Do Brands matter?

[Old No 7]

Hi Everyone,

I need to get a new prop after an unfortunate meeting with some kind of metal in an inlet yesterday afternoon. It's mangled badly so i think I'm just better off getting a new one.

the old prop is a black max # 48 77342A45 Which in looking on the Mercury web site is 13 3/4 x 15 Aluminum 3 blade prop.

I have a 2007 18' Angler center console boat and the motor is a 90HP Optimax 2 stroke. I use it mostly for fishing and lately as a ferry taking one to 3 people to the beach.

in looking at the store here there are multiple brands ranging from $88.00ea to $132.00 for the same sized prop

Is there a difference? Should i worry about stressing my motor with a cheaper brand? I guess I'm confused as to what the difference might be. Better quality aluminum?

Unless someone says differently, I'll stick with the same sized prop. The hole shot is fine with 2 people and I cruise at about 36 mph at about 5500 rpm in flat water with 2 people on board. I have gotten up to 39mph with just myself on board in flat water.

(I run in the bay off Long island NY so flat water is somewhat rare)

Thanks for the help!

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Do Brands matter?

Brands in aluminum props aren't really a big deal, most all of them are well made props. But if you were happy with what you had in the black max i would go back with that only because of the blade geometry invovlved, and it is not hi-tech blade geometry but it worked well for you.


H

 

[mswalter2009]

Re: Do Brands matter?

Not an expert but Yes brands matter for two reasons. One, you want the prop to be of quality material and manufacturing. Two, (and I just went through this with a Yami 90 2stroke) There are different types or blade designs of 13 3/4 x 15 props intended for different uses, results, engine torgue...etc. I just found out that an Apollo 13 1/4 x 17 SS prop is not the prop for a 90hp Yami 2stroke on an 18' Privateer. Would only turn 4400 to 4500 rpms. After much consulting (thanks to Hwsiii and others) I have taken their advice and purchased the Yami prop he recommended. This was also confirmed by the company that rigs Privateer boats. The Yami prop is a semi-cleaver prop and the Apollo had "other stuff", blades heavilly cupped, too much surface area...etc. My engine just couldnt swing it past 4500. I'm testing this evening but an confident my numbers will be much better.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Do Brands matter?

Walter, I can't wait to hear back from you on the new prop. LOL



H

 

[Old No 7]

Re: Do Brands matter?

OK. but the iboats store does not sell the black max prop.

They have a hustler for $87.99
Solas for 99.99
Vortex for 114 59
Michagan match for 129.99
and Quicksilver for 132.98

Unless the quicksilver is the same as black max?

I'm new to boating so i really have nothing to reference to when it comes to how my boat should perform.

Do those speeds seem right?

 

[mswalter2009]

Re: Do Brands matter?

Walter, I can't wait to hear back from you on the new prop. LOL
H

I'm a quick learner and this prop technology is just cool. I've had my boat for 20 years with the same prop. Never imagined I would have to go through this. Just posted my perf numbers. How did you do that? 38mph was exactly what I got. Your good. Now, lets talk about repropping my Cessana 182.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Do Brands matter?

Walter, I believe we can get a little more out of it. LOL

7, I bought my 43' Colonial in Patchogue about 10 or 12 years ago, but getting back to your boat, I think the hustler would be the best replacement out of the choices available. Just stay with the same pitch you had and I think it will work fine.


H