I have a 2001 29 with 500efi. I have a new 26 bravo and a refurbished 28 bravo. The 26 is the better of the two from hole to top end speed. I wanted to see what you all have found to be the best prop for top speed with my set up? The boat originally came with a 26 hydro.

Let me know what you all have experienced please.

Thanks
Mark

What X-dim and what drive ratio? Our 2000 29 (old deck style, ie, no built-in anchor locker or swim ladder, and ~ 300 lb lighter) came with a 24P LH hydro and had a 1.50:1 drive ratio. Tried a 25P LH hydro and it seemed to struggle a little too much getting on plane. It ran about the same speed which was right at 73 mph gps. Reggie report said 74.5 mph with the 24P Hydro, from the factory. The Hydro would blow out, though, in normal turns. On later years, at higher X's, they would blow out just trying to get on plane (which is what our 2002 575 29 Fever would do with a Hydro Q-IV on it). Our 2002 with 575 ran best with a 28P B1 prop, with no blow out. If you have a 1.50 and higher X, probably the 26 B1 prop would be a good all around prop. 28 would probably be a little too much for a stock 500 EFI, considering that is what our 575 29 Fever ran best with at ~ 81 mph. Usually, the Hydro Q-IV props had a little better top end speed (1-2 mph, maybe), but gave up some mid range efficiency.

I tried the 26 B1 and got good results but switched to a 24 Hydromotive 4 blade. The 26 was good and I got low slip numbers with it, almost too low for my comfort so the hydro did almost the same thing performance wise but a little more slip. I do kind of wish I had the 26 still

I run a labbed 26P LH Bravo on my 525SC and like it . I think the 26 is a good overall prop IMO.

Thanks guys! I do not know the x dim. or gear ratio though I assume it is whatever is standard. It does not have built in ladder or anchor locker. Reggie's report on mine said 77mph with a 26 hydro. Not too sure about that really. Most people I have asked think a labbed 26 bravo will be the best all around and top end. I have had it to 74 quite a few times. I would like to get it to 74 everytime out and 75 all conditions right.

try a left hand prop in whatever pitch you like best

I'm curious on the same topic. I have the same boat and power in my 01. I run a right hand turn, but I'm not sure on my x dimension. I recently tried the hydromotive quad Iv 26 pitch, and didn't have alot of luck. It was a nightmare on take off with it blowing out everytime getting on plane. I recently talked to an engineer at mercury about a possible bravo prop. I am currently running a bravo 26 stainless, which runs very well, but the boat does run 5300-5400 rpm, so I'm looking to drop 100 off of the rev limiter if possible. He told me they could take a 28, cup it to a 27, and with lap finish, would turn the rpm I'm looking for, with also a possible small gain at cruise and at wot. Anyone with thoughts on this?

Had '98 with a carb 500. Ran a 24 Hydro. 74.X. Never quite hit 75.

I agree with everybody saying the 26 B1 4 blade is a good prop. I just didn't feel comfortable with my prop slip being so low.