True pitch on Bravo 4 blades is about 1" less than what is stamped.

Not to throw gas on the fire, but this happened to someone I know. Verify that it is an HO, buddy bought a 496 boat and someone just swapped a cover on the engine. And that added 50 HP......NOT. Good luck, hope it's just the prop

My initial thought was 62 consistent speed, 66-67 going down hill with the wind low gas one light person never to be repeated...24p

Just be careful, it takes HP to go fast. I had a Nordic 28 with a 496HO and screwed around with labbing and different props. All it got me was maybe a mph or two top end with compromised cruise which is where I spent 99% of my time and a lot of $$ that was wasted. My best prop turned out to be a balanced and sharpened 24 stocker. My thoughts were that the prop thing was better left to the bigger boys who's power and hull could really benefit from the messing around. But if you spend most of your time at cruise maybe labbing isn't the best idea since they seem to shave some cup to get the RPMs which kills the cruise.

Anyway, just thought I'd throw a counter opinion here. Personally without ever being in your boat I think the 26 is too much prop for your HP, try a 24 which should get your RPMs up, not to mention it'll be better on the drive.

I don't know where you boat either but a little chop will help too, gets some air under the hull.

I am thinking my best bet would be either a 23 or 24 3 blade prop after analysing all of you guy's comments. Your 24 is a 3 blade I presume?

Its hard to tell between HO and non HO. The guy confirms that the cover is the original one but thats all he is able to confirm. He knows nothing about engines. The serial number somehow comes up as either one of them. So I dont know how to verify this...

No...24s are 4 blades

A 3 blade Mirage Plus has more bow lift than a 4 blade Bravo prop.
Baja's like bow lift and Baja sets their drives deep to work with a Mirage Plus.

I got it switched around, post modified.

I have one in mint shape for sale 607 769 3962 chris

We are not exactly neighbors.. How much do you want for it? Is it right rotation