RJBBC

Are Mercruiser's current horsepower ratings taken from the propshaft or crankshaft? For example, I was under the impression that a 496MAGHO has 425 propshaft horsepower. However I just received Mercruiser's latest product brochure and under engine specifications they state "Performance obtained and corrected in accordance with SAE J1228 crankshaft power." I'm confused.

RJBBC

As far as I can tell Mercruiser uses propshaft horsepower ratings with their standard engine line and crankshaft horsepower with there racing engines. This is somewhat misleading because a 496MAG HO 425 propshaft HP and 500 EFI 500 crankshaft HP should read 470 HP when comparing apples to apples. How about the 377 Scorpion? How different is that from the MX 6.2? Looks like only 30HP from were I'm standing. That it is quite an increase in price for 30HP. Any insight would be appreciated.
Rob

Vinny P

I thought they are all rated at the prop shaft.

RJBBC

checkmate454mag,
Have you water tested your new 540? I also wanted to ask you about mid speed porpoise in the 259 Convincor. It seems if I have the boat loaded with people I cannot avoid a mid range porpoise, between 35-45mph before the boat achieves a comfortable set. Have you experienced similar ride characteristics? How do you avoid it?

zt260

I your running a 3 blade try a bravo prop. It helped me quite a bit. If you need more add tabs. I run a set of 380S K-planes. With those down I can plane with no porpoise at any speed above 20mph.

RJBBC

I currently run a 23P Mirage Plus prop. What pitch bravo prop would you recommend with a stock 454MAG?

zt260

If your rpm is right, a 22" bravo is the correct one.

cigrocket

Talk to the guys at hydromotive about your porposing. IF you spin a 4 blade, lab finished, it will take away your porposing and because of the lab finishing you will not loose and MPH versus a 3 blade. Plus there will be no blow out when you hit the throttle to get out of the hole. Check it out, Pretty cheap solution. They are very knowledgable.

zt260

I've had hydromotive 4 blades on as well. It will also help the porpoising, but I found their prop to be a little slower for me.

If you lab either prop properly it will increase your top end, but it usually won't change the porpoising much.

Vinny P

I agree with the above statements. A good labbed prop and tabs will cure your problem.

I have run the new power one time so far. The results are not too good yet. It turns out I am over propped. I tried a 27" P-5X Hydromotive. I could only get 4800 rpm @ 75.5 mph gps 80mph speedo. I need to get about 800 more rpm. This weekend I plan on trying my labbed 26" Bravo. Hopefully, it will yield better results. Then I can settle in somewhere with the right prop. Maybe somewhere around a 25" P5-X, but I am not sure yet.