chuck21401

Hi,

Thought I would start another thread to discuss props.

I have a 1989 242LS with a 454 magnum (365 HP)

I'm running a SS 21P mirage prop. (part #48-13702 A40; what does the A40 mean? I've seen different suffixes for this part number)

At WOT, tabs up and drive trimmed I'm seeing 53mph on GPS. This is with 3/4 fuel and 2 people. The tach shows 5300+rpms which is too much; book says max RPM should be between 4600-5000.

I'm thinking about trying a 23p mirage prop. (Would I get a mirage or mirage+, what is the difference?)

What are other single big block 242LS owners running?

Top speed isn't that important as I wouldn't keep it at WOT for long, but rather I'd like to bump up my cruising speeds in the 3000 to 3500rpm range.

Also, how long is it safe to run at WOT? ("until the motor grenades" Yeah I know that, but really, how long do you run at WOT?)

Chuck

masi242

Chuck, Right now I am running a bravo 1 4 blade 22 pitch, but I had it labbed by houston prop. All trimmed up I will get 4600-4700 rpm, with a nice cruise around 3000-3200. This prop gets me out of the hole pretty nice with good control in cornering.

Hope this helps

mark

ps At least you`ve had yours out already.

chuck21401

Mark,

4 blades, interesting.

What speeds are you seeing at the top end and cruising?

And I'm sure MA will warm up sooner or later!

Chuck

BAD-HABIT

I have had really great results with the Michigan Ballistic Prop. They seem to have a lot better hole-shot and better top end also. As a matter of fact Houston Propeller has their own design which from what I can tell is somewhat similar. I think it's a cross between a Mirage and a Ballistic they call it the Accellerator I think. Most people really seem to like it. When I can afford it I plan on shipping mine out.

BH

masi242

Chuck, From what I can remember cruising is in the low 30`s top is about 61mph sorry not gps numbers. Give darin a call at Houston prop he can help you out. The one thing you will need is seat time just to get the feel of your boat and where the trim feels right. Top speed in the 242 should be about 63 max unless your running sum big power. Remember play with your trim and your tabs the boat will respond very nice.

Hey Chuck it`s not easy being the small guys on the board.

chuck21401

Yeah, trim tabs are a new toy for me, and I'm looking forward to more seat time and burning more gas. It would be nice to cruise at 35-40mph (on calm days).

The Bay is getting "smaller" with a bigger boat. Last weekend we drove from my marina to Annapolis, MD in 20 minutes; with the old boat it took 45 minutes, mostly because we had to go real slow in rough water.

Yeah, but at some point everyone was a new boat owner or owned a "small" boat. I would like to think of this boat as the step between the 18 Sea Ray and a 30 or 35 Formula. I told my wife that we would try the Formula to see if we like performance boats and the next one could either be a Sea Ray Weekender or a sport boat with twin 454s. Last weekend she pointed to a much bigger formula that passed by and said "we should get one of those." The seeds have been sowed!

Formula Outlaw

IMMEDIATELY, get down on your knees and praise the Lord. You have just successfully cleared the largest hurdle in offshore boating, wives.

jaybird

Chuck,

I'd suggest either a 23 standard Mirage, or a 21 Mirage plus. The Mirage plus has added cup, so that is why you would go smaller. Those 2 props are fairly common, so maybe a local shop will let you try one. You could try a 22 bravo 4 blade as well.

I had a 24' performance boat with similar hull and weight as a 242. and the same 365 mag package. The 23 standard Mirage was the right prop for that boat. RPM's averaged from 4900-5050 depending on weight and conditions.

Hmmm... I actually have a 23 Mirage still lying around somewhere that I could part with. If you end up going that route drop me a PM if you want and we possibly could work a deal.

jaybird

LOL!!! No kidding. But honey, the superchargers need a bearing freshening and a polish !

chuck21401

I went ahead and bought a 23 mirage plus prop from a local supplier.

With 2 people and 3/4 fuel I could only spin to 4200rpms trimmed out @ 54mph GPS. I used more trim but then the prop broke loose and I slowed down considerably.

Good news is that the cruising speed has gone up. 3200 rpms with some trim and tabs down a bit to keep the nose down put me at 34 mph. I am now getting some "porpoising" without running tabs in the midrange. If I give it more throttle, 3500rpms and above, the ride flattens out.

Prop supplier suggested that I try a 4 blade 22 pitch bravo prop.