Mercury Tempest, Turning Point Mach 3 or Michigan Wheel Apollo?

[Chris1956]

All, I am considering the title, three props, all in 3 blade and 21" pitch for my speedboat. My speedboat is an old Avenger, 16 footer, 670# w/o motor. I have a 135HP Merc V6 on it. I have used 21P props for years, and they work pretty good. Max speed is 55 - 65MPH, without anything special. I think I need bow lift as the boat rides pretty flat.

The approx. price range for each prop:
TP Mach 3 <$400
Merc Tempest $750+
Mich Wheel Apollo $450

Opinions

 

[jlh3rd]

I prop for the higher end of the manufacturer's recommended max rpm @WOT for the longevity of my engine.
Everything else becomes what I'm left with.

 

[Pmt133]

I wouldn't commit to something I couldn't at least test but... all three are pretty solid choices. The tempest and Apollo are very similar if memory serves. The turning point is more like a inbetween of the mirage and enertia. The mach 3 (both the regular and OS) have been reported to cause a lot of porpoising on some hulls. My 19 didn't like any turning point I ran. Not saying its a bad prop... just didn't work with my hull. Same as the enertia. That prop is magic on 95% of hulls... mine slowed down everywhere with it and handled... weird.

 

[airshot]

If my memory serves me correctly, the rake is what controls bow lift, but you need someone with more prop expertise than I have.