How do different brand props compare.

[Water logged]

I've decided it's time I got a spare prop for the boat in my signature ( ok, so I nicked the original ). I looked through the iboats site and need to know how much difference there is between a Solas Rubex, a Michigan Wheel Vortex and a Quicksilver, besides price.

Also the boat came with a 13/15 prop and does just over 31 mph at about 6400 rpm which is redline, but that is not WOT. It easily goes past 6600 at WOT which I assume is not good. While shopping around I find the next higher pitch I can get is 17, but all 17 pitch for my 115 hp engine are .5 inch smaller diameter. What effect would the smaller dia have on performance? Any help would be appreciated.

Glenn

 

[reddogg]

Re: How do different brand props compare.

Pitch is measured in inches. your 15 pitch prop will move your boat approx 15" for one revolution of the prop. A change of 1/2" in diameter of the prop wil have little or no effect at all. A change of pitch up or down is worth about 200rpm. OEM (quicksilver) is always more expensive. I recently bought a Solas prop from I-Boats and it works great (got it on a great sale too, was $139 and i got it for $85. As far as diff between mfg, it boils down to material used, design of the prop and finish as far as I know. Hope this helps ya.

red

 

[QC]

Re: How do different brand props compare.

We need to be clear here when stating these things as definitive. Pitch is the "theoretical" distance that the boat will travel. For almost all practical purposes it will move somewhat less than that, and can be even higher than 20% less than the 15" depending on propeller match and application. As an example, 15" x 12% "slip" would equal 13.2" of actual distance per revolution . . .

1/2 inch pitch change could indeed be definitive, in fact any change, cupping, blade shape, number of blades, material, manufacturer could mean the difference between an unusable prop for a specific application and the "perfect" prop. Which BTW, doesn't exist.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: How do different brand props compare.

Adding to what QC says....

Since there is 'no Perfect Prop for any boat' and every prop will behave differently between boat styles, it becomes a matter of testing to find the best prop for your desires. Read up on the benefits of the different props... each manufacturer touts a slightly different benefit. Some better for top speed in racing, while others for stability, bow lift, stern lift, etc.

Nobody can tell you the perfect prop for your ride.... many can suggest based on having a pontoon or reading up on tests/failures/successes.

Having said this, we would need more information on the set up your currently have to give any assistance on a prop change. Read the stickies at the top of the prop forum page for essential data required.... we can then start giving input for your cause.

Good luck!

 

[Water logged]

Re: How do different brand props compare.

Thanks for the replys, I appreciate you input.

Glenn