mirage props a while back on my 84 242.
Big diff. in the crusing RPMs. Lost the top end as compaired to my 24" merc cleavers.
I was just going over some old posts and ran in to pics of your bolsters. Wow nice shape. Yours looks factory new. if you haven't done so already you cantake apart the helm [it is in two section] and change the angle of the wheel. Its an easy fix. Did mine a while back.
May I ask what the specs on your new small blocks are ?? Your top end is very respectable, nope make that damn respectable for a boat thats about 5200 lbs. Did you go for nose cones ?
My mouse motors are punched 40, dart 2 heads, roller tip rockers, Cams [ specs on request]. Chevy, Z/28 iron, high rise intakes, Holley dual feed 650s. merc 4" exhaust straight thru rasied above the water line.
have Bobs machine shop nose cones. They do work as far as handeling , tracking and use a lot less trim. BUT They really suck as far as keeping the blending [ filler] in place more than a seasion.
NO gps, but figure around 68 mph, two people, half tank of high test 9 50 to 60 gallons]
Love to see pics of yours if you get the chance.
Good LUCK

I have a 355 in my 86 F3LS. Im using a Michiagan Ballistic. It's 2 mph faster than my Mirage Plus and 1.5 mph faster than my Mirage. All this per GPS and at rpm......Little info out there on this prop. I have done lots of searching and found several people who have them and have heard NOTHING but great things on them.......try this to get an idea on them http://www.ballisticprops.com/MIWhee.../ballisitc.htm

Raven-
Here are a few pics of the '86 F242LS-
BTW for those interested, this boat may be for sale late winter or early spring- around $20K, slightly negotiable.

Engines- 355's @ 9.7:1, Sportsman 64cc pocket ported heads, Isky cams, Comp magnum rockers (1.6:1 on intakes only), Edelbrock Performer RPM intakes, tuned/modified Q-jets, EMI Thunder exhaust, Thunderbolt IV ignition, Gaffrig flame arrestors- have about 30 hours total.

Alpha drives, Simrek showers, Drew stabilizers, External drive reservoirs, WPM tie-bar.......

Cockpit is all original, McCleod interior option installed at the Formula factory- to my knowledge, few of these exist. Cabin is original as well. If I keep this boat, I'll update the instrument panel, and install better throttles/shifters. Probably put on a counter-rotater Alpha while I'm at it.:)
Love this boat! The 242 is one of the best 24' boats out there!