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.

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

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

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

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

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

Julie