Merc or Michigan Prop ??

[jtackle]

Need a new prop for my Merc 50hp 4 stroke.

Moving from a 15P to 12P (the 15 came with the motor but way off for this boat). Way below WOT target and slow in the hole.

I am no prop expert, that is for sure!

Noticed that Merc prop is about 1.5X the cost for the matching Michigan prop.

I know the Mich prop (#031016) is cupped from my reading, but not sure if the Merc (48-73134A40) is cupped or not.

Frankly, I am not even sure if cupping is good or bad for my application (17' alum fishing boat, often with 4 guys and some gear).

Questions:

1) Which do you guys prefer and recommend.......Merc OEM or Michigan props, and why??

2) Is the cupping a desired feature for my application?

3) Other considerations I should think about?


Many thanks....

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Merc or Michigan Prop ??

Cupping is desired... be careful going that far down in pitch trying to get the RPM up...the 4-strokes will come WAY up in RPM when you get closer to the max torque and it will throw the 200RPM per inch of pitch out the window...I learned the hard way on that one...
I would recommend either manufacturer for your application...they will perform very close to the same in aluminum when going with the michigan match.
What is your WOT RPM with the 15?

 

[jtackle]

Re: Merc or Michigan Prop ??

Thx Kenny.

My current WOT at 10 1/8" X 15P is no more than 5100. The 12P is 10 3/8". Since the motor WOT is 5500-6000 I do not think going to a12P wil be too much....but I am no expert.

Thoughts??