www.iFourWinns.com

Hi,
I'm getting ready to order a new prop for my boat.
I'll try to get the damaged aluminum prop repaired if it's worth it and keep it as a spare one.
So the question is.
Is this one a good choice for me?
http://www.precisionpropeller.ca/michig ... =993044.94

My main goal is to have the best cruising speed at the least rpm. And I usually have 2-4 adults in the boat.

Would the 21p be a better choice or would it be too much for the 3.0L engine?
http://www.precisionpropeller.ca/michig ... =993044.94

What about a 4 blade prop, would this one work well for my boat?
http://www.precisionpropeller.ca/michig ... =993204.94

Thanks for any advice and info.

_________________
GalacticWaterman
Boat: Four Winns H180 2006 3.0L Mercruiser 135 hp with Alpha I Gen. 2
Tow Vehicle: Honda Ridgeline

So, a new development in my prop adventure.
I've taken the damaged prop to repair shop.
I'm getting it back tomorrow.
The same shop also sells new props.
They carry both Solas and Michigan Wheel Marine props.
The shop is really pushing a Solas 3 blade SS prop that is 14" 19p and saying that the half inch less is ok because it's SS and it'll make up for the smaller diameter.
They happen to have it in stock whereas the Michigan props are a special order.
That logic just doesn't sit with me well because I'm trying to gain a bit of performance by going SS from aluminum.

Is there a significant quality difference between Solas and Michigan props?
Will the half inch mean much worse performance?

_________________
GalacticWaterman
Boat: Four Winns H180 2006 3.0L Mercruiser 135 hp with Alpha I Gen. 2
Tow Vehicle: Honda Ridgeline

Wish I knew hope someone chimes in with an answer for you.

We have truly beat props to death on this forum; I recommend you do a search.

Short answer-
SS will give you better hole-shot and top end for same pitch. With 4 persons in an 18' w/ a 3.0L, I would stay with the same pitch that has been working, and go SS. That lack of power limits your options; much more load and you wouldn't be able to get on plane. if not doing water sports, there is no need to add a blade. The extra paddle gives hole-shot, but increases drag.

Midwestpropeller.com seems to be the best price around... they are a bit of a drive for me, but have taken good care. Also look at iBoats.com for good prop prices. In my case, Midwest honors iBoats prices.

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

I would not worry about trying to achieve the minimum RPM to keep it on plane, actually your main concern, and this is very important, is that the engine reaches its specified maximum rpms at wide open throttle. If it does not then the engine will be laboring much of the time even though you do not realize it. That will increase combustion chamber temperatures and can result in burned exhaust valves and the need for early engine repairs. So to repeat, as far as prop choice, the first thing you decide is do you want aluminum or SS, then, make sure your rpms are what the engine manufacturer says they should be.

Years ago when I got my present boat it had the wrong prop on it, and it would only turn up 4200 RPMs at wide open throttle. The spec from OMC was 4600-4800. I went from a 14.4x19 to a 15x17 and it was right on the money at 4700. It doesn't sound like a lot but it is and for long engine life you need to get that right.

Keep in mind that you have a small engine pushing a close to 3000 lb boat against a wall of water and if it under-revs its going to strain.

What were your wide open RPMs with the prop you had?

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Thanks LouC
It makes perfect sense to want the engine turning the right rpms to achieve the right power.
The 14.5" 19p 3 blade prop is the right spec for my boat so I'll stay with the same but get a SS prop.

With my current aluminum prop the boat was turning about the right rpms, although I didn't push it over 4000.
When I had 4000 I still had a bit left on the throttle.

_________________
GalacticWaterman
Boat: Four Winns H180 2006 3.0L Mercruiser 135 hp with Alpha I Gen. 2
Tow Vehicle: Honda Ridgeline

Thanks Walt, it makes perfect sense.
I'll go with the SS 19p and the only remaining decision will be which manufacturer.
Are there big differences in quality of SS props between the manufacturers?

_________________
GalacticWaterman
Boat: Four Winns H180 2006 3.0L Mercruiser 135 hp with Alpha I Gen. 2
Tow Vehicle: Honda Ridgeline

Every prop is different. One 19 pitch doesn't act like another 19. On a H180 with a 3.0 (I had one of those!) my first choice is the Mercury Marine/Quicksilver Laser II prop in factory pitch. It's specifically designed for boats under 20ft with under 200hp.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Thanks Ric. Yes you're right, different props with different designs will have different performance characteristics.
Unfortunately the Mercury branded props are very expensive and not within my budget.

However I recall you mentioned in another thread that Solas were lower quality and Michigan were good.
Did you mean manufacturing quality or performance quality?

I'm asking because local dealer has both of these brands and so I can get either one locally.

I'll probably pick your brain soon in new threads since you owned the same boat and are far more knowledgeable and experienced than a total newbie like me who is learning the basics.

_________________
GalacticWaterman
Boat: Four Winns H180 2006 3.0L Mercruiser 135 hp with Alpha I Gen. 2
Tow Vehicle: Honda Ridgeline