Good brands of S/S props?

[MidwestMonaco]

What are some quality S/S prop manufacturers? <br />Can I expect any top end MPH gain from switching from an aluminum prop to S/S?<br /><br />Boat is an 84 Sea Ray, 20' 350/mercruiser, used on small lakes.<br /><br />Thank you!

 

[bayman]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

If you are looking for aftermarket then Michigan Wheel, Turning Point, and Solas make good SS props. The Ballistic from Michigan Wheel is one example of a fast SS prop. However, I wouldn't recommend that one if you are likely to hit sand or rocks...or if you like to beach your boat and anchor your boat with the prop as some like to do (not recommended). If you may hit sand now and then, for example, I would say you may want to aim for a more hefty SS prop. Speed isn't the only consideration. Yes, you can increase your speed with SS props in some, but not all cases.

 

[QC]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

Check out Ron Hill on Ebay. He is a legend in racing here in CA and AZ. He is now a retired school teacher and builds them on the side. Just the nicest guy. Sells them on Ebay for a fair price. I have had two and swear by them. Great low RPM plane and good top speed. Had trouble getting the flow torque hub to fit on last one, but is fine now after some sweat and sand paper . . .<br /><br />He will respond to e-mail and has more than he lists on Ebay.<br /><br />How fast is your boat now? If dialed in correctly could gain some speed, but 2 - 3 MPH would be fantastic. Can slow them down too. Very trial and error thing. Can get expensive, and this guy is a long way from you. Might look at other used SS on Ebay too. Be careful though, who knows how they have been tweaked. I have had pitch and cup put in and taken away, who knows what others have done to those.<br /><br /> http://stores.ebay.com/Ron-Hill-Propellers_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZkm

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

Hill has some good work out there, no doubt.<br />High quality, and best all-around performance leads me to stiletto....very hard to beat.<br />Solace has tested "OK", but The Michigan Wheel Ballistic has been the bottom of the barrel in SS props with the exception of the 4-blade, which when set-up properly for the correct running heigth, is a top competitor on OUTBOARDS.<br />Turbo is going to be darn tuff to beat with the Turbo 1, If your sterndrive is a bravo, take a look at a Turbo Vector.<br />The Merc Mirage would not be a bad choice either...a good performer on stern drives.<br />If we had drive lifting capabilities, I'd say Mazco or Hydromotive, but they really need to be through the surface for max performance, and actually work best on outboards...

 

[stevens]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

Hi Walleyehed, <br /><br />What do you mean that Ballistics "has been bottom of the barrel in SS props"? I thought these were pretty good propellers at a decent price, which is why I bought one. It has worked OK for me on my 21' daycruiser with 120 HP diesel with an Alpha-drive.<br /><br />I read a test in a local boating magazine where they had compared 30+ props and the Ballistic and Rapture came out on top.<br /><br />Here's a link to the article, but I am afraid it is in Norwegian.<br /><br /> http://www.batmagasinet.no/baatweb/...450031e262?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,ballistic <br /><br />Anyway, I haven't been able to find any other direct comparisons published anywhere on the net, and would appreciate if you know of any.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

Quote from Kenny:High quality, and best all-around performance leads me to stiletto

Hope you're right Kenny - I just bought one and am awaiting it's arrival. <br /><br />Here in Malta the choice of props is very limited, so if you want something other than bog-standard alu, you have to send away for it.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

Stevens, maybe I should not have said, "Bottom of barrel"....There have been many tests done on SS props by many magazines, companies, other independants...<br />As you know, I test as an independant.<br />I have tested countless Ballistics in 3, 3XL and 4 blade, and here's what I can tell you based on "my" data...the 3 blade is a hard pulling prop for the pitch it is claimed to be, but at the same RPM as just about any other SS prop, it is slower. The Ballistic tends to blow-out at lower positive trim levels than most, indicating inefficient cup. It does not have the bow-lifting capabilities of most due to the tip design. The Ballistic is a very thin, tappered blade prop that would appear to perform flawlessly, but testing data proves other-wise.<br />I've tested about 60 different SS props with just myself in the boat and have kept loads and conditions during testing as close as possible.<br />The std 3-blade is the slowest prop I have tested in SS. The 3-blade, XL is in the lower 3rd of the pack, even when lifting engine to max heigth allowed by that prop. The XL blows out way before a std Turbo, stiletto, OMC Raker, Mazco, Rapture, OMC SST II, Michigan match SS, Merc Laser II, Merc Tempest, Merc mirage and vengence. Solas Has one that will blow-out sooner, but has better mid-range and top-end.<br />The Ballistic blows out quicker than a std OMC aluminum as well, but provides about the same top-end.<br />As you know, Attwood labeled the Ballistic and eventually sold it to Michigan. I've tested both and there doesn't appear to be any changes by michigan.<br />The one place a ballistic works well is their 4-blade on an outboard at very high engine heights...the 4-blade has a bit different blade shape and does act different, but to get the speed, it has to be very high, and it is fast...close to the top. It will run real close to a mazco when set-up properly, but doesn't have the hole-shot.

