Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > Prop Talk
Mirage Plus Vs Bravo 1 or Bravo 1 FS >

Mirage Plus Vs Bravo 1 or Bravo 1 FS

Notices

Mirage Plus Vs Bravo 1 or Bravo 1 FS

Thread Tools
 
Old 07-14-2018 | 06:56 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 419
Likes: 14
From: Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Default Mirage Plus Vs Bravo 1 or Bravo 1 FS

I'm getting 5000 rpm with the Michigan Wheel Apollo 21 that I have. That puts me at the lower end of available pitch for the Bravo 1 props. I am wanting to decide between a 21" Mirage Plus and a 22" Bravo 1.
I'm happy with the planing and ride with my current prop, I'd make the change to get more cruise efficiency and top end.
I imagine the 3 spoke Mirage will do better speed and the Bravo a little better low speed plane. Am I right?
If the Bravo will be within a mile per hour of the Mirage I'd go that way to get the lower speed planing and reduced slip.
I don't have a speed reading and won't be able to get one unless I borrow a prop. I bottomed my Apollo last Sunday so I'll be limping on an old aluminum propeller this weekend.

Alpha 1 gen II, 1.5 ratio, 10:1 forged piston, cast crank, roller 383 with Quickfuel 750M carb; small port, small valve Dart Iron Eagle heads and Thunderbolt V ignition. Never dyno'd so I don't know HP. I kinda hope it's approaching 400 HP and 460 TQ. But if it's a dud I may be getting less.

Last edited by NHGuy; 07-14-2018 at 07:03 PM.
NHGuy is offline  
Reply
Old 07-14-2018 | 10:12 PM
  #2  
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 145
Default

I would steer away from the 22" Bravo. The 21" MIrage will likely not be significantly different than the Apollo you have now. You need more RPM to get more MPH. The only way to do that is go down in pitch. You will likely enjoy the results. A 19" Mirage or perhaps Laser II would be on the faster end of props. I've found the best props for out of the hole work to be a High 5 and the Rev 4. Personally I've become a fan of the Rev 4 for my particular application. Puts the power down like no other prop, very responsive in trim due to the longer barrel and large blades. It also has the least slip of any prop I've used (with the Mach Sterndriver being nearly equal, BTW if you can find a Mach Sterndriver in 18 or 20" pitch get it).

Try a 19" Mirage or Laser II, and a Rev 4 in 17 or 19" pitch (18" would likely be ideal but is a custom prop for the Rev 4 line). Keep in mind the Rev 4 will load the motor like a 3 blade with about 2"+ more pitch. You need to get your motor in the 5400-5700 rpm range.
Trash is offline  
Reply
Old 07-15-2018 | 12:06 AM
  #3  
Griff's Avatar
Charter Member # 55
25 Year Member
Charter Member
Super Moderators
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 20,271
Likes: 2,512
From: Omaha/LOTO
Default

Go with a 21 Mirage Plus over the Bravo. The Alpha may not survive with that much bite and a Bravo prop will just barely fit because of the larger diameter.
Griff is offline  
Reply
Old 07-15-2018 | 05:48 AM
  #4  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 419
Likes: 14
From: Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Default

The 19 pitch props appeal, but I believe the Thunderbolt V will rev limit me at 5150 RPM. Maybe my next move is to ditch that ignition for one that allows more engine revs.
NHGuy is offline  
Reply
Old 07-15-2018 | 04:42 PM
  #5  
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 145
Default

Originally Posted by NHGuy
The 19 pitch props appeal, but I believe the Thunderbolt V will rev limit me at 5150 RPM. Maybe my next move is to ditch that ignition for one that allows more engine revs.
You motor likely peaks at 5400-5700 rpm which is why I suggested the lower pitch props. At least get to your existing rev limit and go from there. I was able to raise mine when tuning but I'm EFI.

Last edited by Trash; 07-15-2018 at 04:45 PM.
Trash is offline  
Reply
Old 07-16-2018 | 08:44 PM
  #6  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 419
Likes: 14
From: Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Default

I grabbed a pristine 19 pitch Mirage Plus from a lakeside homeowner yesterday. But I had left my prop wrench in the truck so I didn't get to run it. I have an oil leak to attend on my next boat day, probably Sunday, then I'll report back.

The reason I was thinking the Bravo 1 was that they run 2" under. So a 22 acts like it's 20 pitch. Winnipesaukee is usually choppy with a wind down the length often causing rollers and whitecaps. So the 4 blade appeals for low speed planing with tucked drive and lots of tab in the chop.

I'll probably get a Mirage plus 21 if the 19 revs too high. It won't work the drive as hard and it's more likely to get me top end.

That long barrel on the Rev 4 looks like it would assist quite a bit in managing trim.

Damn, I don't want to be that guy with rows of props on the shelf in the boat shed!
NHGuy is offline  
Reply
Old 07-16-2018 | 10:09 PM
  #7  
SB
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,140
Likes: 3,706
From: On A Dirt Floor
Default

Originally Posted by NHGuy
I
Damn, I don't want to be that guy with rows of props on the shelf in the boat shed!
LOL. That's me. Unfortunately for you (I'm on same lake) they are all mostly 3 blade Cleavers.
SB is offline  
Reply
Old 07-17-2018 | 12:10 AM
  #8  
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 145
Default

Originally Posted by NHGuy
I grabbed a pristine 19 pitch Mirage Plus from a lakeside homeowner yesterday. But I had left my prop wrench in the truck so I didn't get to run it. I have an oil leak to attend on my next boat day, probably Sunday, then I'll report back.

The reason I was thinking the Bravo 1 was that they run 2" under. So a 22 acts like it's 20 pitch. Winnipesaukee is usually choppy with a wind down the length often causing rollers and whitecaps. So the 4 blade appeals for low speed planing with tucked drive and lots of tab in the chop.

I'll probably get a Mirage plus 21 if the 19 revs too high. It won't work the drive as hard and it's more likely to get me top end.

That long barrel on the Rev 4 looks like it would assist quite a bit in managing trim.

Damn, I don't want to be that guy with rows of props on the shelf in the boat shed!
I've never run a Bravo 1 4 blade, but most of the comments I've seen are they run 1" under, not 2". I guess I need to add to my prop shed and get a Bravo 1 database started..
Trash is offline  
Reply
Old 07-17-2018 | 01:27 AM
  #9  
Griff's Avatar
Charter Member # 55
25 Year Member
Charter Member
Super Moderators
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 20,271
Likes: 2,512
From: Omaha/LOTO
Default

Bravo 1 props are generally .5-1" lighter than stamped pitch. The extra blade also reduces rpm. A 23 Mirage Plus and 22 Bravo spin about the same rpm.
Griff is offline  
Reply
Old 07-21-2018 | 10:40 AM
  #10  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 916
Likes: 41
From: Tampa Bay Area Florida/ North Miami Florida
Default

Could be wrong but I doth think Thunderbolt V has a Rev Limiter. Anyway the 4 blade will eventually break your alpha. So if your are looking to save gas by increasing efficiency at the expense of of you drive... Then it wont be efficient. It will be expensive. I think the Mirage will be the fastest and the easiest to tune "Lab"

Chris
Blueabyss is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.