Prop for a Saber 28 w/ 502?
 

I finally got my boat back together after rebuilding the engine. I have a 1987 28 Saber with a 502 running at 500 HP @5300 RPM, on the dyno. It has a Bravo I drive with 1:1.5 ratio. Boat and trailer weigh 6300lbs together and am guessing the trailer weighs 800-1000lbs (tandem axle steel).

I put the boat in and running with a stock 22 pitch Bravo 4 blade with a full tank of gas (80 gallons) and two people on flat water it was running 59 MPH @ 5,000 RPM with drive properly trimmed and tabs all the way up. Should this engine be turning @5300 RPM at WOT? And if so, is there a prop that would get me to turn 5300 r's and actually increase top end. Any help would be appreciated. THANKS.

Re: Prop for a Saber 28 w/ 502?
 

I would run the boat in some chop to see how she does and if the RPM maintains around 5000-5100 then you could consider lab finishing a 22P to get the RPM increase you need to get to 5300.

Julie

Re: Prop for a Saber 28 w/ 502?
 

whats the drive height it might be real deep since it was built in 87, if thats the case try a merc 23 or 25 mirage my baja was deep too, just put on a 2''shortie picked up alot. I looked at having a saber built and with real 500hp should run 70 to 72mph the boat is about 5000lbs single I THINK GO TO THE THREAD SABER BOATS THATS RUNNING IN G/D. IT just sound like your drive is to deep for a 4 blade. HOPE THIS HELPS? ART

Re: Prop for a Saber 28 w/ 502?
 

The propeller is hooking up pretty good at 12% slip. Labbing is a good option to gain a couple more mph.

I do like the idea of trying a 3 blade propeller too. Your boat will run quite well with a Mirage Plus. We test props if you decide to try 3 blades.




















5 slip

Re: Prop for a Saber 28 w/ 502?
 

What Mirage Plus 3 blade would you recommend starting out with as far as pitch goes? 23, 25?

Re: Prop for a Saber 28 w/ 502?
 

A 23P Mirage Plus or a 21P Mirage Plus for starters.

Julie