Best prop for a 22' flats boat with 250 XS 4 stroke

**XstreamVking** · 03-15-2022, 08:01 AM

Nephew got a new 4s and it has a new 4 blade bravo 1 on it. (vent holes plugged) Mounted on a a 22' flats boat. Has a lot of slip and can't shed the air and cavitates until over 3k r's. Holeshot is terrible due to cavitation. Old opti 225 had no issues with a 4 blade power tec. Any props that would help? I have zero experience with the new merc 4 strokes....

**Tango** · 03-15-2022, 09:08 AM

I had a Max5 on my Lake & Bay... worked beautifully!!

**XstreamVking** · 03-15-2022, 10:47 AM

Thanks for the info on the max 5. Might try and find one...

**Capt j** · 03-15-2022, 11:03 AM

I have a Bravo XS prop on my 20' Lake and Bay Backwater, with 250 SHO Yamaha it's an excellent prop with a terrific mid range, I'm running less than 5% slip in the mid range. WHICH bravo prop are you running? The XS has 8 vent holes, I run all plugged. If you're getting cavitation, your motor is too high, I can run the bravo where the tip is out of the water at high speeds and throwing an 8' high rooster tail and no slip. Getting on plane and midrange it runs best low. I would try it with a lower height first. I am spinning a 25", 4000 48mphs, 4500 56 mph, 5900 67 mph.

**XstreamVking** · 03-15-2022, 11:59 AM

It's the bravo 1, 4 blade with the vents plugged. Very similar to the XS bravo. It's on a paralift with plenty of prop in the water. Cav plate level with boat bottom at lowest position. I am thinking this prop must have a whacked blade. Thanks for the reply capt...

**OnPad** · 03-17-2022, 12:36 AM

Might sound weird, but I've had a couple props run like that when run to deep. Raised engine, and dropped rpm, while gaining speed.
My theory was it was trapping air, instead of allowing the prop to vent. Just a thought.

**XstreamVking** · 03-17-2022, 07:42 AM

I agree on the idea, we have ran it hi and low with the 13'' of travel the paralift has. Trying a bravo 1 XS version this wknd to see what it does. I believe the bravo 1 we have has a blade anomaly. It just can't shed the air until about 30 mph. Raise it up any at all and it cavitates badly losing thrust and won't even get on plane. Acts like a cleavor does on my V-King.

**OnPad** · 03-17-2022, 09:07 AM

Good call, try a different prop.

250xs is a popular choice for power on new bass boats. From what I've seen, alot of them are running 24p fury.
I own a 26 fury and it's pretty small diameter, and slips alot at takeoff. I would think a Bravo would hook up well.

**XstreamVking** · 03-17-2022, 01:21 PM

See what happens soon. Running it on sat. with the Bravo xs on it.

**XstreamVking** · 03-21-2022, 11:49 AM

Bravo XS ran out great. No slip except at throttle up, and it cleared the air fast and gets on top quick. Whole different prop than the reg Bravo 1. Bravo 1 prop 5800 r's at 58 mph. XS ran 5800 r's at 63 mph. Same pitch.