Which Bravo-1 prop should I use?
09-06-2006, 12:36 PM
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Which Bravo-1 prop should I use?
I've decided to replace the 23" Mirage/PLUS 3-blade presently on my Baja 232 (454 Mag) with a either a 22" or 24" Bravo/1 4-blade prop.
I am comfortable with the offshore handling characteristics of the 232 with the 3-blade (very little bow lift) but would like to achieve a cleaner holeshot, eliminate cavitation in tight turns and gain better mid-range throttle control and efficiency when the seas get a bit sloppy. Although I'm not really that concerned about top-end, I would hope to stay close to the 63-65mph @ 4500-4700 which the boat does now.
Which size prop do you think should be best for the Baja 232?
I am comfortable with the offshore handling characteristics of the 232 with the 3-blade (very little bow lift) but would like to achieve a cleaner holeshot, eliminate cavitation in tight turns and gain better mid-range throttle control and efficiency when the seas get a bit sloppy. Although I'm not really that concerned about top-end, I would hope to stay close to the 63-65mph @ 4500-4700 which the boat does now.
Which size prop do you think should be best for the Baja 232?
09-11-2006, 07:55 AM
#2
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Re: Which Bravo-1 prop should I use?
I would recommend a 22P Bravo I. The Mag motors need to run at 4600-5000, so a 24P would pull you below the 4600 and lug your motor. I have them in stock typoically. ELt me know if I can hlep.
Julie
Julie
09-11-2006, 08:51 PM
#3
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Re: Which Bravo-1 prop should I use?
Sorry for the delay in responsed.
No, don't go to the Bravo 1.
Call us and we'll get you a Rev 4 to test with. You need a 23 Rev 4 Lab Finished!
No, don't go to the Bravo 1.
Call us and we'll get you a Rev 4 to test with. You need a 23 Rev 4 Lab Finished!
__________________
Brett Anderson / BBLADES Professional Propellers
920-295-4435 http://www.bblades.com/
[email protected]
Brett Anderson / BBLADES Professional Propellers
920-295-4435 http://www.bblades.com/
[email protected]
09-17-2006, 07:13 PM
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Re: Which Bravo-1 prop should I use?
Tested a 22" Bravo-1 prop this weekend ..... and will forever run a 4-blade!
Getting on plane, midrange cruising efficiency (3000rpm = 40mph) and throttle response at all RPMs was spectacular compared to the 23" Mirage/PLUS.
But the curve turned downward over 3500rpm as the cruising efficiency somewhat reversed (4000rpm = 50mph) and ultimately turned too many RPMs at full throttle (4950 ) to only reach 62-63mph. Remember, I still have the two weak cylinders and spun the original M+23 at 4700rpm (full throttle) to run 64.7mph. I will be getting my 454 Mag refreshed during the winter.
I don't want any more RPMs with the Bravo-1 so labbing the prop seems unnecessary. I am wondering if simply cupping the blades to increase the pitch (23") is realistic? The increased 23" pitch should provide about 67-69mph at 5000rpm which is what I was told the M+23 delivered on my boat. Would cupping increase the cruising efficiency on the upper end of the engine range without detracting from the fabulous bite it provides below 3500rpm?
I'm going to test a smaller diameter 23" Revolution-4 prop next week.
I'll keep y'all posted.
Getting on plane, midrange cruising efficiency (3000rpm = 40mph) and throttle response at all RPMs was spectacular compared to the 23" Mirage/PLUS.
But the curve turned downward over 3500rpm as the cruising efficiency somewhat reversed (4000rpm = 50mph) and ultimately turned too many RPMs at full throttle (4950 ) to only reach 62-63mph. Remember, I still have the two weak cylinders and spun the original M+23 at 4700rpm (full throttle) to run 64.7mph. I will be getting my 454 Mag refreshed during the winter.
I don't want any more RPMs with the Bravo-1 so labbing the prop seems unnecessary. I am wondering if simply cupping the blades to increase the pitch (23") is realistic? The increased 23" pitch should provide about 67-69mph at 5000rpm which is what I was told the M+23 delivered on my boat. Would cupping increase the cruising efficiency on the upper end of the engine range without detracting from the fabulous bite it provides below 3500rpm?
I'm going to test a smaller diameter 23" Revolution-4 prop next week.
I'll keep y'all posted.
09-18-2006, 11:57 AM
#5
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Re: Which Bravo-1 prop should I use?
The 22 Bravo 1 did exactly is as what would have been expected. Your rpms are perfect at 4950 and loosing a couple mph is typical when going to a bravo 1 form a Mirage plus. A mild lab and cupping might get you those mph back.
09-18-2006, 12:27 PM
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Re: Which Bravo-1 prop should I use?
To a certain extent, I felt that I was actually over-reving the 22" Bravo-1.
With the original 23" Mirage/PLUS 3-blade, the throttle maxed out at 64.7,ph @ 4600-4800rpm. I still have the two weak cylinders (#2@30 & #5@70) and my mechanic feels that with a valve job and fresh-up this winter, I will pick up about 200-300rpm. With the original 23" 3-blade, that would have put me right at 70mph @ 5000-5100rpm which is my target. I also intend to install Revolution Marine's performance manifolds at that time but do not know what impact that will have on my engine's output.
I'm going to test a Revolution-4 23" 4-blade next week. My thinking is that the smaller diameter (same as Mirage/PLUS) and additional inch of pitch might come close to my 65-67mph @ 4600-4800 interim top end goal, yet retain some of the wonderful bite and efficiency the additional blade surface provides.
After my winter engine work, the 454 Mag should be back to at least 385hp and would love to test my son's labbed 24" Bravo-1. With the 24" pitch, it might just be the ticket to actually exceed 70mph @ 5000rpm!
With the original 23" Mirage/PLUS 3-blade, the throttle maxed out at 64.7,ph @ 4600-4800rpm. I still have the two weak cylinders (#2@30 & #5@70) and my mechanic feels that with a valve job and fresh-up this winter, I will pick up about 200-300rpm. With the original 23" 3-blade, that would have put me right at 70mph @ 5000-5100rpm which is my target. I also intend to install Revolution Marine's performance manifolds at that time but do not know what impact that will have on my engine's output.
I'm going to test a Revolution-4 23" 4-blade next week. My thinking is that the smaller diameter (same as Mirage/PLUS) and additional inch of pitch might come close to my 65-67mph @ 4600-4800 interim top end goal, yet retain some of the wonderful bite and efficiency the additional blade surface provides.
After my winter engine work, the 454 Mag should be back to at least 385hp and would love to test my son's labbed 24" Bravo-1. With the 24" pitch, it might just be the ticket to actually exceed 70mph @ 5000rpm!
