Prop Selection

[jlroeder4]

I have a 300 convincor with a 496 HO. What do you think I should be using for a prop? I have a 23 pitch bravo 1, 3 blade that will run about 5000 rpms and go about 72 mph according to speedometer.(NOT GPS)

I also have a 24 pitch hydromotive 4 blade but have not used it yet, but was told it will slow you down some and get you out of the hole faster. The prop says HC-CL24R O - IV. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[Big Red]

I would try a Bravo 1 24p 4 blade see if you can borrow one for a test run

 

[mboger]

i agree try the bravo four blade 24 it might slow you down one mile per hour but your boat will handle so much better
but if you want some more speed on it call bblades in wisconsin, he is the prop wizard

 

[bigsbetter]

Dude, if you allready have the Hydromotive, I would for SURE try that one! It will bring your rpm's down some. What is the rpm range on your 496 HO? The Hydromotive is an Excellent prop, as is the Bravo One. Both are large diameter 4 blade props. You got to expierement. I tried many many props. Hydromotives and Bravo Ones work the best on my 251 Convincor, with the Bravo One just 1 mph ahead and handling is basically the same for both on my boat. Oh yea, the Bravo One I run and the Hydromotive I ran were both 26 pitch and the rpm's were very close, if I remember correctly, I turned the hydromotive maybe 100 rpms slower. But the Hydro's LOOK COOLER!!!!

 

[jlroeder4]

How do I determine the correct pitch? The guy that I bought the boat from said the 4 blade hydromotive will slow you down some so does that mean that I should go up in pitch? Thanks again for your help.

Jason Roeder

 

[bigsbetter]

The pitch on a prop is the distance it will travel in water(with no slippage). 24 pitch prop will go 24 inches, So it will be harder for your engine to turn a 24 pitch prop than your current 23 pitch. Also the more blades you have on a prop can bring your rpm and speed down, but improve handling too. Prop selection has always been an expiermental basis for me. Mirage is a great prop as is Hydro's and Bravo Ones. Those are my Favorite top 3. If you'r really turning a 23 Mirage at 5000 rpms, and then you try the Hydromoive 24 4 blade (is it a 4 blade? because I have seen 3 blade Hydros also)??? If it is a 4 blade Hydomotive, I'm gonna guess your rpms will drop 200-400 rpm as compared to the 23 Mirage. I don't know about your speed... it may go up because a 4 blade prop usually will have less slippage than a 3 blade. Just try it and let us know...I'm Anxious to hear about the results.

 

[bigsbetter]

How do I determine the correct pitch? The guy that I bought the boat from said the 4 blade hydromotive will slow you down some so does that mean that I should go up in pitch? Thanks again for your help.

Jason Roeder

Maybe I failed to answer your question. A higher numbered pitch prop will make you go faster at the same rpm as a lower number pitch prop ( given they are the same brand). The number of blades and cup and rake and quality of a prop ALL effect the performance. In the end, it takes MORE horsepower to turn a higher pitch prop (such as a 28 or 30 pitch) than it would to turn a 21 or 23 pitch. You could turn a 23 pitch prop at 5000 rpm's and your boat may go 65 mph...but if you had a strong enough engine to turn a 28 pitch prop at 5000 rpm, you might go 80+ mph! I hope I'm being helpful and being basic enough to answer your Question! What is the rpm range of your engine? It should tell you on the valve cover.

 

[jlroeder4]

I am going to try to take it out again! Maybe going to the Ozarks in two weeks for the harbor run.

I will report back. Thanks again.

Jason Roeder