Let's beat the "Prop Horse" some more

[ramster]

Glastron 195 SX 5.0 220HP, 14.25X21 3 blade AL runs 4500RPM at 55MPH with just me in, tried a 14X20 4 blade Mich. Vortex AL, ran 52MPH at 5000RPM, too high. Then tried a Solas 14X21 4 blade AL, now runs 55MPH at only 4200RPM. Nice cruise speed, but border line lugging, why such a big differance in RPM with only 1 inch change in pitch? I would like to be closer to 4600RPM with a 4 blade, maybe a stainless 14X20? anybody tried this combo on a similar boat? I've done back to back runs with 3 and 4 blade 21's and the 4 blade is smoother and a touch faster once the boat is loaded down with fuel and a few people.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Let's beat the "Prop Horse" some more

Check this thread.This prop guy is very helpfull from what I've read. http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=61043&postid=489307#489307

 

[danielhuebsch]

Re: Let's beat the "Prop Horse" some more

Check the diameter on the Solas prop because they usually have a bigger diameter....what about the rake and cupping as well??? It isn't very accurate to compare 2 brands at 2 different pitches

 

[ramster]

Re: Let's beat the "Prop Horse" some more

I think just looking at the Solas VS. Vortex,<br />the Solas has more cup to it, both are 14 inch, the 3 blade stocker is 14.25 not much differance. When I tried the four blade 20 I was really surprised it reved so much higher on top, plus my cruise speed was 4000RPM @ 40MPH VS. 3200RPM with the 21 Solas. It was recomended by Mich. that I drop to a 19 when switching from 3 to 4 blades, I knew that would be way to much, but Mich. dosent make an AL 14X21. I would have to go stainless which is too expensive to expirement with.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Let's beat the "Prop Horse" some more

What are you hoping to do? <br /> Faster holeshot<br />Highfive 21 pitch You will pull stumps.<br /> Top speed<br />laser II 21 pitch will run a few mph faster than the merc aluminum same rpm .<br /> I have a glastron 175sx same type of hull, and tried quite a few of 3, 4, and 5 blade props and the laser II was about the best overall prop for my boat with the Ronhill five blade being best for towing. <br /> Buy your SS props on ebay you can get them cheap during the winter try them out in spring and then sell the ones you don't like in summer and make money due to increase in demand as people destroy their props.<br /> I did this the last 2 years while trying to get the best prop for my boat. By the time I finished with all the props I tried I got the 2 i liked best for very little money, but a lot of time invested.<br /> When switching props don't worry so much about diameter. You don't have much choice with any given design. <br />Good luck

 

[ramster]

Re: Let's beat the "Prop Horse" some more

I guess I am fairly satisfied with the performance, I would like to see my RPM up a little closer to the max WOT, maybe gain a few MPH. If my engine wont turn an AL 21 4 blade to 4600 RPM, I'm afraid a stainless 21 4 blade will turn even less. Bottom line is I'll have to bite the bullet, and try a stainless 20 4 blade and hope it won't over rev like the AL 20 did. I do like the 4 blade over the 3 blade, so far it seems to pull a little harder in the chop, and is a little smoother.

 

[shep70057]

Re: Let's beat the "Prop Horse" some more

couple of FYI's... when going from an aluminum to stainless prop, 3 blade to a 4 blade, you WILL loose rpm's. Mind you this is if the pitch remains the same.