Slung Another One

[jaxbass]

Dang, slung another Bravo blade today. That makes two in 6 months. Ran a buddy’s Promax and it ran pretty good. Are they more durable than a Bravo? Not sure what to get next, love the Bravo performance but can’t take the slinging of blades anymore. Thoughts?

[rocketmanjp]

How high p to p are you running it the majority of the time? I’ve been running the same bravo I ran for 7 yrs on my 300xs & now 3-1/2 yrs on my 300r. I run it about even with the pad unless I am trying an all out topend run which is rare.

[jaxbass]

How high p to p are you running it the majority of the time? I’ve been running the same bravo I ran for 7 yrs on my 300xs & now 3-1/2 yrs on my 300r. I run it about even with the pad unless I am trying an all out topend run which is rare.

Rocketmanjp - way too high, lol. I have a hydraulic plate, usually run about 1” - 1 1/2” above, maybe a tad higher every blue moon when I air it out. I know that is why I am slinging them just wondering if there is a more durable prop that can take the surfacing better. Hate slinging these dang things.

[WVBullet]

Bravos are usually beast. I run 1.25”-1.5” above on my 300xs and have owned the same prop for 8 years and the guy that had it before me had it for a few years also.

[MrMobley]

That's why I'm replacing my recently slung bravo with a Powertech BRV5. It should be here in a week or so, ready to see how it does. And for what its worth, I only had 50-60 hours on the prop when it let go. But I run 2"+ above pad every time the boat leaves the trailer.

[gehol]

Rocketmanjp - way too high, lol. I have a hydraulic plate, usually run about 1” - 1 1/2” above, maybe a tad higher every blue moon when I air it out. I know that is why I am slinging them just wondering if there is a more durable prop that can take the surfacing better. Hate slinging these dang things.

I slung an ear on both a Power Tech BRV5 and a Promax last year. Pictures of both props on my FB page. Per Mark Croxton I went to a BRV4 this time. P to P was about 1-3/4+ when I slung the blades. Again per Mark Croxton I lowered it to 1-1/2 inch P to P before running the BRV4. 300R on an XRS.

[krindgen]

Croxton Razor XL????

[Bullet 250]

I've ran Bravos for years, no problems, hope I didn't curse myself, I know Trophys come apart, had several of those, that's why I don't run them anymore

[BullMerc250]

The Mercury ProMax is a great prop especially if you are running the jackplate high.

[jayfaro]

I believe the original Mercruiser Bravo1 is a different material and more durable. I sent Mark a Mercruiser 30p and even though it was factory labbed it runs really well. If you tap it with a wedding band it has a definite different sound than the Bravo XS next to it.I’m not sure what pitch you’re running but believe they made the original to 32?

[crank68]

Ive always ran the ol Bravo 1 stern drives with no issues. I too believe it’s a little different.

[jayfaro]

Ive always ran the ol Bravo 1 stern drives with no issues. I too believe it’s a little different.

Ted,
They made the stern drive prop in two stages but the original said Mercruiser on the barrel. The newer version has the same diameter etc but it says Mercury Marine on the barrel. These were well before the XS series came out. I do believe that is where the difference occurred. I don’t know....the sound could be my pea brain. LOL

[gehol]

I think they introduced a new alloy in the mid 2000s, maybe 2005. The new alloy, X7, is supposed to be stronger. I have heard from a few that not only stronger but more brittle. This new alloy may not like being surfaced.
Mark Croxton before he recommenced a prop for me, strongly urged me to lower the motor. I went down from 1-7/8 to 1-7/16. After slinging 2 blades last year I thought I would take his advice. XRS. 300R
Let me add I know the 300 R, especially on the XRS, likes being run high. I expect I gave up 3 or 4 on the top end. If the X7 alloy is more brittle, that would explain the rash of blades being slung with the 300 R / Bravo combination. I did sling a Pro Max blade as well as a Power Tech. In the case of the Power Tech, I suspect it was not a fault of Power Tech, long story. Power Tech did a very generous partial warranty. They strongly urged me to contact Mark for a replacement recommendation and Mark suggested the BRV 4.

[jaxbass]

Soooooo, instead of buying another Bravo to sling the blade on, I bought a 31 promax. I am not trilled with it…85 light and felt sluggish. The reason I bought it was because I borrowed a buddy’s 31.5 Promax and LOVED it. I couldn’t find a 31.5 so I bought the 31. It doesn’t feel nearly a peppy as my buddy’s 31.5. Can that 1/2 pitch make that much difference? My buddy knows a lot about props and he said it does make a difference as that 1/2 pitch is all cup to help lift the bow. Do you guys agree? Think i can get some cup added and make it like his 31.5?

[rocketmanjp]

I don’t know what the issue is with yours but I recently had a 28 & then a 27 promax and didn’t notice hardly any difference in looks or performance between the two props. A 27.5 would have been in between so I don’t think it would have been much different.

[Bullet 250]

I'd like to run a 31 Promax on my 2016 21RDC w/ 300XS

[jaxbass]

I'd like to run a 31 Promax on my 2016 21RDC w/ 300XS

I am going to give this prop one more try. Only ran it for a few minutes when I tried it. If it doesn’t work for my boat then I will have a virtually new one for sale. I bought it brand new last week.

[Bullet 250]

Ran a 30p pro et to 93, it might have a little more, but a 31 Promax might have a better chance to get me to trips

[WVBullet]

I want a 31 or 32 Bravo. I really want to try the 32.

[Bullet 250]

I would just like to see trips one time, been there many years ago in a 20 XD, would like to do it in mine