buchnerbh22

I've got a 1996 208 Baja Islander with a carbed 454 (310 HP) and an Alpha One drive. I currently have a 5 blade 23P Merc "High Five" on and am running 5300 RPM at 63 MPH GPS. I don't like running that many RPM's on the motor and am looking for direction as to what prop to switch to. I'll keep the "High Five" for watersports but am looking for a prop to get more top end. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Pat McPherson

A Big Block hooked to an Alpha from 1996? That can't be stock from the factory.
3 blade Mirage or Mirage plus will get you good top speed numbers.
Revolution Four 4 blade will probably be a great all around prop.
I'd think 27p 3 blade and 25p 4 blade a low output 7.4L should not spin more than 4600rpm. That boat is going to scream with the right prop...
Sell/give that High Five to someone with an out-board.

buchnerbh22

The 7.4 Bravo 454 wasn't the stock motor. The boat came with a 350. Hopefully the alpha one drive will hold up to the 454. Any ideas or experience on that?.......I'm going to test out a 23 pitch 3 blade Mirage + tomorrow and see what that gives me for numbers....i'll keep ya posted. Thanks for your reply.

Pat McPherson

Back in 87-88 Merc hooked 330HP/7.4L engines to alpha drives with a 1.36 gear. I think your drive will last for a little while being that your boat is not that large. You do not want to hammer it out of the hole, and you may want to add a drive shower.
A 23p Mirage is going to be way too small. I'm thinking you need a 27p 3 blade. I'd be asking BBlades for a 25p Rev 4 to test with though.
The 7.4L engines do not make more power after 4600rpm and you will cook it if you run it over 5000rpm.

bbladesprops

Pat's right.

The 23 M+ will be too small. 25 bent up or 27 down will be the speed prop. Also 25 Rev4 for all around is a great option.

Brett

Pat McPherson

Hey Brett,
The water has warmed up to the point that I won't mind getting in to swap props.
I'll be testing the 28p Mach you clean up for me and a 27p M+ this coming week.
I'll let you know how it goes...

buchnerbh22

Well I ran the Mirage+ 23P 3 blade. I had 3/4 tank of fuel (40 Gallon tank) and 6 people on board. We were running 4800 RPM at 59 MPH. What does Bent up or Bent down mean? ****BBLades....I'm in Madison, WI any chance I could test out a prop or two from ya?

bbladesprops

Call me and we will get you set up.

butteboy

59 is kinda slow unless your at about 5500ft i am at 5000 with 1.36 gear bravo 1 310hp 7.4L and run 61 gps at about 4800 rpm wth 20p 4 blade but you notice the boat starts to be a puckering ride at that speed or faster unless you have tabs to calm it back down

GTOFFSHORE

Dude that post was almost 5 years ago! Is that a record. How did you even find it.