14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17 SOLAS WOW

[FreeBeeTony]

I had a 14 1/2 X 17 prop spin the hub (michican wheel)............I see Iboats has a Vortex 15 X 17 on sale.

I was at the low end of my WOT but I liked the cruise performance of the 14 1/2 X 17.

Think the 15 X 17 will be ok?

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Could you be more specific concerning where you are in your
rpm range?

The larger diameter prop will be more efficient for your heavy boat.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

The WOT is probably more like 4500........
Don't think my WOT range is that high......think that maybe for newer engines.
Thought my range was 4400-4800.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Its my feeling that if the 15 does affect the rpm it will tend to lower it slightly. Your motor needs to rev freely within its rated rpm.
If you feel your boat has good hole shot,responds well to a load and gets good mileage stick with a similar prop.
I wouldn't want to take a chance in lowering your rpm further.Generally diameter has little affect on rpm but when you have a 1/2" difference it could and your so close to the bottom now. Besides the larger diameter increasing drag slightly if it does prove to be more efficient on your larger hull it might load the motor more.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Not really concerned with hole shot, it does get on plane easliy though, even w/ 4 guys and fishing gear.

Looking at a Vortex 15X17 here on Iboats....seems like a good deal.

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

The Solas Rubex is a better prop.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

The engine isn't an '84.
It's a SBC w/ Vortec heads and a roller cam........probably ~300HP at the crank.

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Since you're only changing a little diameter, I don't see a problem with your plan.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Just curious.......why is the Solas prop better than the Vortex?

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

It's the difference in the way the props are made; die casting versus squeeze casting.

A visit to the Solas web site will explain the benefits of squeeze casting aluminum props.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Is the "cupping" the same?

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Solas appears to cup their aluminum props a little more. The cup starts near the blade root and extends all the way to the tip.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

OK thanks........I might try that one, it's just shy of 15" diameter.
Will post results if/when I get it.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

It's the difference in the way the props are made; die casting versus squeeze casting.

A visit to the Solas web site will explain the benefits of squeeze casting aluminum props.

Michigan used to, maybe they still do, claim their sand casting was better than die casting. Mercury and OMC said die casting was better, now sqeeze casting. Sounds like marketing to me

An increase in diameter, all else being the same, will drop the rpm. More diameter, might or might not equal more blade area.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Just ordered the Solas prop.......will post results when I install.

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Compare a squeeze cast prop with a die cast; you and see and feel the difference. Run it on your boat and you'll feel the difference in better performance and much smoother running.

Squeeze casting is the latest technology in casting aluminum props. I understand Turning Point makes their aluminum props that way also. I suppose some just don't want to(or can't afford to) invest the millions of $ to buy the squeeze casting machine.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Just recvd the new prop today.......hope to install it tomorrow after work.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Installed the Solas Rubex tonight........I am VERY pleased.

I could really feel it gripping all the way to WOT.....

Still 30MPH at 3600RPM............and now 40MPH at 4500RPM (WOT)

Definitely recommend this prop!!

 

[jestor68]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

I'm glad it worked out for you.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Re: 14 1/2 X 17 vs 15 X 17

Thanks for the advice!