3 or 4 blade prop for 28' Scarab Excel
 

I only have very little knowledge on props but after reading many threads here and consulting the Merc prop selector I think I have pretty much narrowed prop pitch to 21". I just can't decide which type of prop is right.....

Current (previous owner's) setup is a 19p Mirage prop which I can spin 4700 to 4800 RPM and only get 42 MPH. Prop is probably out of whack.
I read that 88 Scarabs came with 23p Mirage props, but my boat has been repowered with a 330 HP 7.4 L engine. I don't know I can turn a 23" Mirage plus fast enough?

Main question is, would you use a Mirage Plus, or a Rev 4 or even a Bravo I Prop with this Hull. I have been searching the forum and the web and could not find a clear answer. I feel I should get around 50 MPH, yet acceleration and cruise seem more important than top speed to me.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

I have the same boat. 454 Mag 365hp. I have a 21p and 23p Mirage props. The 23p would take a while to get on plane and blow out in turns. The 21p would get on plane better but still blow out in turns. Max speed 51mph 5200 rpm. I purchased a 22p Bravo 1 and the boat got on plane great and the prop would stay hooked up in turns. Lost some top end though. 48mph 4800 rpm.

Hope this helps.

Try a smaller diameter. Will spin up a little more. my motor was a 468 with an alleged 525 hp and I ran a 23p 3 blade to 5200 for 70 mph. Please tell me you haven't taken off the cool a$$ tubing over the air intake. That makes the boat. imo.

It helps a lot, thank you!

So the 4 blade props seem to have an advandage with this boat
Do you think a Revolution 4 would be a candidate?
Looking at your real world numbers I'm afraid I'm short on power for a Bravo 1 prop....
Your Engine has more power and a substantially higher RPM limit than mine, I should aim for 4400 - 4500 RPM I believe, so maybe not enough power to spin a bravo 1?
Taking into account sea6's reply below maybe a 21p or even a 19p Revolution 4 could work well?



Absolutely agree with you , the grilles are there, I would never remove them...

Bblades suggested using a Rev 4 prop to me a couple of years ago. I would say worth a try.

Grilles still on.

I'll try a Rev 4 then.
I'll see if I can locate a good used one that someone would ship overseas. Otherwise I'll bite the bullet and buy new.
It will be a while since the boating season has not started yet in Switzerland. I'll let you know how things turn out.
Many thanks!

When does the boating season start in Switzerland?

I see You are in Ohio, climate is similar here. So normally around mid April.