When I bought the boat it came with a Bravo 1 (BBlade version) 26P x 14 1/2" dia. which was ok (did hit the limiter though) with 2 adults and 2 teenage grandkids & coolers/gear (750 lbs est.). Switched to a Bravo 1 26P x 15" diameter, now off the limiter and performance and speed went up. Happy with this prop for general use not exceeding 4 adults in the boat. But now comes a situation where the total weight goes up to 6 adults & coolers (1750 lbs est.). What to look at now for this condition of added weight.........pitch obviously lower, but where does the min/max diameter come into play ? I've tried to research this topic but only to find very vague explanations. Any user experience would be greatful.

Thanks,
Gary

I used a stock 26 bravo with 6 adults on board on my 280 with 496HO, no issues. I have a stock 24 Bravo as well. Cruise mph takes a hit. Runs just about the same top speed loaded with either.

Did you have to redistribute the load to get on plane, like maybe a few people in the cuddy ?

I use tabs.

Got those too. Just trying to plan for the up coming season and family aboard.

Thanks

Gary, can't give you any personal experience as I don't think I ever carried more the four maybe five people in my 280 with a 502. It did take longer to plane (no tabs) but no big problem. Note that this was with a two foot longer boat. Not sure about top speed loss as I didn't run all out with non performance boaters. I was running a labbed 26 Hydromotive quad.

Did you keep the original prop? That might be a better choice with a heavy load. Hopefully someone with experience will be able to help.

Thank you for sharing the info. I've built up a little prop collection over the winter months:

Mirage 24P x 14 1/4" Dia.
Bravo 1 24P x 14 3/4" Dia.
Bravo 1 26P x 15" Dia. Labbed (Runs the best with the wife and I in the boat. Bought it used and it had some wok done to it, you can tell by looking at the blade profile & blade thickness. Runs 4 MPH faster the the BBlades.
Bravo 1 26P x 14 1/2" Dia. (BBlades, came with the boat)

Kinda thought the 24P Bravo and Mirage should over come any issues with a heavy load, just didn't want to look like a total dumb azz with a boat load of people........ Guess I'll just take a 24P with me first time out with a load and that way I'll have a plan "B".

Thanks again.

I had the same issue last summer. The labbed 28 Bravo was too much with a full load of gear/people and a 1/2 full freshwater tank. Getting on plane was painful and at the time, no tabs! I ordered a new Bravo 24 and it made a huge difference. I was even able to take the kids tubing without much trouble- and again, this is still before the tabs were installed. My only mod to the 24 was to sharpen the edges up a bit. Cruising isn't all that terrible... 4 adults and 4 kids personally limits me at or under 50mph to keep everyone happy anyway so no big deal. Hope this helps.

Appreciate the input, thank you......