Good prop?

[NateElble]

Can anyone recommend a good prop to replace my existing 3 blade aluminum 14.25 X 21P. I have a Mercruiser 3.0 and my current prop got me to about 4700 rpm, which falls into the recommended WOT. I was thinking about upgrading to a SS 4 blade prop. I'm not to worried about top end speed but I don't want a drastic loss. I'm more worried about midrange power and efficiency as well as staying in the recommended WOT. I'm a first time boat owner and don't have much experience with props although I've been trying to read up on them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Good prop?

There's a 4-blade aluminum Alpha prop that does well. Closest you can come is 20" which should be pretty darn close. I probably wouldn't put a 4-blade stainless on a 3L. Although I hear that the High-Fives do rather well on them.

 

[NateElble]

Re: Good prop?

What's the consensus on Solas props? They make a 14" diameter 4 blade with a 21 pitch. Or should I go with the Michigan Wheel Alpha 14 1/8" diameter 4 blade with a 20 pitch. Both fall into my price range of under $300. Any other one's I'm overlooking?

 

[sabastianunf]

Re: Good prop?

Of the 2 you need to go with the 20 pitch like willy reccomended. the xtra surface area added by the 4 th blade will reduce the rpm's of the motor. since you are already where you want to be so far as rpm's are concerned you should go with a smaller pitch to offset the rpm loss created by the 4th blade. I have been looking at 4 blades and there prices on ibaoats are very reasonable and they have a good selection.

 

[kp913]

Re: Good prop?

Yes, the lower pitch will work better. If you replace your 3 blade with a 4 blade of the same pitch you will lose roughly 200 RPM's.

Solas props have come a long way, they are much better quality than they were a few years ago. I understand your price range, but the Mercury Quicksilver prop is probably the better of the three.

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