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New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
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Author:  GottWhat [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:01 am ]
Post subject:  New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
When I bought my boat a few weeks ago, it had an older stainless steel 14 1/4 x 23p propeller installed. The problem was I would max out at about 4200 to 4400 rpm.

According to FourWinns "fast facts", my boat (2000 Four Winns Horizon 180 LS w/5.0Gi Volvo Penta - 250 HP) originally came with an aluminum 14 1/4 x 21p prop with top speed revving at 4800 to 5000 rpm. This makes sense as this is the size AL prop I was given as a spare when I bought the boat.

Looking around at new props, the SS Apollo appeared to be a good match for my performance needs and budget (total with hub kit and shipping was only $291.57). The only problem is they did not make a 21 pitch prop with a diameter of 14 1/4. They only had slightly smaller or slightly larger. After an email to Michigan Wheel describing my issue, I went with the 14 inch.

Installed last night but due to severe storms, will not be able to test it out until tomorrow at the earliest. Looks nice though:

Image
Author:  ric [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
What made you pick the Apollo over others?
Author:  GottWhat [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 5:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
ric wrote:
What made you pick the Apollo over others?

I have seen good reviews and locally, people have said good things about them. The Michigan Wheel prop that came with the boat looks like it has held up really well. Also, they are a Michigan company so that is a plus. Gotta help keep the local guys in business ;)
Author:  ric [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 9:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
Well, those are good reasons. That's not a speed prop but should be good all around. If I had a H180 with a 5.0 I'd be all about doing 65mph WOT and propping for that 8)
Author:  GottWhat [ Thu Jun 19, 2014 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
ric wrote:
Well, those are good reasons. That's not a speed prop but should be good all around. If I had a H180 with a 5.0 I'd be all about doing 65mph WOT and propping for that 8)

LOL. I like how you think!

Will let you know how speed is impacted when I take it out next but I do not expect much of an impact in top speed, it will just come at a higher RPM.
Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
GottWhat wrote:
Also, they are a Michigan company so that is a plus. Gotta help keep the local guys in business ;)


Thank You :!:
Author:  rpengr [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
I've been using my Michigan SST 19p 3 blade for 21 years. Now re-hubbed and mounted on it's second boat, and still good as new.
...works in Florida too!
Author:  Jdpber [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 9:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
well it has been days now have you gone out for a test?
Author:  GottWhat [ Fri Jun 20, 2014 11:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
Jdpber wrote:
well it has been days now have you gone out for a test?

Between work and foul weather including thunderstorms, I haven't had a chance. And worst of all, tomorrow is the first nice day and I have a kid's birthday party at 11 am and then a graduation party to attend after that. On Sunday, we have a charity event at 2 PM that is on the complete opposite side of metro Detroit from where the boat is. Although, I am thinking I can squeeze in an early cruise Sunday morning...

Why does life and weather get in the way of boating???
Author:  LouC [ Sat Jun 21, 2014 7:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
Actually when you go down in pitch, don't be surprised if your top speed goes down, not up. Lower pitch=faster acceleration on plane, plane at slightly lower speed, higher peak rpm but not higher speed. You're moving the rpm range to a lower speed range so to speak.
As far as engine longevity, your top speed, is completely irrelevant. What matters is if the engine reaches the specified max rpm. If its too low the engine will labor, and that will overheat the combustion chambers and burn out valves. Its like starting a pick up truck in 3rd gear and driving up hills over and over.
I don't get the big fascination with top speed. You want the engine to last, prop it the way the engine maker says to.
Here we are always watching out for wakes, lobster pot buoys, kayakers, etc. Top speed is not important.....
Author:  ric [ Sat Jun 21, 2014 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
The river I boat on has a speed limit of 25mph, but you can generally cruise at 30 without getting the "slow down" hand motion from the cops.
Author:  GottWhat [ Sun Jun 22, 2014 3:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
Went out for a ride today and the hole shot is absolutely improved. Wasn't able to test absolute top speed as there was some chop and the wife wasn't going for it. Although I did hit 40+ and I bet it will still top out around 50-52 mph.

Overall, super happy. Will update after I get another opportunity this week to take it out.
Author:  GottWhat [ Sun Jun 29, 2014 3:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New prop - from 14.25x23 to 14x21 SS MI Wheel Apollo
Went out yesterday with my 6-year-old son and full tank of fuel. Had the bimini top all the way down. Achieved a GPS indicated top speed of 53+ MPH at 4800 rpm. I think we still had room to go and believe 55+ mph is achievable on a completely flat lake.

The best part isn't the top speed though. Like I said before, the hole shot is awesome and the boat plains even faster now which is amazing considering how fast it would do it before. Great acceleration from 25 to 40 MPH as well.

I love this boat and am so glad we did not settle for less power :)
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