Formua 353 Merc 540 - WTB Bravo 15.25x30
 

Looking to buy some right and left 15.25" x 30L Bravo props to try...also would consider 32s. The current supply chain issues have made it difficult to get anything to test unfortunately.

I originally posted this on one of the FB groups and generously got a dozen people to call for help.....the usual suspects. I really didn't have any luck reaching anyone except BBlades, and of course they were responsive....just don't have anything for me to test or buy. I ordered from 2 places that said in stock, and they wrote back that they didn't have anything.

Here is the current setup so that I can post results after I do find some props.
Formula 353
Mercury Racing 540 DTS
Bravo 1XR ITS

Current Props: Maximus 5 blade (or maybe Max5 not sure how to tell) – 15-1/4 x 29L. My Formula test report says Maximus 5 but I am skeptical as the test data speed and rpm aren't anywhere close to matching.

80mph @ 4950 rpm, I calculate 12% prop slip

Consensus on this 540 is that it continues to make power to 5400rpm....similar to a 525. The boat has never seen 5000 rpm with any load, although I don't have a ton of run time on it. If I go out on flat water right now with half fuel, I’ll see 79-80mph and probably won’t reach 4900rpm. Full fuel and water, same speed. I have seen 82mph with a full load….but it was in heavy washing machine chop at Lake Ozark that allowed the boat to not only get air under it but I think some rpm momentum. All fresh water running, and haven’t run it in cooler fall air.

Trying to get some RPM into it to see if I can get into the peak power of these engines.

Happy boating...hope to see some of y'all on the water.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1ee8d71a3e.jpg

They can add rpm to current props

If everything is right You should be able to get a bit more out of it with those props. Couple 353s I know with boxes run 28 pitch labbed Maximus into the low 80s. 4 blades will get you more top end but sacrifice planning and cruise. Have you tried talking to formula about the performance report and what your actually seeing?

I don't have any props for sale, but that's a pretty boat :)

If BBlades is backed up and doesn't have what you need, you could try George at Cool Breeze Marine at LOTO. https://www.gotprops.com/
He may have some Bravo props or he could lab your Maximus' to get at least another 200rpm.

BTW, Maximus props are a larger diameter and have more rounded blades than the Max5's

Why are you looking for higher pitched wheels when your o/p States your engines build power up to 5400rpm but you can't hit 5k rpm on 28p?

I’ll ask them about getting a bit more from these. I’m not too worried about hole shot. It actually seems to hold it back quite a bit with the drive by wire regardless.

Another test on the same boat/prop produced a good result in speed and BBlades made the same recommendation as well. I’d imagine more slip to get the rpm up. Just don’t have the props to try it at the moment. I’m sure they will eventually.

Man I really struck out in testing these. Can’t find anything in stock and hard to reach anyone. Has to be frustrating for these businesses to get parts to sell.

Gonna have to bust the ice if I ever find some :)

He is running 29's not 28's.
30 Bravo 4 blades are about equivalent to 27 Maximus 5 blades in rpm, so he should gain about 400 rpms switching to the Bravo 30's