Finally got to run my new prop.

[big_o_tom]

I have a '95 XB2003 with a '95 225 Mercury Promax. It came with a 25° trophy plus 4 blade prop. The 25 had a little bend on the end of one ear, I ran it like that for a while. The oddest thing, before getting the prop fixed, I could run close to 50 mph at 4000 rpms, but couldn't really handle the boat long between 75-80.
I get the prop fixed (back to factory specs) and at 4000 rpms can only do around 40 mph, but I could continually run in the low 80's.
I bought 2 props from a fella on bbc a couple months ago and finally got to try one out the other day. I got a 27 and a 28 trophy plus 4 blade both in great shape. I put the 28 on and as expected it comes out of the hole just a bit different than the 25. It also will do 55 mph at 4000 rpm's (which I like for just cruising, better fuel economy), I ran it up to 80 one time around 6k-6.5k rpm's (don't remember exactly). It had been a while since I had run the boat so I was "out of practice" is why I didn't go any faster. All in all I like the 28 very well and can see me keeping it and the 25, selling the 27 and putting that money toward a 30!!!

[xb03fs]

Run both before selling. Never know 27 may be really close to 28 on topend with better holeshot. One of those 2 pitch’s were less liked if I remember right....

[fishnfireman]

Be sure to run the 27..
The 28 trophy was made different than the lower pitched trophy's.. most times they were not the prop of choice fora 2003. I bought one when they first came out against advise from one who had tried it (he was right)-- I soon sold it-- The 28 is the largest Trophy.

[bake]

Good advice from these guys. In the heat of the summer and 2 in the boat ,I think you will find the 27 is about as stiff as you can turn with the trophy.

[big_o_tom]

Sounds like I should just keep the 27 anyway. I really liked the lower rpm's with the bigger prop. Gonna keep the 25 for skiing and tubes and the bigger ones for fishing/cruising.

[wbh1954]

I think you will like a 30 on your rig

[big_o_tom]

Yeah I cant wait to try one. Only thing is should I try to find a 3 or 4 blade?

[xb03fs]

Not sure how stiff the trophy is but I had a pretty stiff 27 hydro that would tickle 90 at 7k via 1.87 with the boat empty

[wbh1954]

I would say you need bow lift.

[big_o_tom]

You may be right but I think I need more seat time, more time with set up and boat balance. If I trim to high now I have to let out of because it gets way to squirrely. ...

[wbh1954]

Seat Time is a Good Thing...

[xb03]

Yeah I cant wait to try one. Only thing is should I try to find a 3 or 4 blade?

Go with a 3 blade 30p

[silverbullet02]

Hopefully we can meet up one day this year up there. I'm not sure I made Norris but about once last year.

[big_o_tom]

Sounds good. We are going to annual training in may this year instead of june so hopefully I'll be able to attend the rally.

[skewby]

Good deal Tom you will see and meet many allison driving fools...lol

[Props4u2]

A 30p Mercury 3-blade Lightning ET is the best handling and running prop you can install on a 2003 in my opinion.

[big_o_tom]

I'll put that on my look for list!

[wbh1954]

I ran a 30 Spinelli on a set up like yours Tom. Ran Good.

[fishnfireman]

Mazco RE3 ain't to shabby... Can you spell (world record).

[big_o_tom]

I can't wait to try out a 30 of any prop. Going from a 25 to a 28 was a huge difference.