Anyone tried Solas 4x3 prop for Bravo 3?

[wisebob]

Didn't get any response from the Prop forum so I thought maybe this forum is more appropriate since Bravo 3 is commonly used.

Anybody using the Solas 4x3 duoprop for Bravo 3? If so, what are you thoughts and how does the pitch compare when going from a Mercury 3x3 to Solas 4x3?

Thanks,
bob

 

[alldodge]

Read your post in the prop section yesterday and did not respond because your asking a specific question about a given prop. This remains a prop topic. Merc also has a 4x3 which is labeled XR series and are pitched 21 thru 28 in inch increments.

Discussed the 4x3 with bblades prior to buying my 4x4 from Hill. Others on OSO have used and still use the XR 4x3 and like them. Same issue as with any other prop, it all depends on the boat. A 4x3 will provide more lift then a 3x3 and less then a 4x4. That lift is what can help or hurt. What works on one boat will not necessarily work on another.

The better question might be to include the info about your boat in the prop section

 

[wisebob]

Thanks AllDodge,

When you are referring to lift, you are talking about stern lift right?

bob

 

[alldodge]

Thanks AllDodge,

When you are referring to lift, you are talking about stern lift right?

bob

Correct, stern lift.

As with my boat, use to have 3x3 24 pitch with 415hp. Currently have 530 hp and have tried 3x3 26 pitch and 4x4 24 pitch. I get the same speed with either prop, but the 4x4 puts me on the edge of ventilating the prop. Little to high and it start blowing out, a little to down and the bow starts to drop and plow.

I have a long and drawn out issue going on, and don't want to get into on your thread, but have plans to go back to a custom 3x3 from a guy on OSO

 

[wisebob]

No Title

Received and installed the props. Going to try them it in a few days. Definitely impressed with the quality, looks, and price! Ordered from iboats. Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

I love fresh polished stainless

 

[wisebob]

Tried the Solas 4x3 today. Very happy with the performance. Cruise RPM dropped to 2300 and gained 2 knots. At prior 2500 cruise, can get up to 16 knots. Boat also seems higher up on the stern.

Very good idle speed docking manueverability too.

Only problem now is that I have to polish the props after every trip to keep them looking sooo nice!

 

[alldodge]

What was your WOT numbers?

Don't want to be lugging the motor

 

[wisebob]

Max RPM on my Yanmar diesel is 3300. A Bravo 3x3 24p was on it originally and could reach max rpm. Then I tried Bravo 3x3 20p because 24p was too fast for me at the dock. This Solas 22p 4x3 I tried can easily reach 3000 and not be at max throttle. I didn't want to push it further to 3300 and risk overreving the motor but assume it is good.

bob