Thought maybe other 294 guys might like this and could use the info.
Been playing with Craigs 28 Bravo worked by Mark Croxton. Heres what I have say so far with that and on other props I have ran also.
Boat: Stratos 294
Motor: Merc 200 Opti.
6" plate
6" plate set 2" below, dual pvs holes all open 1/2 tank fuel, high 70deg weather, mid 60's water temp. No current
28 Bravo
Loaded like a dumptruck super heavy with 2 people and fishin gear.
74.9 @ 5600 on calm water Great holeshot considering the load. Good bow lift when trimmed out, decent stern lift. This is
theprop for those that carry heavy loads all the time. Good midrange acceleration.
Same setup as before just me and a light load 76 @ 5700. Figures 15% slip
Great hole shot, nail it and it spins up to 4000 and takes off. Next time I think I may lower the plate down to 2.5" and see if it hooks up better thus a lower slip and more effiency, I'll figure something out. Really think this prop has more in it, great prop, just have to alter the engine height some and find what it likes.
Good bow lift once trimmed past 3/4, and tons of stern lift. Porpised some @ 55-60 more trim helped that go away. Very little rooster tail @ WFO. Feels funny crossin wakes at speed, as the boat kind of bumps over them and feels real light in the back end. Takes a good amount of driver attention on the big end.
Next up is a 27 TXP I just had Jay Martin performance propeller clean up as some of the cup had washed out of it. Now its just like new.
27 TXP 3 blade
Same set up as above, 2 large pvs plugs and 1 open. 1 man fishin load, cooler full of drinks, calm water etc.
77 @ 5600 figures 9% slip. Which is very good!! Has run as fast as 78.xx in perfect conditions 2 different times in cool weather. Good acceleration.
Good bow lift, decent stern lift. Good hole shot, spins to 3800-3900 and takes off got to feather it slightly on break over. Slightly slower holeshot than the Bravo but still acceptable. Porpised some @45-50. Takes a good amount of driver attention on the big end. Great speed prop. These props shine with a big block motor.
Same prop 2 guys loaded to fish 73-74 every day, has run 75 in the right water conditions @5500-5550. Good holeshot with 2 large and 1 medium pvs plugs. Very stable @ speed in the rough stuff
26 Fury
Same setup as above, heavy load.
70 on the limiter*. Awesome hole shot, good mid range. Easy to drive. Had to really trim it to get the bow to come up. * This prop may have performed better had I lowered it some, I think 2" was a bit high.
26 Razor 3 blade
Setup: 2.5" below pad, large pvs plugs, 3/4 tank fuel 1 man fishin load, calm water, 80 deg weather.
75@ 5750+ 12% slip
Great hole shot, good mid range. Took lots of trim to fly the bow. No blow out what so ever,out of the hole and in sharp turns. Handled great. Easy to drive on the big end. Good all around fishin prop. Its got potential with some tweaking.
26 and 27 Tempest
Setup: 2.5" below, 3/4 tank fuel 1 man fishin load. Both props ran about the same.
26 ran 74 on the limiter 12%ish slip
27 ran 74 @ 5700
Awesome holeshot with both. Ok midrange. Carried a load just ok nothing great. Easy to drive. Just a real boring prop (both of them) IMO, good stump and spare prop or paper weight.
28 Hydromotive 4 blade small barrell over/thru hub type exaust, off my buddys Allison.
setup: 2" below pad. 1/2 fuel, 100 deg. heat and 90+ deg water temps. Just me and no load.
74@ 5200 (yes hot weather will suck the life out of a motor)
Good holeshot,slight blow out on break over. Awesome midrange acceleration. Good handling, took lots of trim to fly the bow. Good stern lift. Took some driver attention on the big end.
This prop wasnt really made for a heavy sled like mine but I wanted to give it a try anyway. Didnt really have enough motor to turn this one good on top end in the heat.
More testing..........
26 TXP 3 blade 6" plate 75@ 5600 set 2.5" under. Super stable and easy to drive prop, good hole shot with 2 holes open and 1 closed.
26 TXP with 8" set back 75@ 5750 set @ 2" under. Very stable and super easy to drive with the extra set back. One handed driving @ WOT.
http://www.youtube.com/user/72...OCJ1A
I guess it was a tad over 5750 into the limiter. Couldnt hear it beeping with a helmet on
27 TXP with 8" setback set 1.75 under 76 @5700 easy to drive good WP 25psi, boat ran real flat though prop didnt bite as good as set @ 2".
Going from 6" to 8" setback made it able to drive WOT one handed super smooth. Wow what a difference.
So far the TXP and Bravo are my favorites for speed, and over all efficiency.