We got the new to us 2005 42' Ex up and running this weekend. 525 EFI's staggered. What a great boat. The props on the boat are 32P Bravos. They don't seem right. The boat seemd to struggle out of the hole and mid-range acceleration was not what I expected. Top end was just over 80. I am not sure of the WOT RPM's. Any advice on what to run will be appreciated.

How many rpms are you turnng with your current props? That speed seems quite low for that power. You might be better off with a 5 bladed prop, but you should still be running faster than that with a Bravo. Check the rpms you are running at WOT. Someone will be able to tell you the number. I'm sure there are a number of boats with your exact set-up on the board.

I wasn't pushing the boat due to rebuilding the port engine and breaking it in. I will get some better WOT and RPM numbers and post them. I just got some info on getting the boat out of the hole from another guy who has one. He said to try starting off with the tabs about 1/2 way down instead of all the way. He said it would improve the hole shot and not tend to blow out the prop. It is a learning process with this boat.

You may also find that 5B props will be a great improvemnet over 4B props......42' is a lot of boat for 4B props.

Julie

Thats what I thought, but the boat is new. We are going to Destin for the Poker run and I will be able to get some good rpm, mph, & wot numbers and seat time. Thanks for the info and I will post the numbers when I get back and start looking for some new props. What are the advantages to the 5 blade over the 4 blade? Will the 525 efi handle the 5B? The boat just seems sort of sluggish through the rpm range although the HP is there.

5 blade maximus props work very well on this hull. we have a 42 here full stagger 525 with max's and she run's great.

What's your top speed and rpm's with the 5B? What pitch? What about Hydromotive? Sorry for all of the questions.

I had the exact same boat from the factory with same props as you (32" Bravos)...and the same sluggish mid range. Switched to Hydro 30" P5x's and had them labbed...gained 2mph on top end and a TON of mid range....these worked perfect for me.

Thanks, that is exactly the way the boat felt, sluggish. I will start looking for some new props.

gerritm:

I'll be reading with interest as I have the same boat and props as you and the same issues. My props blow out very easily getting up unless I tab down to about 5 and go very slowly.