So I just upgraded from a 24' Baja open bow to a 1988 Scarab Excel 28. It has a 454 bored/stroked to a 496 with aftermarket heads and cam and exhaust. Unfortunately I can't give any more specs about the engine upgrades as I can no longer get in contact with the PO.

It is a bravo 1 boat with a Bravo 1 4 blade 24P prop. When I bought the boat I was told it was a 575hp 75mph boat..... was it just a sales pitch? Most likely but the boat was in great shape and engine ran strong so I bought it.

Finally got it out this past Monday. It was about a 1-2' chop in the Chesapeake and at WOT I was seeing 4700 RPMs and 63mph GPS. One time in a back creek it touched 65mph.

Trying to decide if I should find a 23P Mirage + to test or just leave the four blade. I'm still learning about prop selection and what not.

Thanks for any input you guys could help me with.

I would look over the motor and make sure it is running right before messing with the prop..... a 496 with aftermarket heads should make good power if everything is right. replace the plugs and check them for signs of proper combustion and check the timing first. I would think if the motor is running right you should have plenty of power to turn a 24p well past 5000 rpm

Kevin,

Yeah something isn't right about that. I would follow dandercam's advice and go thru the basics first. BTW, post up some pics of your 28, maybe some engine pics would help too.

FWIW, my 28 has a 23p (3 blade) prop and it is just a stock 454 Mag.

Cheers,

Dave

Yea I think timing is definitely off. Going mess with it this weekend. Thanks guys.

Kevin,

Great looking Color Scheme, I haven't seen that one before.

Cheers,

Dave

Thanks Dave. I appreciate that.

Original stock 454 - 365HP, 23p mirage will run 60 mph in that boat. 575 hp should be in upper 60's near 70.

Yea I believe I found the timing was off. Going to mess with it this weekend.