(L-R) Go Fast Fishing Charters Captains Joe and Sam Maisano.
It’s been a year since we introduced the Bravo I FS outboard propeller. It was originally developed for single engine four stroke outboard applications. We’ll, it didn’t take long for the word to spread regarding the prop’s performance. Folks running multiple four stroke outboard rigs started asking for right and left-hand rotation sets of the popular prop.
Twin Verado 300s with 1.75: HD gearcases.
Being the conservative person I am, I opted to first work with a handful of people running various hull types to prove the concept before releasing the counter rotation Bravo I FS models. It took longer than I thought to get feedback from the field.
I grew frustrated because I wasn’t getting any details regarding performance results. All I would get was, “They’re great! Thanks. ” or more often than not – no news at all. It was like pulling teeth. I found out over time the props worked so well that they wanted to keep their performance secret to themselves. Eventually, I got the detailed information I was looking for and I am happy to share it with you here.
Capt. Sam enjoyed measurable performance improvements with the Bravo I FS.
Captain Sam Maisano and son Captain Joe own Go Fast Fishing Charters in Treasure Island, Florida. They repowered their 32-foot Donzi ZF center console last year twin Mercury Verado 300′s equipped with the HD 1.75 gearcase. They tested six different props, none of which met their performance goals. Their timing of contacting me was perfect as I was just beginning to research the feasibility of producing left-hand rotation Bravo I FS props for applications like theirs. In late February, 2012, they tested a set of 23″ pitch Bravo I FSs. The results were outstanding! Capt. Sam said, “Since then we have run over 150 fishing trips and logged over 400 hours of excellent performance.”
Go Fast Fishing Charters’ 2004 Donzi 32 ZF CC with 2012 Verado 300 outboards.
Capt. Sam provided the following list of benefits he has realized after running Bravo I FS props.:
- Excellent fuel economy at low, mid and high speed
- Engine achieves 6100-6400 RPM, as recommended by Mercury
- Stern lift and bow lift, boat rides on steps as designed
- Excellent throttle response at all speeds and conditions
- The boat jumps up on plane and does not cavitate
- Best top end speed compared to all other props tested
The Pro Finish Bravo I FS is available in both right and left-hand rotation.
“We are extremely satisfied with the Mercury Verado 300′s and the Bravo I FS props. Together they are built for maximum speed, performance and efficiency and since the name of our business is Go Fast Fishing Charters these things are very important. We would certainly recommended these Mercury products to anyone,” concluded Capt. Sam.
Good stuff. I hope those with similar applications find this information helpful.
Scott, Just picked new Ranger 520C with 250 Pro Verado. Came from Ranger with 26 Tempest. Turning about 6130 RPMs and 73 MPH.
Which Pro Max would you reccommend? Thanks for your reply.
Richard,
Go with pitch for pitch. If you have a jack plate, consider moving up .25″ at a time. I’m thinking .50″ to .75″ higher could be your sweet spot.
Scott
Hi Scott,
I am running a 1986 32′ Midnight Express Center Console with twin 300 optimax XS and Bravo 1 22′. The Bravo 1s are great props and give great fuel economy and handling at cruise. However, When I run WOT they provide way to much stern lift, plowing the bow into the water. Even trimming I can not get the bow up. Will the Bravo 1 FS subatantially reduce the stern lift? I feel I am losing a few mph because of the sternlift. Right now I can turn the engines up to 5850 (sometimes more with light load and cooler air) and get about 60-61 MPH. Cruising at 4100 gets me about 39-40 MPH.
Thanks,
John
John,
Thanks for the submission. You and others are having the same WOT stock Bravo I experience. The Bravo I is a great prop except, like in your case, it has the tendency to push the bow down. The Bravo I FS alleviates that issue by settling the stern for enhanced bow lift. This natural bow lift, without the need for engine trim, results in greater hull efficiency and improved fuel economy! The 23″ pitch FS should be close to your existing RPM at WOT, you might even see a 50 to 100 rpm gain.
Scott