PQ290Enticer

So I was able to actually post the video to youtube. I don't know if I now have a channel there or not but I at least have the vid of a WOT run on the river. Not the best day for it here in Grand Haven. No traffic but the temps are in the low 90's. The props are B1 - 26 pitch and I borrowed them from an OSO member. (Thanks Rookie) RH appears to be untouched and the other LH has been worked on. I don't know if a new matched set would perform a little better or not. Was really looking for the 77 mph Brad thought it might hit. He was real close on the rpm. Anyway, some of you might know that 74 mph is hauling a$$ for this (my) boat. Heavy and not known for speed. I don't think mine is the fastest 290 around but certainly one of the fastest around WITH GPS proof I ran a set of 28's earlier also borrowed (Thanks Todd) no video but it ran 75 mph but the rpm was only 4500. I have one more set to test and will probably do that next week. Here's the link if you're interested.

242LS

Assuming 1.5 GR.... I think you're "there". Prop slip shows 12%. Bumping pitch up 1 and dropping RPM by 200 gets you 74 (again)

PQ290Enticer

I am absolutely happy with the top speed. Picked up 14 mph over stock set up. Thanks for watching and your input.

Wildman_grafix

I would agree with 242LS made have them tweeted up one pitch. You will have a lot of cooler days and right now you are at 5100, which I thought you said was your max RPM.

Just one detail, how much fuel and how was the boat loaded on that run?

PQ290Enticer

I usually go out full of gas but this time it was closer to 3/4 of a tank. Total it holds 130 gallons. There was only me and my water bottle this time. 5100-5200 is max for my "comfort level" plus like I posted before, it stopped making power after 5000 so I didn't think it made sense to go much above that. Thanks for watching and your input.

Rookie

Did you find stampings on the LH that it had been worked on? I looked for one and couldn't find one. I thought they might be 2 different style bravo props. Pointed tip and rounded tip. They run so true that I was never concerned. Have you tried the Spinelli's? Do you want to try the Mercury labbed 28's? Looks and sounds good. How trimmed out were you?
I also have the 30's LOL

blownhammer2000

I'm with 242 on this, good slip #'s with the 26's, 77 isn't realistic unless you can turn them at a higher rpm. Better air in fall will make a difference also. I always propped max rpm standard load in cool spring or fall, that way your not back to adjusting for cooler conditions

PQ290Enticer

Hey Rookie, I did not find any markings on the prop. Do they make a mark after all repairs even if they leave it in the same pitch? I noticed that the ears were sharper and so my "assumption" was that there was some sort of damage to the leading edge and they had to grind quite a bit for the repair leaving the sharper ear. I suppose that Mercury could have changed the style of the prop over the years?
I noticed that the rpm was down on that engine too. I am aware that there are several factors that could cause one engine to have a different rpm but the props not being a "matched set" is definitely one reason.
I am going to try the Spinelli's next week. I am a little worried that they will be worse than the B1 28's only because I looked on the hub and it says 29". I understand that different manufactures props don't align with the others and these could run like a smaller pitch B1. Either way, I'll let you know.
As far as the "labbed 28's" I would like to try them just out of curiosity however, I'm not sure why if they are still a 28 pitch why I would be able to get more rpm and speed? I already ran 28's and don't have the hp to run them.
As far as trimmed out, yes I was however opinions vary on what is enough. I trimmed till the boat stopped making speed. This "measurement" is obviously not exact, but on my mechanical indicator, I was very close to "5" on the scale. This is a new addition to the boat and I am still looking for the correct setting. I have posted before that I "feel" like the bow should come up more however, I don't have a pic or video of the boat running so maybe not?
As a side note, the mid range from cruise to WOT with the new power is awesome! Even with the 28's it pulled hard. The 24' s were ridiculous!
I will get with you next week about the props. Thanks again for your help.

liberator221

I think you have found your props. Looks and sounds good. congrats

HydroSkreamin

Sounds good!

I’d be curious to see what a pair of 27 Rev4’s with 5/8”-1” off the tube would do on there. The Rev4 has more blade area as well which would help drop midrange cruise slip.

If you had access to a pair it would be worth trying. The stock long tube is going to generate some stern lift, cutting the tube generally allows the stern to settle and allow more bow lift.