posted 05-29-2008 09:26 AM ET (US)            

I have been running the 14.5x15” Revolution 4 on the boat since I bought it two years ago next month. The boat came with the MIRAGEplus 15.5x17” but never saw the water with my ownership.

The results of the testing were that these two props where very similar in top speed with the Mirage inching out 43mph vs. 42 for the Rev.4.

The big difference was the most troubling for me and that was the fact that the Mirage would only allow the engine to turn 4600rpm vs. 5150 for the Rev. 4. I know the previous owner (my neighboor) spun more than one hub with the Mirage in place.

Fuel consumption was 26.5gph wide open throttle for the Rev. 4, and 23 for the Mirage due to the rpm difference I’m sure.

As far as handling goes, I had to revert to the pilot, my 16 year old, who has clock well over a hundred hours handling the boat in many different conditions. He thought that the Mirage was allowing the boat to “skip around” on the surface of the water as compared to the Rev. 4 which Nick said felt more “connected.”

posted 05-31-2008 01:20 PM ET (US)            

I tested 5 different props on my 28 Outrage in very controlled and closely noted performance tests (which are posted on this site from 1 1/2 years ago)and the differences were remarkable.

Most impressive was the 4-Blade prop's abilities to lift the boat onto plane at far-lower speeds than the Mirage 3-Blade, maintain a clean plane at lower speeds with heavier loads, and stay "Hooked-Up" with the water SO MUCH BETTER than 3-blade screws when running offshore in 3-4 ft seas.

Top end sacrifice was 1.5 MPH...a happy trade for the greatly improved flexibility across the operating range of the boat.

Before 4 blade props boat was a PIG under 20 MPH. Now she is GREAT from 14 MPH on up to 42!

posted 06-01-2008 01:47 PM ET (US)            

I agree with Tom's recommendation to try either the 14-5/8" x 15" Revolution 4 or the 14" x 17" VenSura/Offshore props. Either of these will give you the stern lift these post-classics desperately need.

I also agree with 28 Reborn's assessment of the 4-bladed props ability to get the boat on plane at slower speeds, etc.

I have a 1991 21' Walkaround (with radar arch) powered with a 1992 200 HP Yamaha 2-stroke. I believe it is very similar to your Conquest length and weight-wise. You probably have a slight power advantage with the Opti.

I have been running a 14" x 17" Offshore (same as the VenSura) prop now for several years and, IMO, it is the best thing since sliced bread for this rig. Prior to this I ran a 17" black SS "elephant ear" Yamaha that would turn 5500 RPM's, but had sluggish performance out of the hole. I tried a 19" Laser II (actually more like a 20" prop) and performance did improve, but it would only turn around 5000 RPM.

One day a good boating friend of mine let me try his new 17” Offshore prop. The Walkaround was like a new boat! The hole shot was much improved without having to resort to full throttle and mid-range acceleration was instantaneous. With a light load top speed was 43 – 44 MPH at 5700 RPM. This prop had the medium sized vent plugs installed which allowed the prop to initially slip, until the engine RPM’s increase, then it hooks up and the acceleration is simply amazing.

These props all come with the solid vent plugs installed. I suggest buying the medium vent plugs (about $1.00/each) and trying the prop with the solid plugs and with the vented ones. I have not tried the solid plugs, as they were replaced with the vented ones when I initially installed the prop.

I have not tried the Revolution 4 prop, but jimH was testing one the day I tried the Offshore. Comparing the two, the Revolution 4 is heavier and looks massive next to the Offshore with much thicker blades. Your Opti may be able to spin this prop just fine. I’m not sure my Yamaha would.

Good luck!