I had a 02 265 ssi with that setup, could hit 54.8 on its best day. I'm hoping for 58 on my 230ssi.

So this is why I'm cracking and blowing out pieces of rear props within 30 hrs?......
22,000 lbs 640hp @ 5200/ 690ftlbs @ 4100 2:1 drives 28 p....maybe a candidate for the 4x3??[/QUOTE]These came out around '05 to address your issues.

I talked to merc racing on those xr props. They told me they are intended for use on large cruisers and would be no good for smaller runabouts and sport boats.

Have to agree, your boat doesn't weight enough for a 4 blade, your slip right now is only 7.7% and that's good, I'd love to have that little slip.

They are superior to my stock (well, slightly BBlades modified) 3 x 3 set in terms of hole shot and cruise efficiency. I picked up 2 MPH at my normal cruise RPM (3,400) over the 3 x 3's. On the big end I obviously cannot pull as many RPM (26" 3x3's vs. 25" XR's) and I cannot carry the bow as well as I can with the 3 x 3's. Overall, for most of the boating I do the XR's are my preferred propset.

Is there any functional difference between the XR's and the standard 4 x 3 prop set? ....other than polish of course.

The XR props have a lot more cup Merc told me. They said would be a waste on my boat.

My interest in the B3 has been rekindled since I swapped one on from my other boat just to see how I liked it. Truthfully, I think I like it 95% of the time over the B1. With the B3, it planes quicker with minimal bow rise, higher cruise speed/rpms, way less load sensitive, better low speed handling, noticeable fuel efficiency improvement AND ODDLY ENOUGH, a better ride in heavy chop. The only downside from my B1/B1 prop setup has been looser and less confident handling at higher speeds. The B1 really hooks up the back end on my boat , but carries the bow slightly less and really has confident handling.The B3 seems to lift the transom (my theory for the softer ride) AND carry the bow higher even with little trim. I don't really notice any difference in top speed as I only have a stock 502 Mag, so my top speed was only mid 60's anyway where the B3 starts hitting the wall. If possible, I would like to find a B3 combo that lifts the transom SLIGHTLY less and carries the bow SLIGHTLY less. Would any of the 4 x 3 sets offer this?

My interest in the B3 has been rekindled since I swapped one on from my other boat just to see how I liked it. Truthfully, I think I like it 95% of the time over the B1. With the B3 (3 X 3), it planes quicker with minimal bow rise, higher cruise speed/rpms, way less load sensitive, better low speed handling, noticeable fuel efficiency improvement AND ODDLY ENOUGH, a better ride in heavy chop. The only downside going from my B1/B1 prop setup to the B3 has been looser and less confident handling at higher speeds. The B1 really hooks up the back end on my boat , but carries the bow slightly less and has really confident handling.The B3 seems to lift the transom (my theory for the softer ride) AND carry the bow higher even with little trim...again, loosey- goosey handling at 50+. I don't really notice any difference in top speed as I only have a stock 502 Mag, so my top speed was only mid 60's anyway where the B3 starts hitting the wall. If possible, I would like to find a B3 combo that lifts the transom SLIGHTLY less and carries the bow SLIGHTLY less. Would any of the 4 x 3 sets offer this?

disregard post #18. Its not allowing me to delete for some reason.