Big four strokes are back as a viable power option for bass boats.
The new Pro Finish Bravo I FS prop was developed for four stroke outboard applications.
I can’t wait for the Miami Boat Show. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and talking props with boaters, boat builders, dealers, consumers and racers. We’re geared up to have another big show. Fred Kiekhaefer has another exciting new product to unveil and I have a couple of new things to show as well. In fact, I just couldn’t wait any longer to talk about our new outboard prop.
You may recall my post regarding the Bravo I XS. We took the proven Bravo One sterndrive prop, added big one-inch vent holes in the hub and did some other tweaks to make it a big performer on low-emissions OptiMax outboards.
Four strokes are a popular power option for center console bay boats and larger flats boats.
Mercury's Pro FourStroke outboards created a resurgnece of interest in four stroke power.
While working the BASS Masters Classic last year, I discovered a trend of large four-stroke outboards coming back to bass boats. From there, I did additional research and found this trend happening in most fresh and saltwater markets as well. Four-strokes are being used on walleye, flats and a new line of center console boats. Mercury’s new Pro FourStroke outboards had a lot to do with this trend, I’m sure. The new engines run great. All that was needed was a prop designed to enhance performance for the various applications. The logical thing to do was start with the performance assets of the Bravo I XS and transfer those over to a prop designed for four-strokes.
The Pro Finish Bravo I FS is designed for use on 150 h.p. to 350 h.p. four-stroke outboards including Mercury Verado, Mercury Pro FourStroke and non-Mercury engines. The right-hand rotation, 15.25-inch diameter Bravo I FS is available in the following pitch ranges: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 inches.
I have some of these out in the field and initial reports are very positive. I’ll post test results as soon as I get them. In the mean time, if you are going to the show, please stop by and visit with us in the Mercury booth, M-96, in the Miami Beach Convention Center. I’ll show you the new Bravo I FS in person.
Would love to test this prop on my 18 Sterling. When will they be available? I’m running a 21 tempest and 21 trophy plus now.
A lot of people are interested in this new version Bravo I FS for their four stroke outboards. The beauty of this prop is it allows you to move up 1″ of pitch – hitting the same RPM compared to your Trophy and Tempest. The Bravo I, having a larger diameter than your two props, typically allows you to move the engine higher; make sure you have adequate water pressure. Bottom line, if the boat is set up for a light load, the Trophy will be a little faster at wide open throttle, but if you’re running a heavy load and need some throttle-kicking planing performance, nothing beats the Bravo I FS.
Hi Scott. I’ve run Merc props from the Trophy to the Pro and Lightning E.T.s and on and on but have never tried a Bravo 1 XS. I run a 2.5 liter Pro Max 225 on my Allison XB-21 2+2. Is this new Bravo 1 FS worth a try on a 2.5 liter 2-stroke motor or strictly built for the 4-strokes? I can turn a 28P Lightning E.T. up to 6900 RPM with a great hole shot. I can turn a 27P Tempest Plus with a great hole shot as well. What do you think? Thanks, Craig
Thanks for your question, Craig. The Bravo I FS is designed for 4-strokes. The Bravo I FS and Bravo I XS are essentially the same propeller. The difference is the addition of one inch vent holes on the hub of the XS prop. Two stroke outboards do not produce bottom end torque like a 4-stroke and thus need RPM to gain power. The vent holes channel exhaust around the propeller. The exhaust causes the prop to cavitate until the 2-stroke gains enough horsepower and torque to grab the water and power the boat on plane. Take a look at my “Bravo for Outboards” blog. Allison owners contributed to the article. Have fun!
What is the difference in standard finish, PRO finish and LAB finish and where do you prefer one over the other
Standard Bravo I props are cast in 2” pitch increments with a durable polished finish, thick blades with robust leading edges and a tremendous amount of cup on the trailing edge. The large diameter allows for higher drive heights. The flared exhaust tube aids planing performance along with stern lift. The larger blade cup on the standard Bravo I produces more bow lift than the Lab Finished version. The standard Bravo I is best for use on deep vee-bottom boats.
The Lab Finished Bravo I is “zero balanced” (our words for perfectly balanced). It is available in 1” pitch increments. The sharp leading edges of the thinned blades slice efficiently through the water. Smaller blade cups increase engine speed by 300 rpm for a given pitch. The additional rpm enables you to increase the prop pitch by two inches and gain 2-3 mph top-end speed at the same rpm as the standard Bravo I. Lab Finished Bravos are available for sterndrives, 4-stroke outboards and 2-stroke outboards. Bravo I’s for 2-stroke outboards have 1” vent holes in the exhaust hub. The holes help bring the boat on plane by allowing the exhaust to flow out around the propeller blades. This causes slip thereby raising engine rpm, torque and horsepower for an enhanced hole shot. Outboard Bravo I’s are best for single engine applications requiring little bow lift and multi-engine applications where top speed is the goal.
Pro Finish Bravo I’s are designed specifically for outboards. The Bravo I XS is for 2-strokes; the Bravo I FS (Four Stroke) is for 4-strokes. The blades are wedged to a specific gauge for a durable leading edge — not sharp like the Lab Finished models, but not as blunt as standard Bravos. XS and FS props are also zero balanced. Blades are kept thick for durability. The finish is high polish, great for saltwater areas. The exhaust tube flare is reduced to minimize stern lift. The back of the boat settles in for enhanced bow lift. Four stroke outboards inherently produce more low-end torque than 2-strokes, thus the exhaust tube vent holes are not needed on the Bravo I FS prop. The cup heights are lower, similar to the Lab Finished Bravo I. Both versions come in 1” pitch increments. Our Bravo I XS and FS props are used on single engine flats, bay, walleye, bass and go fast bass boats.
Bravo 1 FS: I got a 2012 208 prov gl with 300 vrod. This boat will have a 4-5 second hole shot and hit 59-61 mph with 6150-6300 rpm, It is heavy when loaded and I also have a Rev 4 21p blue printed to try. Bravo gonna be faster than the Tempest? Also is it gonna beat the Rev 4?
What you think?
Your Lund 208 Pro-V GL with 300 Verado is a great rig. You’re getting some good numbers running the 21” pitch Tempest Plus. There is a good chance a 22″ pitch Bravo I FS (part number 8M0064450) will do better. The Bravo I FS will also offer a four second hole shot combined with impressive acceleration. Your top-end speed should improve by 1 to 2 mph. Customers are saying the Bravo I FS lifts the bow and stern, enhancing handling and overall ride. They especially appreciate the improved handling over rough water.
It’s hard to say what kind of performance you’ll get with the Revolution 4. Blue printing is a generic term. One prop shop may modify a prop one way while another shop does something totally different. Both call it blue printed and both charge you for it.
Keep it simple. The Bravo I FS provides hassle free performance right out of the box. The durable blades are perfectly balanced with matched leading and trailing edges. Consistency is key. If you were to damage your Bravo I FS, you have the comfort of knowing you will get a replacement prop that is identical in quality and performance.