Just swapped for a set of 22 hydromotives. I'll try those and if they are close get them lab finished to the right rpm. I could spin 22 bravo 1's to 5000 rpm so I'm guessing that the 22 hydromotives will be in the 4700-4800 range before the lab finish and 5000 after.

Put new 23 Hydro's on this afternoon ...went out late just before dark and ran about 30 minutes...They are different ..not sure if they are better ....did 50@ 33-3400 ..I dont think I'll get 5000 rpm ..and might loose a cpl of mph ..will run some more this week and post results ..

Offthefront - What did you notice for a difference?

Mike, one thing I noticed, and did, was as I got up into the top rpm range, with the boat riding at a better attitude, I was able to trim the drives out further and still get "bite" than I could with the old Mirage 3 blades. That alone counted for almost 200 rpms. So when you "wind her up" try experimenting with the drives. Oops, forgot, you don't have a reference point because your indicators have not been working. Well, just trim them out until you lose bite and see what happens.

Is your silent thunder box modified at all or is is still stock? I don't think that would have a direct impact on "prop vs. prop", it was just actually just a question.

We have pretty much the same boat, don't know why you would lose rpms and I gained. That doesn't make sense. Especially since I'm spinning 24's. You with your 23's would be even easier (a tiny bit I admit) to spin up. Keep me posted, I'm real interested in how this works out. Worst case scenario you could get them labbed if finances allow. This would pick up some rpms.

You should have certainly noticed the difference in getting up on plane and midrange performance. Russ

i've got 17" 29 4 blade props, spinica types not sure who by, takes 40 seconds 5000 rpm to get out the hole. 70mph

I would much rather have ones with more low down grunt what do you suggest?

502 w/8.71 blowers ssmV drives

Sounds to me like the boat has been rigged all wrong. If it's taking that long to get on plane I'd suspect the drives are set way to high. My boat (89' 311 SR-1, and when it's in the water) is on plane in about four seconds and that's taking it easy on it.

With what I've read on your other threads, with the power you have you should easily be in the mid/high 80's if properly rigged.