Michigan Match vs. Quicksilver Black Diamond

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GuinnessLaxer

Recruit
Joined
Jul 30, 2008
Messages
5
I have a 130hp Yamaha outboard. My old prop was a Michigan Match 13 1/4 x 17. I spun the hub on it and replaced it with a Quicksilver Black Diamond 13 1/4 x 17 prop. The two props do not perform the same. I do not get the same performance out of the Quicksilver. The only difference that I can see between the two are the Quicksilver has a removable/replaceable hub.

Is there that much of a difference between the two aluminum props because they are different manufactures that would cause the difference in performance?
 
T

towtruck1

Seaman
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
67
Re: Michigan Match vs. Quicksilver Black Diamond

Yes.


If you want a better answer, please tell us how the performance is different. WOT rpm? Top speed? Hole shot performance? What is the age difference between the props? Two props with the same basic specs (dia x pitch) from the same manufacturer might perform quite differently if manufactured at different times, because the technology changes.

The more info you give, the more you get....
 
G

GuinnessLaxer

Recruit
Joined
Jul 30, 2008
Messages
5
Re: Michigan Match vs. Quicksilver Black Diamond

Ok, So with the Quicksilver the WOT range is lower than where it was. I just about get over 5000rpms which is within the range suggested by the motor manufacturer. My top speed feels slower. My speedometer isn't working right now, but when I purchased the prop last season my speed was down almost 5mph. The hole shot takes a few seconds longer and i have to have the motor trimmed down more because there tends to be some cavitation, which I never had with the Michigan. I also notice that I have to keep the motor trimmed down more while cruising to stop it from cavitating as well. I know this would lower the WOT. I purchased the Michigan 3 seasons ago and used it until mid-last season, when the hub spun. I then purchased the Quicksilver one to replace the Michigan because of the replaceable hub option, which is much more economical.

Thanks in advance.
 
T

towtruck1

Seaman
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
67
Re: Michigan Match vs. Quicksilver Black Diamond

I haven't used these props before, and am unfortunately unfamiliar with the design differences. Michigan advertises itself as being more of a performance propeller, while Quicksilver seems to emphasize good price, but I don't know if that means anything. It does seem based on your results (cavitation, need to trim down), that the QS is inferior.

Unless you're an expert, you can't really tell much about a prop just by looking at it, so the fact that you don't see much of a difference is not a big deal.

BTW, what rpm did you get with the spun prop? Remember that your motor will produce more power at more RPM. Just because you've got the throttle open in both cases doesn't mean your engine is producing the same amount of power in both cases.


Unfortunately, all I can suggest is to go back to the michigan wheel, or try a lower pitch in the quicksilver. Hopefully someone else with experience with both props can be of more help, but as I am discovering, sometimes ya just have to try a few till you find the one you like.
 
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