RichardS
New Member
Have a situation that may lend itself to an interesting and beneficial outcome, or maybe it's a dumb idea....you guys tell me!
My survey recommended reconditioning the props because of a small crack on one blade and a couple nicks on others. Let me say the sea trial showed no evidence of issues due to prop damage, so how bad can it be?
Anyway....if I do have the props sent out for reconditioning, obviously, I won't be splashing the boat until they come back, and needless to say, it's a busy time of year for that shop.
A buddy of mine offered a solution, but I need to know I won't damage the engine in my fervor to get the boat in the water!
He is offering me a set of Bravo III 3/3 24P props, in very very nice shape. They look beautiful, and so of course I am tempted to install these and use them until the 26P props come back.
I know my RPM's will increase. I know my top speed will suffer. The question is, how much on both? Enough RPM increase to over-rev the 496 MAG and do damage at WOT? Enough drop in top speed that I won't enjoy the boat?
I know my hole shot will improve, but that's not real important to me. I'm more concerned about engine life and handling characteristics on the water.
I'm wondering what YOU guys would do? Should I try them and see? Is there a real risk involved? Even if I don't hammer the throttle, I am still concerned about running at a consistently higher RPM than what was intended, if in fact that's what I can expect, or is that just a factor at WOT?
Guess I am hoping some of you guys have experimented with props on your own 496 engines and have some useful intel.
My buddy even suggested I could trade them off for another 26P set if I wanted to do that and got the opportunity. Is THAT the best option? (Could sell and buy a used 26P set I suppose) He's a good friend who is trying to make up for some favors I did for him, although I never expected or wanted that, but I really do appreciate his help now!
What's my best course of action?
Looking forward to hearing from you guys!
My survey recommended reconditioning the props because of a small crack on one blade and a couple nicks on others. Let me say the sea trial showed no evidence of issues due to prop damage, so how bad can it be?
Anyway....if I do have the props sent out for reconditioning, obviously, I won't be splashing the boat until they come back, and needless to say, it's a busy time of year for that shop.
A buddy of mine offered a solution, but I need to know I won't damage the engine in my fervor to get the boat in the water!
He is offering me a set of Bravo III 3/3 24P props, in very very nice shape. They look beautiful, and so of course I am tempted to install these and use them until the 26P props come back.
I know my RPM's will increase. I know my top speed will suffer. The question is, how much on both? Enough RPM increase to over-rev the 496 MAG and do damage at WOT? Enough drop in top speed that I won't enjoy the boat?
I know my hole shot will improve, but that's not real important to me. I'm more concerned about engine life and handling characteristics on the water.
I'm wondering what YOU guys would do? Should I try them and see? Is there a real risk involved? Even if I don't hammer the throttle, I am still concerned about running at a consistently higher RPM than what was intended, if in fact that's what I can expect, or is that just a factor at WOT?
Guess I am hoping some of you guys have experimented with props on your own 496 engines and have some useful intel.
My buddy even suggested I could trade them off for another 26P set if I wanted to do that and got the opportunity. Is THAT the best option? (Could sell and buy a used 26P set I suppose) He's a good friend who is trying to make up for some favors I did for him, although I never expected or wanted that, but I really do appreciate his help now!
What's my best course of action?
Looking forward to hearing from you guys!