Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

[Mike83]

What's your general opinion of these? Best thing since sliced bread or another cheap aluminum prop?<br /><br />I have a 110 HP johnson and will be putting it on a 16.5' Skeeter Bass Boat.<br /><br />Also what would be the right size for me? 13 x 19 or 12.75 x 21? I run 6000+ RPM on a 13.75 x 17<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

The 21 will likely pull you down to the 5300 RPM range which is too low. 19 is probably a good guess. If you are over 6000 RPM now the 17 is a little under propped.

 

[Mike83]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

But what's your opinion of the Michigan Vortex?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

Vortex is a std duty prop..you will need some bow lift for your rig and the prop that comes to mind is a 13.5X18 Raker (OMC/BRP).<br />Are you mounting the engine directly to transom or do you have a jackplate or set-back of any sort???<br />What make and model of 17 are you running????

 

[Mike83]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

Mounted directly to transom, bolts are set to the second lowest holes.<br /><br />17" prop is a standard OMC aluminum. The 13x19 I tried also wents/slipps really bad.

 

[Mike83]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

Bump

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

OK, the 19 is slipping due to low diameter most likely..<br />I don't think Solas makes a Scorpion for your engine yet, but be looking down the road.<br />I feel very strong that a Good 13.5X18 Raker will fit the bill here pretty well.<br /><br />EDIT: One thing I would like to add here, is don't feel inclined to run "only" the prop I suggest....there are a gazillion props out there, and feel free to test, as you can get your hands on any design prop...that's what I started doing about 8 years ago, and got real serious about it around 4 yrs ago. If nothing else, it will show you that 1 manufacturer's 17, is not even close to another..you will also learn to make a decision based on info from a given prop, and how another brand reacts compared to that..If nothing else, it's a heck of a good excuse to get on the water.

 

[Mike83]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

But why 13.5x18? Isn't 18 a little low? Would a 19 or 20 be better if I'm running 6000rpm with a 17?

 

[Mike83]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

Bump... Walleyehead?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

If you are running 6000 with a 17, you will be close to 5700 with an 18 RAKER...it's not just the pitch that plays a role, it's also the design. The 18P Raker will pull harder than alot of 19P props.<br />The problem here is the design of a given pitch prop...is it a bow lifter, stern lifter, etc...all props are not, by any means, created equal. You need a design that fits your application, not just some run-of-the-mill prop.<br />5700-5800 is where you want to be idealy anyway.

 

[Mike83]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

My motor's max RPM is 5500RPM though (110 HP V4 Johnson.) Do Rakers come in 19P or is the next size up 20? Is 20P too much?<br /><br />Thanks for your help

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

You're missing my point...Yes 5500 when it was built quite some time back with the better fuel available in that era. the 110 is a crossflow and it will give the BEST results if you prop it for 5700-5800RPM.<br />A 20P Raker will put you around 5200 or so...just borderline lugging.<br />Let's see if maybe Dhadley will step in and give his opinion...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

Yep, with todays fuel -- for long engine life -- youll want to target 5800 with an average load. <br /><br />We've also had good luck with the Turbo Lightning Jr's on V4's. Really neat deals. I'll go see whats laying around......

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

Yep. Just as I suspected. Boy that 13 1/2x18 Lightning Jr really looks good....

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

mike83, I wouldn't think twice....well maybe twice, but 3 times, no way.<br />You need that prop.

 

[KIGuy52]

Re: Michigan Vortex 3 blade props

I put a Vortex XHS on my 25. I live on shallow water and the first time I bottomed out, it destroyed the nylon insert. I'd get a prop with a rubber clutch if you run in shallow water or if there's lots of submerged stuff. Nice prop for the price though. It's cupped some so it doesn't cavitate like the stock prop.