Baja Boss 232
09-23-2019 | 10:23 PM
#1
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Baja Boss 232
I purchased a used 2002 Baja 232 Boss 496 Magnum (375hp) this spring.
Long story short I got screwed and spent most of the summer working on the boat and spending big money at the boat repair shop. I finally got everything fixed, then treated the boat to a buff job and a ceramic marine coating. Our season is over here so the boat is now pulled for winter.
At this point I have time to chase the little things. One question I have is prop selection. The boat is wearing a 48-857032A46 25P (four blade) I am wondering if this is the right prop for the boat. Unfortunately I did not log the rpm at WOT, I did however log top speed which is between 65-67 mph (gps). I am curious if I am over propped? The boat does not handle the greatest, not horrible. I find it occasionally porpoises (none of my boats have ever done that) and it chime walks more then I care for... I have to apply my trim tabs to keep the bow down if driving slow. Curious if the prop is contributing to these issues?. Sorry I never logged the rpm, missed opportunity. I just remember it being in the 4,000's. I understand the engine should run between 4400-4800 rpm at WOT.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Long story short I got screwed and spent most of the summer working on the boat and spending big money at the boat repair shop. I finally got everything fixed, then treated the boat to a buff job and a ceramic marine coating. Our season is over here so the boat is now pulled for winter.
At this point I have time to chase the little things. One question I have is prop selection. The boat is wearing a 48-857032A46 25P (four blade) I am wondering if this is the right prop for the boat. Unfortunately I did not log the rpm at WOT, I did however log top speed which is between 65-67 mph (gps). I am curious if I am over propped? The boat does not handle the greatest, not horrible. I find it occasionally porpoises (none of my boats have ever done that) and it chime walks more then I care for... I have to apply my trim tabs to keep the bow down if driving slow. Curious if the prop is contributing to these issues?. Sorry I never logged the rpm, missed opportunity. I just remember it being in the 4,000's. I understand the engine should run between 4400-4800 rpm at WOT.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Last edited by Kraftei; 09-23-2019 at 10:28 PM.
09-24-2019 | 06:26 AM
#2
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From: Connecticut
I use to have a 2004 232 Performance with the 375hp 496 I bought it brand new.Stock prop I believe was a 23p 3 blade bravo. I dont remember it being 25p. I put a 23p 4 blade on and didn't gain or lose any speed. I use to get 68 mph on the speedo (never had GPS back then) so you are right about were it should be with that 25p. Id try a 23p 4 blade if you want more RPM these Baja's like them. But I dont think you will see more than 1-2mph gain.
I now own a 2001 252 Islander with a 310hp 7.4 MPI 454 and I only get 52-55mph GPS with a 23p 4 blade Revolution 4 or the stock 23p 3 blade bravo. 4 blade has much better holeshot and handles a little better in the chop(more bite) I might try a 21p next season because I only get 4-4100 rpm trimmed way out.
As far as the trim tabs being needed to stop porpoising that is also pretty normal. Just a smidge tab down and trim way up in a nice chop and you will see your best MPH. Smooth water will be slower. They need a little air under them. My tabs are not working currently (blew a line) and the boat runs fine without them even in long island sound, but they do like a little tab down at certain speeds to stop that. The more you drive the boat you will get it. They are great boats have fun. My old 232 is for sale actually just saw it on boat trader.
Im in CT not putting mine away yet got at least another month.
I now own a 2001 252 Islander with a 310hp 7.4 MPI 454 and I only get 52-55mph GPS with a 23p 4 blade Revolution 4 or the stock 23p 3 blade bravo. 4 blade has much better holeshot and handles a little better in the chop(more bite) I might try a 21p next season because I only get 4-4100 rpm trimmed way out.
As far as the trim tabs being needed to stop porpoising that is also pretty normal. Just a smidge tab down and trim way up in a nice chop and you will see your best MPH. Smooth water will be slower. They need a little air under them. My tabs are not working currently (blew a line) and the boat runs fine without them even in long island sound, but they do like a little tab down at certain speeds to stop that. The more you drive the boat you will get it. They are great boats have fun. My old 232 is for sale actually just saw it on boat trader.
Im in CT not putting mine away yet got at least another month.
Last edited by CT River Baja; 09-24-2019 at 07:21 AM.
09-24-2019 | 08:12 AM
#3
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From: Palm City, Fl
The boat was propped from the factory with a 23p 3 blade to run in the ideal rpm range. I'm guessing that moving to a 25 4 blade is too much prop.
All speculation until you record rpm and speed for each. If you're serious about it, I suggest you call Brett @ Bblades. He will steer you right, but you will need to provide him that data.
All speculation until you record rpm and speed for each. If you're serious about it, I suggest you call Brett @ Bblades. He will steer you right, but you will need to provide him that data.
