I know there is a way to start a poll . . . I would rather just ask: Anyone with a Bravo drive 311, what are you running for (a) power and (b) props and (c) what do you see for (i) hole shot (ii) mid-range (iii) top end and (iv) general driveability? I have some warmed up 454's- probably in the 400hp range -and am running some 25p Mirage Plus props. Am going to a pair of 22p or 24p Hydromotive Quad IV's. I feel that the boat runs well now but tends to want to blow the props out (my seat of the pants impression- haven't managed to do the deed yet). Opinions? Thanks.

Running 23 Mirage's 454Mags .... out of the hole is fine .. pops right up .....I did 35mph@3000rpm and 60mph@4600 ..I had Throttle left .. I am looking at a pair of Quad IV's 23's ....

What RPM can you spin those 25 plus props to?

I'm running Quad IV's. No comparison to the old Mirage. I've got stock 454 mags.
Picked up 6/7 mph at 3300 and 3 at WOT. The Quad's lift the stern higher out of the water and reduces drag tremendous. The 311's are serious a$$ heavy boats. Boat runs much flatter now. Just jumps on plane and midrange is much stronger. Definitely go with the 24 inch Quad's, I'm running those. The reduced drag allowed me to up one inch in pitch from the 23 Mirage, although I know that is not the general rule. It just worked for my boat, should work for yours.

Jaybird- I am only spinning to around 4500rpm right now- however, this is not WOT and not trimmed up. I have been gradually working my way up throttle to see where I get. Formula Outlaw- great info., I was going to go to 22p Quad IV's- I have a friend that wants the 24p that has the 22p. I bought 24p to swap with him . . . maybe not . . .

If you ordered the 24P Hydro's definitely give that a shot, especially considering the results that Russ got. However you should test your current props at WOT and cruising RPM's to baseline results.

I will be getting the 23 QIV's soon ..I talked to Matt at throttleup and he seem's to think I should be running 21's ! That is with the info I gave him ...I ran 64@4900 and 44@3300 ....I know Russ (outlaw) runs 24's and loves em ...so we'll see ... What I didnt like about what Throttleup told me was that he didn't think I would gain on topend ..should help low and midrange but not top end ..we'll see ...... Mike

I have heard various stories about the 311's inability to go "fast" even with big power. My impression is that the boat is simply a big fat pig- which is one of the things that attracted me. I should have the 24 Hydros on the boat tomorrow afternoon and I will post before and after results on Monday based on the top secret GPS, Lake X testing I perform : )

I can dispell that fat pig story. My 311 with supercharged 454/420's is pretty fast. Probably pushing around 550hp. Can't give you GPS qualified #'s, but I have a pretty decent idea from running along side my friend's boats that do have GPS that I am somewhere in the low 80's, and that is with undersized props. I currently run Mirage 25's with added cup, and I can spin those to 5600. This fall I hope to try a set of Quad-IV's, but I have no extra $$ currently.

Jay, nice motors. Those older 454/420's are durable as all hell. If I could ever find a set of good ones I'd grab'em in a heartbeat and do exactly as you did. Those 420's were among as durable motor as Mercruiser ever produced. I know two boats up in Maine that each has over 900 hours on and are still running like new. I wish they still made them.

With the reduced drag those Quad IV's produce, I can't see how you could not see some kind of increase in top end. Just my two cents.