I would check the drive ratio maybe he replaced it with a wrong lower.

I believe you have several things going on all at once that are contributing to your lack of performance at the upper end. As others have said I'd get the prop cleaned up. This involves not only the visible marks you see but since it's been damaged at some point it may have also tweaked the pitch, and not necessarily across each blade. So getting the prop measured with pitch blocks etc. would be a part of that tuning process.

I would also ditch the skeg guard / protector. Between the open gap at the top where it envelopes the skeg, the screws/rivets, and the small T-fin on the end I believe they are introducing not only drag but voids in water flow and undesired turbulence feeding the prop. This is only magnified as the drive is trimmed up.

Skegs can repaired accurately and relatively inexpensively. I had mine repaired in less than half a day at a local shop. I was stunned at how seamless the repair turned out to be. It looked like it came out of the factory.

Once those items are taken care of test it again with good detailed rpm and GPS readings, not only at WOT but through out the rpm band in 250 or 500 rpm increments.

^^^ Thank you for the info!!! I did purchase a new Mirage plus 23 prop. And now that the rain has stopped up here in Mn, i'll look into the steg guard. One way screws....... They look fun to try and remove, lol

Those screws are made to shear if you hit something, they shouldnt be hard to get out, even if you have to drill them or use a BFH.

Well guys, I think Im just doomed at 55-56 mph in this hull. I bought a new Mirage plus 23 prop and here are the numbers.

Conditions = Falt/smooth/sticky water, trimmed out, air temp 75, normal load, 25 gallons of fuel, 18 pk of beer, 2 people, steg guard still on. (I haven't found/ read yet here on OSO that it caused a big lose of speed after searching)

RPM - MPH
3000 - 32
3500 - 39
4000 - 44
4500 - 53
4900 - 55

Nothing but slip. 20-24%. .

Another thing I'm starting to wonder or question is the Tach's accuracy.. It showed me idleing at 500 rpm last night and was no way. Sounded like 700-800. Time to invest in a mercruiser scanner. Ill hit up the Baja forums and see what other Force hull owners are seeing for speeds.

Here is some food for thought. Photos of the wake from different props. Share your thoughts.
Discription is be below each photo. Starting last season threw this spring.. Whagt a differance between the same prop last year and this year. Only thing Im uncertin about is load of people in the boat. I believe I had 4 people in the boat in these photos from video.



First: this is boat running form buddys iphone. Early 2012


OEM prop off a late 90's early 2000 Baja boat. It says "Baja Preformance" on it. Mirage plus 23, Threw prop exhaust, Early 2012


OEM prop off a late 90's early 2000 Baja. It says "Baja Preformance" on it. Mirage plus 23, Early 2012. Threw prop exhaust , (same time different angle)

Those were from last year.


First test this year, Michigan wheel prop 25, early 2013. LOTS of slip, no bow lift.


"Baja Preformance" Mirage plus 23 early 2013, prop is beat up (first post pics), Prop Exhaust


"Baja Preformance" Mirage plus 23 early 2013, prop is beat up (first post pics), Prop Exhaust



Baja Preformance" Mirage plus 23 early 2013, prop is beat up (first post pics), Open exhaust, Threw Transom exhaust.



6-10-2013, (last night) New Mirage plus 23 prop.
Bad photo, I will get more tonight.

Hello,

Please ditch the skeg guard, and have the original skeg repaired if necessary. It is raising holy heck at higher trim angles in particular. We can repair your Mirage Plus, and that will help as well. Please call.

hec2buck, I already bought a new Mirage plus 23, so no need to get the old one fixed.

Well................ Removed the skeg guard and................. 54 mph. Zero improvment!!! skeg guard had ZERO affect on speed or handling. Now below, the skeg isn't perfect, but most of it is there. Let me guess the next post.."the 2 - 1/4" holes and bottom of the skeg is causing............" . Since this is no longer about a prop vers WFT is going on. I think this thread has served its purpose, and steered its course. The next task is to verify my tach gauge and make sure the rpms its showing is correct.

Thank you all for the info.

92nsx,

I'd still repair the skeg when you can and fill the holes to as to not induce any cav. bubbles to the high pressure side of the blades.
Once you verify your numbers, consider custom Labbing the Mirage prop. We have numerous recipes we can use on you hull to increase the hulls bow lift and attitude.
We do all our repair, customizing and Labbing "in house" so that we can stay on top of every adjustment. If questions arise during any process we are right there to discuss, determine and decide the appropriate reaction.

Brett

Will do. I have been looking for a skeg repair shop close to me, (St. Cloud, MN) but all I have found is bc propeller. Do you know of a place since your in the marine industry?

I just dont want some fly by night guys, and I would like to just drop off my boat and have them repair the skeg on the boat vers taking the drive off. (maybe not a option) ??

And yes when labbing time comes it going to you guys Your shop is almost in my back yard, great references, loads of history, and as I read here on the forums, your always helping others out!!!

Do you think it will help/improve any (with my hull design) to try a 22p rev 4 or possibly a bravo one prop. Or would I just be "spinning my prop" (instead of tires)??? HA HA HA

Thank you

Rob