You are talking apples and oranges. Pre 496 boats typically had 1.50:1 drives. The 496 boats had/have 1.65:1 drives, hence the higher pitch props.

As you can see above BBlades prop was not an improvement on my boat. I sent it back and it still slowed the boat down.

I'm thinking a 30 Bravo one, if I find that the Tach is reading correctly. Thanks for everyones replys, I appreciate it!!

I also have a 496HO.. but 1:50 ratio.. here's why 26 pitch for me.

I have played with this combo forever and a brand new perfect shape 28 bravo cannot be beat. I did have a 30 bravo that ran well but had to be labbed to get the RPMs up

I have an 04 27 with the same set up. I run a 30 bravo and turn 5000 rpm with 2 on board light fuel at 69mph. Tried a 28 and was all over the limiter. Next step I am gonna try a p5x hydro but I think 70 will be the max for this combo. 30 bravo cruises way better than the 28 IMO.

Matt

If Fountain could have just done a prop change and picked up 2 mph they would have done it.

You're right there. If you install a simple SmartCraft Gauge or put a computer on it you will see that your tach is slightly off. 5150 is the stock limiter in the 555. You have a 1.65 drive. With a light load of fuel and by yourself, you will bump the limiter a little if trimmed at about 5 or just barely, barely over 5 (say 5.1 or 5.2).

Jason did a bunch of prop and drive testing with that boat (SDFever).

The tooth count difference on the gears from 1.5 to 1.65 is 2. Consequently, two teeth are equal to two inches in pitch if you're talking stock bravo 4 blade props. ..And those are about .7 less than stamped size. a 28 is really about 27.3 "real" inches.

I wonder why some have 28 pitch props with the 496 and some have 30? Same drive ratio and I would imagine same x dimension. I tried a 28 bravo and was on the limiter at 3/4 throttle. I can easily spin 5100 with my 30 but my speed seems right in line with everyone else. Oh well I guess like everyone says leave good enough alone but sometimes we can't!!

Matt