09-24-2019 | 10:00 AM
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Thanks for the information. The previous owner believed the boat had a 496 Magnum HO, hence why he propped it up so much. I bought the boat unseen and had it shipped to me (yes brilliant I know). I located the engine SN and checked it and it came back as a Magnum, as well I checked the ECM and the sticker says "BASE" not "HO". The sticker on the engine says Magnum as well. His story is he bought the boat from the owner of the dealer (his personal boat) he questioned the sticker (magnum vs ho) so he had the owner hook it up to a computer and prove it. All his paperwork including the (yellow) highlights in the manuals indicate HO so I truly believe he thought it was a HO. I do not.
CT RIVER BAJA: I rebuilt one trim tab ram (leaking), replaced both sensors and the gauge so my tabs are working fine. I never used them at WOT but I will trim down a little like you suggested. I mainly used them to keep the bow down in the no wake zones, driving slow caused the bow to point up. The one advantage of getting srwed on the boat is I now know every square inch of it !
Unfortunately I am out of the water for the season and I do not have my WOT engine rpm. Personally I think the 4 blade 23p is the way to go. Does anyone have a recommendation for a brand or type ? I would like to start shopping now as our season is so short.
Thanks Again !!
CT RIVER BAJA: I rebuilt one trim tab ram (leaking), replaced both sensors and the gauge so my tabs are working fine. I never used them at WOT but I will trim down a little like you suggested. I mainly used them to keep the bow down in the no wake zones, driving slow caused the bow to point up. The one advantage of getting srwed on the boat is I now know every square inch of it !
Unfortunately I am out of the water for the season and I do not have my WOT engine rpm. Personally I think the 4 blade 23p is the way to go. Does anyone have a recommendation for a brand or type ? I would like to start shopping now as our season is so short.
Thanks Again !!
09-24-2019 | 10:15 AM
#6
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From: Connecticut
I had same problem when I got my 252. Had to fix a ton of stuff previous only neglected. Your right I do know my boat now inside and out. Its getting there but still not perfect. I will fix my tabs over winter along with a few other issues. (Depth gauge and trim gauge)
Prop wise on these boats I only have experience running my 23p Revolution 4 Ive had on both my 232's ( had a 97 also with carb 310hp 454 that boat ran about 58-62mph) but guess they no longer make this prop. I agree 4 blade 23p of some sort will be perfect for you
A lot of people get confused about the 496. They both say 496 Mag on sticker but on the 425hp it also said H.O. The Guy selling my old boat wrote in the add it has a 496 mag 475 HP lol. Also says "Custom Corsica" exhaust instead of Corsa. It was a factory option nothing custom about it
I dont have the heart to call him and correct him.
Prop wise on these boats I only have experience running my 23p Revolution 4 Ive had on both my 232's ( had a 97 also with carb 310hp 454 that boat ran about 58-62mph) but guess they no longer make this prop. I agree 4 blade 23p of some sort will be perfect for you
A lot of people get confused about the 496. They both say 496 Mag on sticker but on the 425hp it also said H.O. The Guy selling my old boat wrote in the add it has a 496 mag 475 HP lol. Also says "Custom Corsica" exhaust instead of Corsa. It was a factory option nothing custom about it
I dont have the heart to call him and correct him.
Last edited by CT River Baja; 09-24-2019 at 10:34 AM.
09-24-2019 | 02:17 PM
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I called BBLades, as I suspected, not having the WOT RPM is a big problem. The lady said the prop I have on the boat currently is designed for mid range cruising and hole shot, not top end. Not sure why I am getting so much top end, sounds like I am getting top speed for the boat.
She did say the operating RPM for the boat should be 4800-5200, is that correct? seems higher then what I researched, I was told 4400-4800.
She did say the operating RPM for the boat should be 4800-5200, is that correct? seems higher then what I researched, I was told 4400-4800.
09-24-2019 | 11:49 PM
#10
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From: Omaha/LOTO
Your prop is a REV4 which a lot of people run on single engine Baja's. It will give a better hole shot and cruise speed than a Mirage Plus. Mirage Plus will usually have a higher top speed.
I would think your rpms are probably on the low side since its a 25 pitch 4 blade prop. Most single engine Baja's come with a 23 Mirage Plus 3 blade prop. The extra blade and 2" of pitch on the REV 4 would generally get about 600rpms less than the 23 Mirage Plus.
You really want to prop the boat to run in the upper end of the recommended WOT range which would be around 4800rpms for your engine. The rev limiter will kick in around 4950 rpms. The engine make the most HP at the top of the WOT range. You will need to know what your WOT rpm is to get a good recommendation on where to go from what you have. I would just wait until Spring and do some testing.
I would think your rpms are probably on the low side since its a 25 pitch 4 blade prop. Most single engine Baja's come with a 23 Mirage Plus 3 blade prop. The extra blade and 2" of pitch on the REV 4 would generally get about 600rpms less than the 23 Mirage Plus.
You really want to prop the boat to run in the upper end of the recommended WOT range which would be around 4800rpms for your engine. The rev limiter will kick in around 4950 rpms. The engine make the most HP at the top of the WOT range. You will need to know what your WOT rpm is to get a good recommendation on where to go from what you have. I would just wait until Spring and do some testing.
