Outdrive gearing question

[Rubths]

I ordered a new cheetah 24 stiletto with the 496HO and the bravo X drive and my question is, are there different gearing options to choose from that I should know about before the builder orders the drive and prop? I dont care about pulling a skier or holeshots I want top speed and the ability to cruise at 60+ without guzzling the fuel with high rpms.
What should I get for gearing and prop? Imput please:confused:

[twistedpair]

Pretty common setup for that would be 1.50 gear with a 23 or 24 pitch prop.

[dicudmore]

1.5 would be normal bravo ratio
prob 24 or 26 pitch prop.
at 60 you'll be running over 4,000 rpm and thus in turn burn some fuel.....
gotta pay to play

[Rubths]

Originally posted by dicudmore
1.5 would be normal bravo ratio
prob 24 or 26 pitch prop.
at 60 you'll be running over 4,000 rpm and thus in turn burn some fuel.....
gotta pay to play
What will I notice between the 24 and 26? Also Bob says it comes with a 4 blade prop, whats the pros and cons of 3 blade vs 4 ??
Thanks for you imput guys I want to get the boat set up perfect before taking delivery.

[Phat Matt]

Your 24 should give you more out of the hole but would probably do better with a fully loaded boat. I would think that your boat with the HO should be able to turn the 26 with no problem. Do you know how much it weighs?

[Rubths]

The specs say 3200lbs.

[mike37]

im runing 1.5 with a 26 p bravo1 prop get 70 on gps no problem

[dicudmore]

4-Blade will run smoother. Almost everyone runs 4-blades anymore. Better acceleration and efficiency, very close on top end.
I'm running a 23 pitch Revolution 4-blade, nice overall prop (for this boat, thats what Bob put on it) but top end would be better w/a 24 Bravo 1
I'm sure your tunnel will turn a 26 w/that motor and probably come w/a 24. Seems like a lot of manufacturers are delivering the boats w/24 bravo 1 and 496HO (Exxex, etc)

[Rubths]

Since I dont care about pulling skiers or should I ask for a 26?

[dicudmore]

might not hurt to ask for Bob's opinion.
My thought is you would want both....

[Rubths]

Originally posted by dicudmore
might not hurt to ask for Bob's opinion.
My thought is you would want both....
I just talked to Bob and he says the 26 4 blade is to much for the 496ho and would only turn 4000-4200rpms, he says you need more hp to turn it right. Bob recomended that I stay with the 24-4 blade and run up to 78-80mph with good overall performance or go with a 27-3 blade at close to 85mph but would be sluggish out of the hole.

[dicudmore]

a guy here in town has a 24' stilletto.
just e-mailed him to ask what motor and prop combo he's running.