I have a 1988 28" scarab excel with a 540 merlin making 650hp. I have ran it with a 26p bravo (non labbed) 76mph gps @5400rpm. the drive is an XR 1.5 ratio. I would like to get more top end with this boat. Should I try a larger bravo, hydromotive, or even a 5 blade prop?

A labbed 28 b1 might keep you between 5200 and 5400 since the 26 was stock at 5400, which means you will pick up a few mph . also is 5400rpm what motor is set for top rpm ,peak hp there if your peak hp is higher then you would want to lab the 26 and turn 5600 to 5700 rpm. you can test props with Bblades brett will set you up, throttle up might have a set up too. KEEP US POSTED

HEY THE five blades are nice but if you air the boat out a lot you have to be good on the throttles other wise poof there goes your drive. b1s seem better for giving bow lift on non step boats plus at 1988 your drive prop shaft is going to be deep 6 1/2 to 7 1/2'' if thats the case buy a 2'' shortie you will pick up about 4mph then prop it. with a b128/ max26five blade/ or a hydro p5x 25 for starters I was happy I did went from 76 to 83.3 ran out of prop.that was with a 2'' shortie and carb change same prop 26b1 needed a 30

Lab a 28 Bravo 1 for bow lift.