Standard or modified prop?

[saaristo]

Hi,

Does anyone have a clue whether the prop on the picture is a manufacturers standard or self-modified to hide a possible collision. It is attached to a Yamaha 115 but unfortunately I can't find any manufacturer code or anything. As you can see, the tips of the blades seem to be cut or are they? Seems kinda odd-looking.

 

[alldodge]

I think its made that way, but need to remove the prop and check for numbers on the prop

 

[Chris1956]

Agreed, I have seen those before, but know little else about them. Might be a Yamaha specific design

 

[jimmbo]

That's a Ballistic
Some swear by them, I prefer to swear at them

 

[Bondo]

but unfortunately I can't find any manufacturer code or anything.

Ayuh,..... I too, have seen those props before, though donno anything 'bout 'em,......

The numbers should be under that big silver washer behind the prop nut,.....

 

[b.gagnon]

I'm with Jimmbo.. Ballistic
Some people have good luck with them. Not me though!

 

[QBhoy]

100%, it’s a ballistic by Michigan Wheel. It’s their pinnnacle performance prop.
Works well with some applications...not so much on others.
I ran one all last year. I found that it was not very consistent in its performance. On the odd occasion and when the stars aligned with conditions etc, it was very quick lifting bow and stern....just that it was only occasionally this happened and never when it mattered (like being up against the local rocket ship boat on the lake !)
quite slow to plane compared to the laser 2 and over all 9 times out of 10 the laser was quicker.
Also worth noting that the finish and quality is not great compared to the laser and other Merc oem Props.

 

[QBhoy]

That's a Ballistic
Some swear by them, I prefer to swear at them

Haha...I remember you being quite reserved on them when I got one last year. I was a big fan after the first couple of runs with mine, but as mentioned above. Fell out with it. Back to the laser 2 for the start of the season for some data gathering, then Enertia all the way !!

 

[jimmbo]

Haha...I remember you being quite reserved on them when I got one last year. I was a big fan after the first couple of runs with mine, but as mentioned above. Fell out with it. Back to the laser 2 for the start of the season for some data gathering, then Enertia all the way !!

I will admit to being a Huge Enertia fan. It has proven to be an excellent prop in a wide variety of applications, and from my experience with them, I will swear by them. But beware, YMMV.

 

[QBhoy]

What does YMMV mean ? I’m defo going to get one Jimbo. Just like I’ve mentioned previously, I need to know exactly what pitch I’m going for. The safe option is a 19”, but the gamble would be a 20”. Just worried because I think I remember you saying the Enertia might show a drop in rpm over another prop of same pitch. I’ve heard another guy saying he saw a drop in revs over a ballistic even.
My ballistic drops the revs compared to the same pitch laser 2. Difference is about half an “ diameter between them. The Enertia is about the same as the laser at 14” diameter. The 19” laser will hit the limiter just. This makes me tempted to try the 20” Enertia.
My old 21” laser was really quick at mid 60’s but only when light and aired right out and very rarely. Was a total pig at just about everything else. Hole shot, water sports, cruising etc.

 

[porscheguy]

YMMV=your mileage may vary. It means that your experience may or may not be the same as someone else depending on factors related to you, your environment, or your equipment.

 

[jimmbo]

A selection of several props, all stated to the same pitch, say 20", can deliver very different results, speed wise and RPM wise, how the boat rides and handles, how solid the props grip on the water. Unless you are comparing two different pitches of the same prop model/lineage, it often is an apples to oranges comparisons. Prop selection was so much simpler in the 50s and 60s where the choice of props, for some brands, was limited to 4 or 5 props by the engine manufacturer.

Here is a prop chart for a 1966 or 67 80hp Johnrude

 

[211libwtfo]

I have had my suspicions of my ballistic prop and I do believe it is under performing as well, this post adds to that!!!

 

[QBhoy]

I have had my suspicions of my ballistic prop and I do believe it is under performing as well, this post adds to that!!!

Decent for lightweight hull and high horsepower. Really lifts the hull, but needs lots of revs and right conditions to do it. Like I say. Only quick sometimes and very rarely able to lift my hull right out the water. Laser much more consistent and defo better quality of finish.