Anybody installed the newer Mercury Quicksilver Black Diamond prop to replace the old style, original props from the early 1980's on an Alpha One? If so what was your impression of the performance?
I just did and had great results. The old prop was the original 1983 Mercury 3-blade design and by a previous owner had been repaired twice; the blades were cut down about 1/2" on radius so it ended up a 13.5" diameter prop when I bought the boat this year. I took the prop to a repair shop which suggested replacing it with the new Mercury QA1912X prop size 15" dia x 17"pitch 3-blade RH. I installed and tested it today - excellent results. Basically the top speed went from 32 MPH to 39 MPH. Granted, the old prop was in sad condition, but the new design had more blade area, cupped blades, and greater diameter.
For those interested in details, I can send you the performance results (attachment size exceeded forum rules).
I just did and had great results. The old prop was the original 1983 Mercury 3-blade design and by a previous owner had been repaired twice; the blades were cut down about 1/2" on radius so it ended up a 13.5" diameter prop when I bought the boat this year. I took the prop to a repair shop which suggested replacing it with the new Mercury QA1912X prop size 15" dia x 17"pitch 3-blade RH. I installed and tested it today - excellent results. Basically the top speed went from 32 MPH to 39 MPH. Granted, the old prop was in sad condition, but the new design had more blade area, cupped blades, and greater diameter.
For those interested in details, I can send you the performance results (attachment size exceeded forum rules).