Magic Deck with 496 HO….anyone running a Bravo 3 to help it out?

[JFMFG]

I usually run a 24...but that's with my wife and I and a light load. I also have a 22 that I put on when I think I'll have more than 4 people on board. The 22 works really well. If you aren't worried about top end, I'd stick with the 22. Really makes the boat pop
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What do you see with your 22?

 

[Roosky01]

Bravo 3’s on darn near every I/O around here. My boat jumps out of the water and flattens out immediately, even with a full load.

I only top out at 55 though…

 

[UnWoke]

Bravo 3’s on darn near every I/O around here. My boat jumps out of the water and flattens out immediately, even with a full load.

I only top out at 55 though…

What motor and prop configuration are you running?

 

[Roosky01]

6.2L 350HP with XR 24P Bravo 3 props. 55mph with me and the wife and 50mph with 6 plus and all of their gear.

I love the Bravo 3. Except if you hit something. Then it sucks balls...

 

[Good Stuff]

I’m going to try a B3 on the boat….any suggestions for props on a 28’ magic deck?

You might ask Cobra what they run for props on their B3’s. I’ve seen a few of their decks with smaller motors running them.

 

[counterpart7]

Another vote for bravo 3. Figure out what props it like and it wont matter whether its you and your wife or a full load. It will get on plane. Not sure what cruise speed or top end will be.

 

[UnWoke]

Another vote for bravo 3. Figure out what props it like and it wont matter whether its you and your wife or a full load. It will get on plane. Not sure what cruise speed or top end will be.

That’s what I’m thinking…I may not be able to go 70 but I don’t care….I want to hop on plane and cruise 45-50 with a full boat..AND I’d rather not redline the motor or need to own a gas station to do it.

 

[Runs2rch]

That FS 24 is pretty much what I’m running now…no real measurable difference. That 21 puts my tired motor on the redline all day.

Standard B1 and FS are not the same. You have never run a Rev 4 have you? You prop for how you boat. Unloaded 2 people no fuel is the only time I bet you can get 5000-5100 running that 21.

Also 580 hrs on a maintained 496HO is not even near tired.

 

[JFMFG]

Standard B1 and FS are not the same. You have never run a Rev 4 have you? You prop for how you boat. Unloaded 2 people no fuel is the only time I bet you can get 5000-5100 running that 21.

Also 580 hrs on a maintained 496HO is not even near tired.

I know with my bravo 24 I barely see 4500rpm with 2 adults and 2 toddlers.

 

[Runs2rch]

I know with my bravo 24 I barely see 4500rpm with 2 adults and 2 toddlers.

You want to be in the 4800-5k wot range.

 

[UnWoke]

Standard B1 and FS are not the same. You have never run a Rev 4 have you? You prop for how you boat. Unloaded 2 people no fuel is the only time I bet you can get 5000-5100 running that 21.

Also 580 hrs on a maintained 496HO is not even near tired.

I need to borrow some props and find something that works decent in all scenarios across the board….I’m really trying to avoid prop changes based on load

 

[cheezpanel]

The problem is…I have a tired motor with 580 hours on it and I don’t really like the idea of running it on the redline non-stop.

Mine had 613 on it. Not really tired at all. Runs strong. But you're right about the 22, that's why I usually use the 24. With that 24 and 2 buddies about half full of gas I think we hit 64 on Speedbox. I usually just cruise up the river at about 45 though.

 

[JFMFG]

Mine had 613 on it. Not really tired at all. Runs strong. But you're right about the 22, that's why I usually use the 24. With that 24 and 2 buddies about half full of gas I think we hit 64 on Speedbox. I usually just cruise up the river at about 45 though.

What do you see with the 22?

 

[cheezpanel]

What do you see with your 22?

I've never really opened up with the 22. I always run it at Powell with all my big friends on board. RPMs do go up for sure, but it's noticeably more responsive.

 

[DWC]

Mine had 613 on it. Not really tired at all. Runs strong. But you're right about the 22, that's why I usually use the 24. With that 24 and 2 buddies about half full of gas I think we hit 64 on Speedbox. I usually just cruise up the river at about 45 though.

That’s why i love the 496’s. They’re a solid motor. No checking fluids every trip, no brutal maintenance schedule. Decent gas and annual maintenance.