 

[stevens]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

OK - I can't argue with your direct experience with this, and I can't say that the Ballistic has exactly impressed me so far. I put a 21" Ballistic on this year, going from a 23" aluminum Black Max, both with three blades.<br /><br />We took the boat out for a spin tonight, and you are absolutely right in that the Ballistic prop starts to ventilate at a surprisingly low level of trim. <br /><br />On my trim indicator, the prop started spinning at just before the halfway point, and gripped again when trimmed in slightly. It seems to thrive best at about 1/4 to 1/3 trim.<br /><br />I leaned back over the swim platform to have a look while my brother drove, and at planing speeds the water flowed across the drive slightly above the anti-ventilation plate, just below the hydraulic actuators that lie horizontally above the plate. That seems about right, doesn't it?<br /><br />This level of trim is about the same as I recall my 23" aluminium Black Max handled, maybe even less, and I am now also getting about 1.5 knots less than before at WOT, which is logical due to the reduced pitch. I think the slip calculates to about 8-9%, versus 13% before. The only things that have really changed for the better is the accelleration from zero and a smoother ride with less noticable vibration.<br /><br />I've also added Smart Tabs, and they work exactly as promised.<br /><br />Given your experience, what kind of prop would you advise me to get? Can I expect any SS prop to perform noticably better than the Ballistic, without absolutely blowing my budget?<br /><br />By the way, are your test results available anywhere on the net? It would be very interesting to see.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

I'm just piping in here but I love the Ron Hill custom cupped five blade he made for me. It is a rope snapper!<br />I have a LazerII also and I get 200 more rpm and 4-6mph faster than the stock black max my boat came with.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

First, all my data is on paper...some day I hope to spend the time to put it all on the P.C and have it available. It's amazing how many numbers you can come up with on just 2 props if you run them through the entire spectrum!!<br />As for each boat, well...every one is a bit different, but If I were asked to recommend a prop for your boat, I would pick the Rapture before the Ballistic.<br />My first choice for all around would still be stiletto, followed by Turbo...the Turbo is the fastest prop I have ever run, and was a Turbo II.<br />A Turbo 1 would be a good choice for sterndrives, and the Vector for Bravos in particular.<br />According to the numbers you give, it indicates you are comparing both props at the exact RPM.<br />It works out perfectly...<br />What can/could you get wot with each prop???

 

[stevens]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

The engine has some kind of rev limiter that stops it from going above 4500, which it hits with the Ballistic. The Black Max peaked out at about 4300.<br /><br />How would you say the holeshot of the Stiletto or Turbo is compared to the Ballistic?<br /><br /><br />Edit: I'll start a new thread on my prop situation, rather than hijacking this one. See you there, I hope.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

Based on the numbers on RPM you list, your slip rate only changed by 1/2%....."less", but speed is less too, even with a 200RPM increase to the rev limiter, you only gained .5%(Less than 1%) based on speed vs. RPM.....not good.<br />Your slip rate should have dropped more, with the same speed or more with a 200RPM increase, going from alum. to SS.

 

[stevens]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

MidwestMonaco - sorry about having hijacked your thread.<br /><br />I guess the verdict so far on your question is to go for a Stiletto or a Turbo, maybe a Mirage. Avoid the Ballistic.<br /><br />One more piece of learning - try to find a dealer that will let you try out different brands and pitches before you commit to buying one. I chose to order on the internet a Ballistic which turns out to also be a bit too low in pitch. Now I am stuck with it.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

There is always ebay....?????

 

[inthesticksnow]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

Hi everyone,<br /><br />I know this is a SS thread, but… We have a new Bayliner 185 so far with about 13 – 14 hours on a Merc 3.0 Alpha. I have not yet purchased a spare prop, and started thinking to get a different pitch “spare” than what I have now, which is a 21p.<br /><br />Since the boat is not yet broken in, I personally have not run at WOT, but for about 10 – 20 seconds during the demo-cruise just prior to taking delivery, the instructor did open her up just to show me that she would do 46 mph. I did not look over at the tach, but I am sure we were within the 4400 – 4800 rpm range due to the fact that this is a very good dealer and I trust them.<br /><br />The wife and I usually go out together, and with only two people in the boat that 21p aluminum prop seems perfect. But with five or so adults, the boat seemed “sluggish”.<br /><br />So… would I be wise to buy a 19p prop, as a “spare”, and switch back and forth between the two props depending on whether or not we are loaded?<br /><br />Further… I have been reading here that SS improves the experience over all. And I understand why. But we boat over here primarily on the Il river, and though I have not yet encountered any hits, it is probably just a matter of time before I nail something. Therefore, I am hesitant to switch over to SS due to that fact that many people around here have told me that a SS prop, (if hit), can/will do damage on up the drive train… and I understand the thinking here as well.<br /><br />Therefore, what would you guys recommend for me? If a SS 19p would help with a loaded boat, plus improve performance over an aluminum 19p, I’d be willing to take that route… but I am concerned about navigating a river where, compared to lake navigation, I’d be more likely to smack something with the prop.<br /><br />Thank you

 

[QC]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

stickyboy,<br /><br />I would double check the WOT deal. Merc allows WOT operation ater the first 10 hours for less than 5 minutes, so I don't think that is a major issue. Yes, your hole shot will improve by going down to the 19 inch pitch, but if the current prop is already reaching 4800 RPM then the 19 will be a bad choice if you ever plan on running at top speed. 5 or more people is a big load increase, and may be sluggish even if the prop is already the best compromise. If it was my boat I would want the prop to reach 4800 with a light load and then it would be something lower, maybe 4600 more heavily loaded.<br /><br />With the torque flow hubs, I don't think you would have a problem with a SS as far as damaging the drive is concerned. I would just think of it more in budgetary terms. Aluminum props usually have better hole shot as the blades can flex a little, so a SS could possibly make the sluggish thing worse. Unfortunately there are definitely no solid answers when it comes to propellers. Read as much on the topic here and elswhere that you can find.<br /><br />BTW, welcome!!

 

[inthesticksnow]

Re: Good brands of S/S props?

QuietCat,<br /><br />Thanks for the welcome and the response.<br /><br />Looks like I’ll have to do that rpm test to know for sure, then… next weekend. When I have some more reliable numbers to report, if it is all right, I’d like to post back here for additional, final advice. But in the meantime, interesting, that for my general usage and concern, an aluminum prop may be overall better for me… at least in this early stage of my boating “career”. <smile>