Solas Alcup 3 Propeller

[alexr254]

Has anyone used these props?

I am looking to replace the 15x17 props on my alpha 1 gen 1 outdrives, i just purchased one of these from Ebay for $50, just wondering what i should expect, or should i just keep em as spares and use some other brands as my mains.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Solas Alcup 3 Propeller

If you read "read this first" at the top of the page and check the helps on the prop store page
it will help you understand props a little better.Prop "technotalk" can be confusing so feel free to ask for clarifications.
From my reading it appears they use a hub.Did it come with one for your application?
The few reports I read were favorable.
It wouldn't seem that with twins one prop would do nuch good except possibly a very temporary spare.
Best way to tell about a prop is a test run,difficult to do with only one prop.
If you tell us about your boat, motor and the present performance,max rpm and speed we can tell if your present setup works and may get some idea how the alcup will work.
I can tell you the alcup may have better grip with less ventilation problems and likely better slip numbers.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Solas Alcup 3 Propeller

From my reading it appears they use a hub. Did it come with one for your application?

Yes, did the Alcup prop come with the correct hub kit? Those Alcup props use a proprietary hub kit that's not like the interchangeable Mercury Flo-Troq, Michigan XHS or Solas's new RBX hubs. I thought of buying one of those Alcups since they are selling cheap, but decided not to buy one because of the odd-ball hub kit.

I'm no prop expert, but I wouldn't run 2 different props as they could have different performance characteristics. I'd run a set from the same MFG, same series, same pitch, same diameter. I'd use the single Alcup for a spare though.

 

[alexr254]

Re: Solas Alcup 3 Propeller

The prop did indeed come wiyh the correct hub kit. I also never intended on mismatching props I actually ordered 2 of these, which are exactly the same. 15 x 17 with 15 splines, which fits my alpha 1's. Only reason i even mentioned the word 'spare'. is if these props are not ideal for mains. Never even thought of mismatching.

I am just curious on the perfomance of these props, compared to the more expensive mercury props.

I cant say anything about my boat perfomance wise, it has not seen water since i purchased it. I have been working on it, i rebuilt both mercruiser 470 engines, while also replacing both alpha 1's with new ones. Engines are out of the boat, waiting to get put back in. The boat itself is a 26' family cruiser with a 10' beam and a deep V hull. The model is called Imperial 260 FC.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Solas Alcup 3 Propeller

Ah'ha, good to see you got 2 matched props with the correct hubs. Alcups are an older prop and I haven't heard too much chatter on the forums about them. Though many report improvements and good results with the current line up Solas props. No doubt there are better props than the Alcups, but I doubt there are better "bang for the buck" props than the set of Alcups you have. I'd run the Alcups to see how they perform, then either keep them or gather data to select a different set of props.

The main reason the Mercury props are more expensive is the Alcups are being clearanced, no longer in production, and if you bang up a prop it could be difficult to find a new replacement. You would probably need to have the prop repaired, which would cost more than what you paid for the prop. If the Alcups perform well on the boat and you decide to run them, I would find another so you have a spare on hand.

 

[alexr254]

Well these props are a bit longer then the mercury's. I need to change the anodes so the props can spin...

Either way I also ordered a couple of the black max 3 props which I will use as my main props. These Alcups will be my spares.