More pitch or more blades?

[loren105]

I am looking for a little more speed out of my 22 classic. Its a 2004 with the 396 Mag. (Not HO Mag). 3 blade 23pitch Mercury Laser Prop. The boat runs well but tops out at 60mph. The boat is propped correctly with the RPM Range, but looking for a little more. Hydromotive 4 blade (21pitch) or would I be better off with a 3 blade "Cleaver" (25).
Any suggestions?

[mrfixxall]

Does youe lase prop have cavation holes at the base of the prop?? if so you could be looseing major mph..that prop was designed for big and heavy hulls..are you sure that your engine isnt a 496?? try a turbo 23 or a mirage 23 and kike i said when i em ya i have both and the hydromotiveq4 in a 21 22 23 24 26 and the cleavers.....p.s. how many rpm are you running with the laser??

[MOP]

I am looking for a little more speed out of my 22 classic. Its a 2004 with the 396 Mag. (Not HO Mag). 3 blade 23pitch Mercury Laser Prop. The boat runs well but tops out at 60mph. The boat is propped correctly with the RPM Range, but looking for a little more. Hydromotive 4 blade (21pitch) or would I be better off with a 3 blade "Cleaver" (25).
Any suggestions?

You should be running near 70 you may be hitting the rev limiter with the 23, if you go to True Lies you see most of the guys are running 25" wheels and hitting 70+.
A cleaver makes a 22 real squirelly, Ask me how I know!

Phil

[d1mbu1b]

I have a 22c with mag 350 it tops out at a hair over 60 gps w/ 23p 3blade
at just under 5000 rpm

I agree that you should be well over 60.

if you have a 1.5 drive and a 23 p prop, I also agree that your probably hitting the rev limiter.

when I changed to a cleaver it really pepped the boat up.
I guess you could call it squirrely but I liked it.

My understanding is that, if you go with 4 blades, you'll get a better hole shot but it creates more drag on the top end

check out
http://www.speedboatperformance.com/
this site is great for determining the benefits of different prop selections.

[John W]

I have the 22 with the 496 HO. I was running the mirage plus 25, boat was down schiphter tightening at WOT. Fiannly got to run the boat with the tach working right , with the Hydrto quad IV X24. Hole shot is impressive, handling is awesome , porposing almost non existant with just engine trim, WOT is 5050, 72.6 mph gps. I am happy.
JW