Mirage to Bravo prop upgrade pitch
01-21-2019 | 02:28 PM
#1
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From: Western Pennsylvanoa
Mirage to Bravo prop upgrade pitch
Currently I can turn Mirage+ 23 & 25P to near RPM limit on 496HO-MAG. Both props run 5200 according to tach so I think I'm at the limiter. That said need some feedback if I go to Bravo 24 or 26p Do the bravo's turn more or less when compared to the Mirages+? Also going to lab....
270 Convincor
thanks
270 Convincor
thanks
01-21-2019 | 03:15 PM
#2
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From: Southeast Michigan
If both the 23 and 25 are turning 5200, what speeds are you seeing, respectively? Asking because if there’s no difference, something is askew.
I went from bottom of my power band with a 23p M+ and 23 Tempest to a 22p Bravo (pro finish). I picked up too many RPM with the 1” drop, putting me close to the limiter when lightly loaded. The extra blade definitely seems to get more of the boat out of the water. Planning on a 24p for spring/fall and keeping the 22p for July/August/family days. Also, after reading a thread here recently, seems like having one as a spare is a good idea (cracked blades). I’m happy with the Pro finish, don’t think I want to tempt fate with thinner blades.
Personally, I’d go 24p and see where it gets you. I think it’s better to go with a smaller pitch running close to the limiter than being overpropped and lugging it. Some of the Bravos come in odd pitches now, but I was told they are the smaller even diameter casting with more tip cup. Don’t know how that would work on a big hull that wants stern lift.
I went from bottom of my power band with a 23p M+ and 23 Tempest to a 22p Bravo (pro finish). I picked up too many RPM with the 1” drop, putting me close to the limiter when lightly loaded. The extra blade definitely seems to get more of the boat out of the water. Planning on a 24p for spring/fall and keeping the 22p for July/August/family days. Also, after reading a thread here recently, seems like having one as a spare is a good idea (cracked blades). I’m happy with the Pro finish, don’t think I want to tempt fate with thinner blades.
Personally, I’d go 24p and see where it gets you. I think it’s better to go with a smaller pitch running close to the limiter than being overpropped and lugging it. Some of the Bravos come in odd pitches now, but I was told they are the smaller even diameter casting with more tip cup. Don’t know how that would work on a big hull that wants stern lift.
01-21-2019 | 03:30 PM
#4
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From: Western Pennsylvanoa
If both the 23 and 25 are turning 5200, what speeds are you seeing, respectively? Asking because if there’s no difference, something is askew.
I went from bottom of my power band with a 23p M+ and 23 Tempest to a 22p Bravo (pro finish). I picked up too many RPM with the 1” drop, putting me close to the limiter when lightly loaded. The extra blade definitely seems to get more of the boat out of the water. Planning on a 24p for spring/fall and keeping the 22p for July/August/family days. Also, after reading a thread here recently, seems like having one as a spare is a good idea (cracked blades). I’m happy with the Pro finish, don’t think I want to tempt fate with thinner blades.
Personally, I’d go 24p and see where it gets you. I think it’s better to go with a smaller pitch running close to the limiter than being overpropped and lugging it. Some of the Bravos come in odd pitches now, but I was told they are the smaller even diameter casting with more tip cup. Don’t know how that would work on a big hull that wants stern lift.
I went from bottom of my power band with a 23p M+ and 23 Tempest to a 22p Bravo (pro finish). I picked up too many RPM with the 1” drop, putting me close to the limiter when lightly loaded. The extra blade definitely seems to get more of the boat out of the water. Planning on a 24p for spring/fall and keeping the 22p for July/August/family days. Also, after reading a thread here recently, seems like having one as a spare is a good idea (cracked blades). I’m happy with the Pro finish, don’t think I want to tempt fate with thinner blades.
Personally, I’d go 24p and see where it gets you. I think it’s better to go with a smaller pitch running close to the limiter than being overpropped and lugging it. Some of the Bravos come in odd pitches now, but I was told they are the smaller even diameter casting with more tip cup. Don’t know how that would work on a big hull that wants stern lift.
01-21-2019 | 03:32 PM
#5
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From: Hollywood, MD, USA
A few boats ago, 24 Superboat, 454 MAG MPI, went from a 25P Mirage+ to a 26P bravo. RPMs and speed stayed around the same but the handling was MUCH better with the bravo. With the Mirage+ I chine walked all over and couldn't stay hooked up in rough water. I later repowered with a 496HO and had to go to a 28P bravo.
01-21-2019 | 03:47 PM
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From: Southeast Michigan
Last edited by Speedracer29; 01-21-2019 at 04:05 PM.
01-21-2019 | 04:24 PM
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I don't think you want to choke the motor down to 4,600 rpm that is a lot of stress/lugging. My theory is you want to be able to turn it to max rpm where a bigger prop will start to bog it down. i.e. a 24 turning at 5200 wot and a 26 turning at 5000 wot I would go with the 24.
This of course requires a lot of playing with props to get it right.
The Bravo (which is over rated by about .7" pitch) should pull about the same as the next larger 3 blade, Mirage +, It should handle and pull from idle to past mid range much better with a LOT less slip.
Just my experiences and .02.
01-21-2019 | 06:15 PM
#9
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From: Indiana
Thanks
01-21-2019 | 06:35 PM
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PA if you want I can start another thread as not to hijack yours, just let me know.
Regarding the dia. diff you need to check the specs on BBlades or Merc site. The Rev4 comes in Odd pitch #'s and the Bravo in Even. The Rev4's are accurate to blade pitch as the Bravos are advertised bigger than reality. The Rev4 also has more rake than the Bravo and no defuser ring so a head to head on spinning I can't provide. I am still working on my final config but I did gain about 4 mpg (gps) with the Rev4 23" over the Bravo 22" both wot about 5200 rpm. I have a Rev4 25" and a Bravo 24" I have not yet tested but the Bravo and Mirage create too much bow porpoise. The Rev4 has none and much better slip #'s. I want to sell the Bravo 1 24" as I purchased it before I tried a Rev4. My boat really likes the Rev4 so I am sticking with that model hoping I can pull the 25" hence the sale of Bravo1 24". If you have specific questions please PM me your phone# and we can talk.
Sorry about the long post and I hope this was helpful.
Good Luck, Gary
Regarding the dia. diff you need to check the specs on BBlades or Merc site. The Rev4 comes in Odd pitch #'s and the Bravo in Even. The Rev4's are accurate to blade pitch as the Bravos are advertised bigger than reality. The Rev4 also has more rake than the Bravo and no defuser ring so a head to head on spinning I can't provide. I am still working on my final config but I did gain about 4 mpg (gps) with the Rev4 23" over the Bravo 22" both wot about 5200 rpm. I have a Rev4 25" and a Bravo 24" I have not yet tested but the Bravo and Mirage create too much bow porpoise. The Rev4 has none and much better slip #'s. I want to sell the Bravo 1 24" as I purchased it before I tried a Rev4. My boat really likes the Rev4 so I am sticking with that model hoping I can pull the 25" hence the sale of Bravo1 24". If you have specific questions please PM me your phone# and we can talk.
Sorry about the long post and I hope this was helpful.
Good Luck, Gary
