Just picked up a 2004 27 with a 496ho and did some testing today. Came with a30 pitch bravo one prop and 1.65 drive. I got 69 on GPS in good conditions. Tried a 28 pitch because I saw a lot of the 496 27 fountain combos ran that prop and I was all over the rev limiter. Top speed was at 5000 rpm's. overall I am happy and I would imagine bblades could probably get me in the 70-72 mph range. Any thoughts on optimizing this combo?

Matt

Is the price of a the new prop worth possibly only 1 mph? I would rather have good mid range punch and the ability to cruise at 45-50. Jmo

I have 02 496 ho 1.5 bravo 4 bl 26 pitch 69 is the best. Leave it alone and enjoy. John

X2, You have a turn key set up that was probably sent away from the factory like that. Those guys over there know what they are doing.

I agree with a above... My boat "may" go a tad faster BUT it's a scary ride, trimmed, wide open over 70mph my boat will get loose quick !!!
I spent a small $$$ to run a "tad" faster ... I wish I had your turn key reliable set up ��

I have an 05 with a 496HO. I ran about 68 new 66 now. Has 1.5 28p. I tried a BB prop and sent it back once to try again. I lost 3 mph. If Fountain could change the prop and get more speed they would have done it. BB prop was a waste of money IMHO.

I am surprised to here that about bblades. I am sure fountain set them up well but prop technology in 9 years has come a long way.

Matt

I think what we are all trying to say is even if you got 70..... is it just to say, hey man I can do 70! For what one of those props cost is it worth it? I wont get madd at ya if you call your 69 mph fever a 70 mph boat either!

Lol
We are talking about how fast are boats are
Everyone tells the truth and no one exaggerates

Lol i here what your saying but at the same time we don't own pontoon boats and we do like to go fast. If I have the same boat with the same power as the next guy I want it to be faster than yours. It's in my blood I can't help it.

Matt