activeshack - did you have any problem getting on plane with the B1s? There must have been a reason that you went to the 5 baldes. Are the XR drives standard on the boats now? Appreciate your input.

The boat was hard to get on plane. That was the main reason i went to the 5 blades. I was very happy with them especially after the mid-range improved so much. The 5 mph that i picked up cruising really helped with the gas mileage also. Don't know about the XRs. Mine didn't have them.

As I am considering upgrading, what drives did yours come with and what engines? Thanks.

496s and bravos

Active Shack - do you remember what your spec sheet from the factory listed as your top speed with 496s?
With 502s mine says 75mph - I would imagine your is a little more, some from the slightly increased hp, but probably more from the higher x-dim.

It was 78 mph and it would do it. I put Eddie Marine manifolds on and added 1" of pitch and some cup to the props and got it dialed in at 81 mph.