Bravo 1 prop question
 

What is the actual pitch on a Bravo 1 prop that is listed as a 24P? I've heard they are 1 or 2 pitchs lower than what is stamped on them. Has anyone ever heard why Merc can't just list the actual pitch on the Bravo 1 props?

Never head that one, but you have to remember, there are prop to prop differences even within the same manufacturer / model due to production tolerances and variation. Add to that the fact that a given prop will perform differently on different boats due to hull, slippage and general setup differences. So pitch is not a cold, hard number, but a guideline. If Mercury props were indeed as far off as you say, I think they would have addressed it by now.

I've heard 1 degree but I'm far from an expert

A 28p bravo 1 is equal to a 26p hydro. They have always run a little bigger than true pitch. They have been this way since day one. Probably just how the measured pitch back then. Maybe its just marketing:coolcowboy:
Not sure it really matters since you have to tune to your boat anyway. The number on the side doesnt translate to another prop anyway.

Bravo 1's are about .5-1" less than the true stamped pitch.

So if I'm running this (see pic) Hydromotive Q-IV-22p currently...a good place to start with a Bravo-1 prop would be a 23P? Or maybe a labbed 24p bravo?

All props from all manufacturers have variation. This is due to tooling final production processes and the all the issues that come with lost wax (investment) casting. The Bravo 1 family varies within the family itself as well. Other Mercury props are pitched as stamped. Remember, cup heights affect pitch and pitch is most often progressive.

Use "one" inch less than the stamped pitch for your slip calculations on B1's and you'll be just fine.

Most important is engine rpm @ WOT and boat attitude.

Brett

Bravo 1's are completely different props than Q-IVs. Bravo 1's only come in even pitches. You will probably need to test a 22 and 24. Use BBlades test program.

I'm thinking that's what I'll do in this fall so I'll be ready in the spring...it'll save me some headaches and money in the stretch! Thanks to you and BBlades for the info.

i have a bravo 1 24p and i am looking for a 22 hydromotive. the prop is not labbed it is stock and in good condition. I am looking to trade even swap. Interested.

Yes...My Hydromotive Q-IV-22p is LH rotation. If you are looking for a lefty here are some pics of it. If you are still interested send me some current pics of your B-1 and we'll go from there.
Thanks, Jim

I think you're going to find that single engine / LH rotation high perfomance applications are pretty rare. The only (factory) ones I know of are the 27' & 29' Fountains.

Me too, but I never really understood the reason.
With apologies for drifting a bit, do you know why?

If you ever tried a RH prop on one, you'd see why. They just don't like them due to the torque reaction. Why just these particular models? Reggie never was a real fan of single engine boats and thus didn't have much experience in designing them. If you ever looked at the bottom of one of his little 24CS models, you'd quickly realize that it wasn't even one of his bottom designs. (The ran RH props BTW.)

Actually I did, when I went for a ride on SDFever boat.
We already debated the subject in this thread. Apparently, also single engine Fountains aren't all created equal.
But still, I can't see why I never heard of that with any other builder.
Because Reggie lacked experience on singles?
Mmm... Powerboat named the 27 boat of the year for 2 years in a row already in the early nineties, as I recall.
Oh, and the torque reaction argument doesn't hold water, too.
Since the crankshaft rotates CCW (when seen from the stern), if anything it should make the boat list to stbd.
Therefore, a L/H prop can only increase, and not reduce the crankshaft torque effect.

There are actually many single engine deep V's that like LH props.

I believe we have a used 22 LH Q4 as well.

Brett

I believe the labbed Bravo 1s are available in every pitch #. My experience is to go up about 1.5 in pitch with a Bravo 1. Brett did my 30p Bravo 1 and I am very happy with it.