As BillR stated previously, those advertised specs are unrealistic for a 28 single stock application. I'd say for your configuration (PQ280, 496HO/stock 24p B-1) 47-49 at 4K and 38-40 at 3.5K (on GPS) is the best you will see without mods. For comparison purposes, a good average cruise for a stock twin setup is 52-55 at 3500. But the dynamics for twins are totally different. Again, these numbers are in good waters with optimum trim and sans any tab. Don't know about PQ's hull, but conventional wisdom is it's hard to beat the B-1's mid-range cruise & punch as proven by the different boats tested by PB mag over the years during their prop tests. They continue to rate them the best overall prop. Otherwise one would have to believe PQ didn't engineer their hulls out properly and slapped the B-1 on out of habit instead of another make/model...?

BILLR,

I tried a fresh out of the box stock 26p Bravo last night in fairly heavy chop. Here are the numbers:

3500 @ 45gps
3800 @ 50gps
4000 @ 54gps
4750-4800 WOT @ 67.000000gps.

The GPS did bounce 70 twic but I think this was a fluke since it went right back to 66.8 - 67.0

I finally got the midrange back. Can they lab just a hair for the final 150-200 rpm? and keep my midrange the same?

BTW this was with 2 people and approx 25-30 gallons of fuel. Wondering how much this will change with 4 people and full tank for the poker run this weekend.

Who do you recommend for the labbing? York? What did they charge? How about turn around?

Thanks

I sent my 280's prop off the Merc to be labbed. Yes they can dial it in. I got 5000 rpm cosistently. Just write them a detailed letter and they should do ya just fine. Cost??? $300

York does good too, $ 175.00 plus shipping $50.00. 10 days (at his shop) turn around time.

SNOPRO, YOU TOLD ME AT KELLY'S ONE WKND THAT YOU TRIED A 26 OR ARE RUNNING A 26 WHAT IS TOP END AND AT WHAT RPM? IS THAT A LABBED OR NON LABBED?

VIPER1

I'm a non-PQ owner (I have a Nordic 28/496HO) and I think Reckless and BillR are right on with the numbers. My Nordic is running a consistent 41 @3500 and 50+ @ 4000prms with a tweaked" 24 B. You'll need a much bigger engine to run 50+ @3500 rpms. Don't pay attention to any print material, "real world" performance is different. Get a 540 to get your cruise and WOT up. I'll be looking to do just that in a year or two. I've been through the prop mess, and it isn't worth the expense or hassle to fool with anymore. I've come to accept the numbers I get with the engine I have. Numbers are all close with different props, and by the way, temp and conditions affect speed much more than a prop does in my experience.

pwrbotr,I bought a 2001 280 in july from False River Motor Sports.They did some testing for PQ with this 280.They felt the bow wasn 't getting out of the water(sound familar?).They added a inch spacer to the lower unit to increase the "X" deminsion and felt this corrected the problem.I run a B1-26 non labbed(soon to be labbed)Pretty happy with this set- up Bob

Bob,
First off - Welcome to the club!!!!
How do you like the 280?
I sure would like more info on the 1" drive spacer. I have been kicking aroung this idea, and trying to gather info (SEE MY THREAD, 280 'X' DIMENSION)

Jon

I ran a non labbed 26, top speed on gps was around 66 at 4700rpm. That was with about a half tank of fuel. Cruise speed at 4000 was 52-54. I only tried top speed a couple of times becouse I want to send it to Merc to get labbed. Should pick up a couple hundred rpms and a couple mph.

I may be wrong, but wouldn't adding a 1" spacer to the lower unit lower the "X" dimension?

I'm confused. I agree about the bow being to low...


Thanks

pwrbotr,
You are correct. Adding a spacer will lower the drive in the water giving a lower "X".
Some claim that a few of the early PQ models may have an "X" that is too high. I have been trying to compare dimensions to get a feel for what is normal.
I finally pcked up a 26 B-1. My WOT speed is just not there, but I can turn the prop at 5000. If I bring the drive up any further than level with the hull of the boat, I can shoot a rooster tail about 20 feet in the air without hitting the limiter.