 

[JFMFG]

That’s why i love the 496’s. They’re a solid motor. No checking fluids every trip, no brutal maintenance schedule. Decent gas and annual maintenance.

Shit my OG motor let go at 340 hours through a rod through the block. I’m the unluckiest SOB to walk the earth so that’s why it happened to me.

 

[cheezpanel]

That’s why i love the 496’s. They’re a solid motor. No checking fluids every trip, no brutal maintenance schedule. Decent gas and annual maintenance.

Turn key and really has been bullet proof. Just do the maintenance every year and go.

 

[BajaMike]

Get a lower prop. If you can’t get 5200 RPM, get a lower prop. Forget all the other nonsense.

 

[UnWoke]

Get a lower prop. If you can’t get 5200 RPM, get a lower prop. Forget all the other nonsense.

To summarize without all the hair-splitting, it sounds like my options are quite limited….
I’ll run the 22 when loaded down (most of the time for me) and the 24 when it’s just myself the wife and the dogs.
Again, I’m just not big on prop change-outs but I guess I‘ll have to get use to it. I thought the B3 might take the prop changes and all the trivia out of the equation for me.

 

[UnWoke]

Shit my OG motor let go at 340 hours through a rod through the block. I’m the unluckiest SOB to walk the earth so that’s why it happened to me.

It seems like everyone I’ve ever known has grenaded theirs or had them rebuilt between 380 and 520 hours.

 

[JFMFG]

It seems like everyone I’ve ever known has grenaded theirs or had them rebuilt between 380 and 520 hours.

My buddy has 1800 trouble free hours on his.

 

[UnWoke]

My buddy has 1800 trouble free hours on his.

I’ve always heard they were capable of such hours…just never actually seen it. That’s good to know.

 

[Roosky01]

How much HP and speed is a Bravo 3 XR good for? My next boat will have more power for sure, but I sure like the B3 for just about everything comparatively.

 

[UnWoke]

How much HP and speed is a Bravo 3 XR good for? My next boat will have more power for sure, but I sure like the B3 for just about everything comparatively.

I’ve heard people advise not to run a B3 if you’re making greater than 400-ish horsepower.
I’m not sure if there’s any science in the advise.

 

[counterpart7]

How much HP and speed is a Bravo 3 XR good for? My next boat will have more power for sure, but I sure like the B3 for just about everything comparatively.

Mercury’s website states 260-525hp for Bravo 3 XR

 

[GreenEnergy28]

Not sure why this hasn't been mentioned yet but, why not run a 5 blade? If you want to get out of the whole and still get good midrange pull while keeping your top speed within reason....I say throw a 21P or 22P 5 blade on it and never worry about it again. Just my .01 cent.

I ran a 19P Pleasure 5 on my Hallett 260 deck. Boat jumped on plane with 8 adults and 100 gallons of fuel. Still saw 53mph loaded and 58 when running light. This was with a mild 502MAG/Bravo 1 combo. No problem yanking the kids around on the tube with 4 adults and 3-4 kids in the boat either.

Running a 26P SL 5 on the Shockwave. No issue getting on plane with a full load and still able to pull hard to 70mph. Will run 76mph with a light load but that's pretty much on the limiter.

 

[spark2678]

I mentioned this earlier in the thread, run the 24 and get tabs for out of the hole issues with the loaded down boat. It will be your best bet I promise you. Get the good longer/larger tabs and thank me later.

HP-1000 Trim Tab Kit - TT-HP1000

HP-1000 Trim Tab Kit - TT-HP1000

www.westcoastoffshore.ca

Switching props is a PITA.
5 blades are harder on the B1 drive and the 496 might have trouble spinning it
B3 drives suck for resale and you lose the top end speed.

 

[UnWoke]

Not sure why this hasn't been mentioned yet but, why not run a 5 blade? If you want to get out of the whole and still get good midrange pull while keeping your top speed within reason....I say throw a 21P or 22P 5 blade on it and never worry about it again. Just my .01 cent.

I ran a 19P Pleasure 5 on my Hallett 260 deck. Boat jumped on plane with 8 adults and 100 gallons of fuel. Still saw 53mph loaded and 58 when running light. This was with a mild 502MAG/Bravo 1 combo. No problem yanking the kids around on the tube with 4 adults and 3-4 kids in the boat either.

