can you rehub a prop to switch brands?

[suzukidave]

I have had a Solas 13" stainless prop for my Suzuki DT55 on backorder since November. The prop vender has just come back that the manufacturer (Taiwan) won't have a new batch of Suzuki 13" props here until June, but has a 13" merc hubbed prop in stock that they are going to try to switch hubs for me. <br /><br />My question is, can you do that or are props unique to manufacturers? I think these guys are on the level but I guess I'm kind of worried because on the one hand they say they are going to "try" and do the switch, and on the other they are telling me that the props are the same (in which case "try" shouldn't be an issue?) I have so far tested at their suggestion a 14" and a 15" stainless plus 13" and 14" blades on a composite and am pretty sure that a 13" steel will be just right as long as its otherwise the same as the 14" I tried. However if a merc 13" prop would have different characterstics from a suzuki 13" prop other than the hub then I fear that I am experimenting again.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: can you rehub a prop to switch brands?

Prop design is a science of it's own. Several parameters (pitch, diameter, blade area and shape, expected blade tip speed, cupping, hub and more) affect the final design.<br /><br />I ordered a Sola once but cancelled due to way too long delivery time. While awaiting it I heard from the dealer, that they had problems with the hubs and that made me change my mind.<br /><br />Any unbalance or imperfect fit when working on the prop for switching the hub will make it useless.<br />If you've already done the testing and knows what you want (pitch/dia/material), I'd suggest you shop for a different make.<br /><br />Checking Sola's brochure doesn't tell if there's any difference between the Merc and the Zuki hubs. From the pictures their prop looks quite ordinary. Their site isn't responding.

 

[suzukidave]

Re: can you rehub a prop to switch brands?

Thanks UU, I'm kind of stuck with Solas because I've still got the 14" -- testing props with these guys actually means you buy one but they'll keep switching it until it's right... I hadn't thought about balance but I guess its probably pretty tricky to keep a prop balanced when switching hubs. Maybe that's what they mean by "try".<br /><br />The solas prop does look pretty ordinary but the 14" performs pretty well -- 33mph at 5300 rpm wot in my (empty) 16' heavy (1100# plus motor) deep V boat is pretty good for a 55 horse motor and 3 mph faster than with a 14" pirahna composite -- <br />wot for me should be 5500 so I just want to drop one pitch inch so I can keep the revs up with a full load.

 

[Hooty]

Re: can you rehub a prop to switch brands?

Hey Dave,<br />A good prop shop should be able to switch hubs a balance prop with no problems at all.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty