picking a prop brand

[ScottinAZ]

Well, I got my vintage Invader out on the water today, and am pleased with the performance of the system. The engine gets to WOT easily, and the boat didnt sink.... Now what I need to do is get a replacement prop for the original that is quite frankly beat to crap. It is a 12 1/4 x 15 pitch, and I will be staying with this. My question is this.... what are the differences and/or advantages to a specific brand of prop. I was checking the Iboats store, and for my size, there are 5 different ones listed. all different brands, all different prices, All aluminum, and all the same pitch. Can anyone help to decipher the advertizing BS that im sure is out there??

 

[IVAZ]

Re: picking a prop brand

Unless someone here has tested all the props in question it will be just a guess. My suggestion is to post the name of the props that interest you the most. Someone here can probably explain some of the differences in them (it might be a sternlifting prop, a high speed wheel etc,)

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: picking a prop brand

ok, I was looking to see if anyone had an opinion of the following wheels then

1) Solas Amita (cheapest)
2) Michigan Wheel Vortex (hub type, prefer a one piece though)
3) Volvo Penta (free shipping is tempting, but also a hub unit)
4) Michigan Wheel Michigan Match (hype has it as a good one)
5) Quicksilver Black Diamond (most expensive, but is it worth it??)

This will be going on a 1976 Invader Capri (15 foot bowrider trihull) with a 1975 Evinrude 50hp twin. I tend to do more farting around on the lake than pulling anything, but I would like to be able to pull a tuber if possible. Top speed with the old wheel was a shade under 30mph (via GPS) at about 5500 rpm or so. Prop pitch seemed good, as the boat leapt up on plane (has Doel Fins on the motor from prior owner) and didnt have any bogging issues that arent attributable to an engine problem (carbs still being sorted out after rebuild)