Running a 26P SL 5 on the Shockwave. No issue getting on plane with a full load and still able to pull hard to 70mph. Will run 76mph with a light load but that's pretty much on the limiter.

I picked up a b3 From a fellow member here…I’ll look into that 5 blade, I have one on my ocean boat…I wonder if the slippage numbers are close to that of a bravo3?

 

[UnWoke]

I mentioned this earlier in the thread, run the 24 and get tabs for out of the hole issues with the loaded down boat. It will be your best bet I promise you. Get the good longer/larger tabs and thank me later.

HP-1000 Trim Tab Kit - TT-HP1000

HP-1000 Trim Tab Kit - TT-HP1000

www.westcoastoffshore.ca

Switching props is a PITA.
5 blades are harder on the B1 drive and the 496 might have trouble spinning it
B3 drives suck for resale and you lose the top end speed.

OUCH….$2,285 for those tabs?
Makes me wonder why Magic / Sleek didn’t install tabs at the factory for these underpowered turds?

 

[JFMFG]

OUCH….$2,285 for those tabs?
Makes me wonder why Magic / Sleek didn’t install tabs at the factory for these underpowered turds?

Idk 65 with a 496 is impressive to me.

 

[UnWoke]

Idk 65 with a 496 is impressive to me.

That is impressive if they’re getting on plane in less than two football fields….I’ve yet to talk to a single person going 65 and getting out of the hole with a 24 or a 22 with or without tabs.

 

[JFMFG]

That is impressive if they’re getting on plane in less than two football fields….I’ve yet to talk to a single person going 65 and getting out of the hole with a 24 or a 22 with or without tabs.

I have a 24 plains no issue will run 65 full of fuel 2 adults 2 kids. Picking up a 22 this weekend to try it out since I’ll have 10 heads on it 4th of July

 

[UnWoke]

I have a 24 plains no issue will run 65 full of fuel 2 adults 2 kids. Picking up a 22 this weekend to try it out since I’ll have 10 heads on it 4th of July

That is impressive and exceptional….my two friends with the exact same configuration are lucky to go 60 empty in perfect conditions.

 

[adam909]

Owning a magic deck with a 496 you have to have the mind set of "not caring". Every boat owner will tell you owning a magic deck with a 496 is a perfect family boat for the price.. Magics look good, comfortable lay out and absolutely a perfect boat for havasu. I dont think theres another engine that can compete with a 496 ho. Longevity, issue free, basic maintenance and running it smart can lead to it running for a very long time. You just have the mind set of not caring if its a extra few seconds for it to roll over and plane. You have to have the mind set of not caring if the top speed is 58 mph and not 65.. Once you get past the "not caring" youll love your magic deck with a 496ho..

 

[Nanu/Nanu]

The 496 ho was such an awesome package i think tabs would benefit you a lot. I honestly dont think you will be overly impressed with your bravo 3. I think it will be more of a let down. Although you will like you holeshot and docking maneuverability. I think it will leave you wanting more on the top end. By chance are you running a drive shower? If so try running with that drive shower off. I feel the contribute to aeration and a lot of prop slip.

I know the prop shower argument is as old as the day is long but i notice i blow out on tight turns and slip a bunch before planing out in my eagle with my prop shower. I know 2 different boats but its just a free experiment to see if things improve or dont

 

[UnWoke]

Owning a magic deck with a 496 you have to have the mind set of "not caring". Every boat owner will tell you owning a magic deck with a 496 is a perfect family boat for the price.. Magics look good, comfortable lay out and absolutely a perfect boat for havasu. I dont think theres another engine that can compete with a 496 ho. Longevity, issue free, basic maintenance and running it smart can lead to it running for a very long time. You just have the mind set of not caring if its a extra few seconds for it to roll over and plane. You have to have the mind set of not caring if the top speed is 58 mph and not 65.. Once you get past the "not caring" youll love your magic deck with a 496ho..

I hear ya…I’m all about functionality and never about going fast but I do have a pet-peeve with getting on plane and carrying the bow at a relatively low speed…I like horsepower but not for the top speed but for planing and for making quick passes when needed and that’s about it. I’ll definitely end up dropping a 525 in but not to go 75.

