What Prop should I start with
 

Hey guys,

I bought a Powerquest 260 Legend SX last fall. It has the 454 MPI LX (stock) in it, with the Bravo 1 drive with Drive Shower. Currently I am running a 23P Mirage Plus (It’s got a few dents and dings in it from the previous owner) and getting 56.6MPH(GPS) @ around 4800RPM. I am sure there are better props out there and would like to look at getting a better prop. I am sure that you guys have played around with this boat/Engine combo and have a pretty good idea of what works. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

Sounds to me like you have the perfect prop. That boat has a pretty conservative x-dimension so the Mirage Plus is the best prop for speed. 4,800 RPM is right where you should be at WOT and your speed is good for a 330 HP motor in that boat. You might want to send the prop in the off season to BBlades to be cleaned up but otherwise I say you are good where you are at. I bet cleaning the prop up will get you that extra .4 MPH to get you to 57!! :drink:

Agreed, That's a pretty good number for that combo if the numbers are accurate. Is that speedo or GPS?? I have a 454 Mag EFI and I run both a 23 & 21 Mirage plus and see 58-61mph pending which prop I have on running right around the 4850 RPM range. I just bought a Hydromotive QIV-X four blades in a 23p. If the weather would ever improve I'll get to run some numbers.

Yes, the speed numbers are from GPS max speed,

So the next question that I have to ask, is there any cheap HP to be had from the 454 MPI LX. I am surprised that it is still only 330HP. I thought the old carb 454 where 330 and that the MPI would have gained at least some more.

I am a newb when it comes to performance boats, been boating my entire life, but never went that fast :eek: now that I want to go fast gas costs a fortune:mad:

Eric

Welcome to the land of never happy!!!! I think the only big difference between the carb and EFI is really the easy of starting and much improved idling. Performance wise when all is said in the 454 there about equal. As for inexpensive HP there's no such thing in this game. The biggest bang for the buck would be new exhaust.

Dings and nicks in your prop is not helping. That will not only slow you down but depending on how big they are it can cause damage to your drive unit from irregular vibrations. I would recomend having that one rebuilt ASAP or else getting a spare in the mean time.

I have a Mirage Plus 23p thats like new I maybe selling??

How much are you looking to get for it? Although I can probably get mine rebuilt for around $100, based on my watching of Craigslist, these props are not moving very well. I listed my 21P Mirage twice for $175 and did not get a single call.

The 21p always seem to move a little slower. I'd want $300 as it looks like new with not a mark and good shine.