The all new Pro Finish Bravo I FS.
The power behind Jim Saric’s 620VS Fisherman Series. Photo credit: Jim Saric.
At Mercury Racing we’re really pumped with the performance of our new Bravo I FS props. With some help from my angling friends, the application of the Bravo sterndrive prop on four stroke outboards was an instant success. We first focused on the single engine applications.
Long time friend and coworker Steve Miller, Senior Category Manager for Mercury, recently fished with Professional Musky angler Jim Saric. We gave Steve a 22″ pitch Bravo I FS for Jim to try on his Verado Pro 250 powered Ranger 620VS.
Video courtesy of Jim Saric – The Musky Hunter Television Show.
Jim’s rig – a Ranger 620VS Fisherman Series with Mercury 250 Pro Verado and 15 Pro Kicker. Photo credit: Jim Saric.
“I finally had a chance to test the new Bravo I FS Prop on my Verado Pro 250 powered Ranger 620. All I can say is I was really impressed. I tested it against my Tempest Plus and the Bravo out performed it in all categories. The Bravo has a better hole shot, as it pushes the boat forward more and onto plane rather than lifting the bow to get the boat on plane. It has a more efficient mid-range and has a better top end. This is the prop for the Fisherman series boats,” said Jim.
Test Results
Date: 11/17/12
Air temp” 49-degrees
Water temp 46 -degrees
Water Conditions: Calm
Boat: Ranger 620VS
Engine: Verado 250 Pro
Fuel: 40 gal in boat
Load – Driver & one passenger
The Musky Hunter Jim Saric with a prize catch.
BRAVO I FS 22-Pitch
Max PRM: 6200
Max Speed: 61 MPH
Not as much bow lift and faster on a plane
Mid range: 11.5 g/h at 40 mph, RPM 4100
TEMPEST PLUS 19-Pitch
Max RPM: 6400
Max Speed: 59 MPH
More wetted surface at top speed, not as fast
Prop lifts bow before getting boat on plane
Mid range: 13.5 g/h at 40 MPH, RPM 4500
Jim summarized his experience by saying, “the Bravo I FS is an awesome prop. You should encourage others to put it on the Ranger 600 Fisherman series boats as well as similar models.” Requests for left-hand rotation Bravo I FS props are ramping up. Stay tuned for a future post regarding Bravo I FS performance on multiple engine outboard center consoles.
I very interested in trying these props on a 36′ Yellowfin with trip 300 Verados – when will the LH be available?
See the response in the Bravo I FS blog.
Wondering how Bravo I FS prop would perform on a 621Ranger with a 300 XS. What type of speed difference also when compared to 300 Verado Pro with same prop?
Good questions, John. Let’s focus on the latest outboard propellers available from Mercury Racing. The Bravo I FS is designed for Four Stroke outboards including standard and Pro Verados. The Bravo I XS is designed for standard and Pro XS OptiMax outboards as well as the Racing’s 3.2 Liter OptiMax 300XS. The 620 or 621 Ranger with a 250 Pro XS or 250 Pro Verado would run the 22″ pitch prop. The OptiMax 300XS with 1.75 gear ratio could run the 23″ pitch Bravo I XS and a 300 Pro Verado with 1.85 gear ratio could run the 24″ pitch Bravo I FS.
Scott