 

[DWC]

The 496 ho was such an awesome package i think tabs would benefit you a lot. I honestly dont think you will be overly impressed with your bravo 3. I think it will be more of a let down. Although you will like you holeshot and docking maneuverability. I think it will leave you wanting more on the top end. By chance are you running a drive shower? If so try running with that drive shower off. I feel the contribute to aeration and a lot of prop slip.

I know the prop shower argument is as old as the day is long but i notice i blow out on tight turns and slip a bunch before planing out in my eagle with my prop shower. I know 2 different boats but its just a free experiment to see if things improve or dont

X2 on the drive shower. Not worth it.

 

[Runs2rch]

Drive shower is not causing prop slip. You kids not running them take a pic of your upper gear case after running distance. All that white chalk is minerals being cooked out of the water.

 

[Runs2rch]

For tabs go 16x12 Lenco's. 1300ish and will work perfect.

 

[Don_Juan]

Run a 24p Bravo 1 and Bennett electric trim tabs. Shopping online $700-900. You can install yourself if you’re handy. Will keep the bow down at slower speeds, plane faster and won’t hurt top end. A B3 will cost you way more $$$.

 

[UnWoke]

Run a 24p Bravo 1 and Bennett electric trim tabs. Shopping online $700-900. You can install yourself if you’re handy. Will keep the bow down at slower speeds, plane faster and won’t hurt top end. A B3 will cost you way more $$$.

I already have the Bravo 3 though

 

[Don_Juan]

I already have the Bravo 3 though

Then why all the discussion about props? B3 all the way if you have one.

 

[Ricks raft]

Running a 24 but thinking about trying a 22 before going with the B3 leg…just not sure about that extra 500-600 rpm up top

24-22 pitch is not 5-600 difference. Typically 2-300. And they can be custom tuned to any rpm. Get some more numbers of where you’re at now, then call hill propellers and tell what you’re looking for. Or keep it simple and just put on a 22.

 

[JFMFG]

24-22 pitch is not 5-600 difference. Typically 2-300. And they can be custom tuned to any rpm. Get some more numbers of where you’re at now, then call hill propellers and tell what you’re looking for. Or keep it simple and just put on a 22.

Normally I’d agree with you but with my 24 I can get about 4500 on our magic my buddy runs a 22 and he can get right to 5k. I’d personally just get a 22 and leave it. No need to be switching props. I run a 24 and next weekend will be the first and most likely only time a 22 goes on it lol

 

[UnWoke]

Normally I’d agree with you but with my 24 I can get about 4500 on our magic my buddy runs a 22 and he can get right to 5k. I’d personally just get a 22 and leave it. No need to be switching props. I run a 24 and next weekend will be the first and most likely only time a 22 goes on it lol

Have you ever thought about a 5 blade that would sorta act as 22 and a 24?

 

[UnWoke]

24-22 pitch is not 5-600 difference. Typically 2-300. And they can be custom tuned to any rpm. Get some more numbers of where you’re at now, then call hill propellers and tell what you’re looking for. Or keep it simple and just put on a 22.

Yeah, I picked up a bravo 3, I’m going to play around with that lower on my B1 upper and maybe even a 5 blade from Hill….I really want to avoid the 22/24 changeout game, I just want to find a configuration that works well all-around until I find a 525 to drop in.

 

[UnWoke]

Then why all the discussion about props? B3 all the way if you have one.

I just got the B3….we’ll see how it goes. I’ll definitely report back with results.

 

[NicPaus]

Should only take 5-10 minutes to change a prop. I use to take mine off after every trip after having 1 stolen. I have 4 props I use depending on the load and activity. I had 6 but sold 2 that didn't work as well.

 

[UnWoke]

Should only take 5-10 minutes to change a prop. I use to take mine off after every trip after having 1 stolen. I have 4 props I use depending on the load and activity. I had 6 but sold 2 that didn't work as well.

I know it can be done….I’m just looking for a truly hassle-free solution for now

 

[NicPaus]

I know it can be done….I’m just looking for a truly hassle-free solution for now

Gotcha. I had a bravo 3 on my Fourwinns. Watersports boat I sold few years ago. It was a pain in the ass to change the props. I had a set of 26 and 24s for it. Had the 6.2 merc.