I have a 2004, 24ft Ultra Stealth open bow with a factory stock 496 Mag Ho with a Barvo 1 X drive. I am currently running a Bravo 1 26 pitch four blade prop at 4800 rpms at 70-72 mph.
I know someone else has all ready done all of the research and was wondering what is the best prop to run and what speeds are you seeing. I have been told that this is a 75 MPH boat?
Also, what engine up grades would you suggest, as far as aftermarket exhaust, k&n air filter ect.
With my larger boat / but same motor / I am your same story but with a 24 prop. When I got the boat, it was bone stock with 140 hrs. Would do about 4800 with the 24. Slug out of the hole to boot. I got a 22 and used it for heavy loads / hot days. The boat likes the 24 alot more, so I run it when I can - which is all the time now. I have Lightning headers to put on and will be needing a 26 when that happens.
I started by putting on a K&N filter. I really don't think it helped in the performance world, but the stock screen doesn't filter that well. There was a layer of dirt in the entrance to the throttle body and carpet lint mixed in. I haven't seen any of this since putting on the K&N. So, it only helps the motor live longer, in my book.
I then changed to full synthetics. My signature line has the info. I pulled the turbulators out, which was dyno'd (by someone else) at 7-8 hp. No, not much, but literally SOMETHING for free.
I don't think the Irridium plugs helped in the performance arena either, but they were the best I could get at the time and definitely smoothed the idle out some.
All in all, I have picked up a few MPH and don't HAVE to change props to carry heavy loads on hot days. I am now really close to the rev limiter with the 24 prop - I picked up 200 rpm or so.
So, there are some things you can do with the setup you have that are inexpensive. Only you can determine if they are worth it in the end. Overall, it's a good place to start and CAN'T POSSIBLY hurt a thing.
Probably the best of all of it is the high-quality drive lube. I have moved up to 100hrs change time and it still looks absolutely brand new. There is half the metal "fuzz" on the magnets than there was with the stock lube. Shifting is better and there is no more chalkiness on the top of the outdrive. I feel TORCO is the best stuff, but the AMSOIL would be a similar choice and is easier to get. There is a thread on here about drive lubes in which I posted a long reason as to why I use TORCO for gearboxes. Again, none of it can hurt - it can only help you get closer to your goal, or possibly not change a thing with your particular setup. You just have to try and see what works for the boat.
you are not that far off. You can pick up another 200 rpm's to be optimal. I believe, if you are running the boat at it's optimum, a lab 26 Bravo One will get you to 75 easily.
