Are not all props created equal?

[mybadford]

Are not all props created equal? I have a 1990 23' Barreta Phaser open bow with a Volvo Penta AQ231A 305 engine and a 290 1.61 out drive. With the original 14x19 prop it would cruise 28 to 30mph at 3,000 rpms depending on the load. If the load was light I could kiss 47 mph at WOT turning 4700 rpms. All these speeds are gps speeds. I put a Solas 14.5x19 aluminum prop on and it runs 25 mph at 3000 rpms and at WOT it runs 45 BUT the engine is turning 5300rpms and I know that is spinning that 305 way to fast. The max rpm should only be 4600.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Are not all props created equal?

To answer the question as simple as possible.. No. but I think you've discovered that. Props come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and diameter and pitch are just the basic fundamentals. There's materials, cup, trailing edge, leading edge, ventillation, number of blades, blade design and the list goes on. It's really a subject that requires some research before purchase. The best bet is to talk to your local Boat Shop/Store, look at what's working on similar boats and talk to the manufacturers support folks.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Are not all props created equal?

Sounds like your original prop was perfect. Why did you change?

 

[mybadford]

Re: Are not all props created equal?

To answer the question as simple as possible.. No. but I think you've discovered that. Props come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and diameter and pitch are just the basic fundamentals. There's materials, cup, trailing edge, leading edge, ventillation, number of blades, blade design and the list goes on. It's really a subject that requires some research before purchase. The best bet is to talk to your local Boat Shop/Store, look at what's working on similar boats and talk to the manufacturers support folks.

I do need to learn about props. I am intrigued. What does what? More cupping on the tail = more speed or a better holeshot?

Sounds like your original prop was perfect. Why did you change?

I would agree that the original prop was perfect. It ran good and kept itself in its proper rpm limit and did good on fuel. The river I run on is fed by a Dam to a lake above it. They haven't been letting any water out. River got low and hit something and took a chunck out of a blade. I figured the Solas prop would have pushed me the same speed since it was a 19 pitch, but for a fraction of the price of oem. But from what I learned all props are not created equal. One thing I do like about the Solas prop is that it gets on plane faster and easier so it's a good prop for pulling a skier or tube.