Hey guys, I have a 1988 28' excel with a 540 merlin 650hp. Im currently running a 26p Bravo and im getting 76mph @5400rpm on the gps. The drive is an XR with a 1.5 ratio. Any suggestions for more top end?

Wings maybe, j/k nice numbers ! Not sure how much faster you want to go... gettin a taller prop * would be the cheapest.

30" B1 - 750HP will only get you to 80 GPS. Plus is gets a little squirly over 75.

Hi i have the same boat with a 502 EFI with some small modifications. I also use a 26 Bravo but it´s modificated from BBlades for more Bowlift and labfinished i have 4600-4700 Rpm @ 67-68 Mph.
If you have about 150 hp more and 700-800 rpm more with nearly the same prop (what could be in realation to mine) i think it shoud be faster.
Maybe you have the same problem as i before the prop change. The Boat was always very deep in the water with only a litle bowlift. My friends Baja´s an Aerotek are complete out of the water @ wot, the Scarab only to the half. BBlades maked a porp with modifid "rakeangle". This changed the ride to more comfort and more speed, now she goes over the smaller waves and not thru than before.

Greatings from Germany

Hans

I would run 77 mph with a 550 Hp motor at 5800 and a modified 26 p B1 . the difference is I was running a Stern Jack and a 2" shorter drive. setting the drive further back and a shorter drive will make for a much better ride and increased speed.

My current set up is 825 HP, 32p B1, max works drive with 2" Shorty , Land and Sea stern Jack , 280 k planes. Top speed is 90 in the right conditions, 86mph any day with my wife driving me throttling. We run 70 all day long during poker runs. The ride is very impressive and stable at all speeds and she loves the rough water. I also sanded the bottom of the boat and took out most of the factory hook. that helped with stability issues at over 75.

My suggestions, Lab the prop, set the drive back, 2" shorter drive, sand the bottom.

Thanks for the help. What exactly do you mean by "removing the factory hook". I just got a 28Bravo labbed by BBlades so when the weather warms up i'll see how that goes.