Which prop would be best for a 2006 Open bow w/496HO?

Probably a 26 pitch Hydromotive P5x

This is a great all around recreational prop...it pulls hard out of the hole...has excellent midrange cruise speeds...and is pretty good on the top end.

I have found that the Mercury Bravo props are a couple of mph faster on the top end...but give up drivability on the bottom end. (they do not come on plane as easily...and are a mph down in the midrange)

Hope this helps,

Chris

how about with a 525

I think our old buddy boatingbent ended up with a 27 P-5X and a 1" spacer. I've searched the forum and I can't find that thread for some reason. I am pretty sure he bought it from Bblades, so they should have his records.
Regards,
Steve

What's on it now and how many RPM does it turn?
Regards,
Steve

Bent bought a 26" P5X but it proved to be a little big in hot weather. I traded him a 25" P5X for it. The 25 works good with a 496 Also. A labbed 26" Bravo is probably the fastest on a stock 496 Heat. I just happen to have a perfect Bblades labbed 26 Bravo available if anyone is interested.

Bob

Cumberlandheat - your PM box is full. To answer you question the Bblades S/N is on the box I sent the prop in. I think a 25" P5X may be your prop of choice, but will drop your rpm about 100 below a stock 26" Bravo 1 prop.