Bravo 1 FS prop makes pro fisher Craig Griffiths faster and higher
by Mercury Marine 25 Oct 2020 06:55 UTC
Mercury Bravo 1 FS © Mercury Marine
It's all come together perfectly for North Queensland Barra specialist, Craig Griffiths.
His new prop - a Mercury Bravo 1 FS - has not only given him more top speed, it's delivered a smoother ride, a more balanced boat, and an incredible hole shot - all highly valuable advantages when it comes to competition fishing.
Craig - who's listed his interests as Barra, Barra and Barra - drives a 19' Skeeter ZX190 bass boat. It was quick. Now it's even quicker.
"I was running a 200hp OptiMax but with 1900 hours on the clock I decided to upgrade to a 200 ProXS because I was really keen on a V-8," he said.
But to get the best out of the engine it's important, obviously, to have the most suitable prop.
"I had a three-blade prop on, a 21-pitch, but I was getting chine walk at about 100k/hr. Then I was talking to some people and they tipped me off to the Bravo 1 FS," Craig said.
A four-blade 23-pitch prop, the Mercury Bravo 1 FS has changed Craig's boat - and all for the better.
"To get the best out of it I had to lift the engine about 125mm which has made a world of difference and has actually improved the balance of the boat.
"The overall ride is smoother too, changing from three blades to four," he said.
Craig's careful testing has shown he's picked up speed across the rev range - including being an impressive 14km/h quicker at 4000rpm and six kays faster at the top end.
"And the prop really delivers the four stroke's low end torque. It used to take me 50 meters to get up on a plane. Now I'm up in a boat length - one and a half at most!
"With the Bravo I can drive the engine right out to full RPM at 6000 up to 106km/h and it's a great ride, with a brilliant hole shot," he said.
And the new Mercury 200hp ProXS?
"I think it's an unreal motor. The fuel economy's good. I don't to worry about oil because it doesn't use any and I get a kick out of the fact the new four-stroke's faster than my previous two-stroke," Craig said.
"I use a hot foot pedal and with the new motor and prop set up, it's just a pleasure to drive."