michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

[aerobat]

hello !

i consider to purchase from here a new stainless prop for my boat. currently i have a laser II in 14 1/4 x17 which stucks me at about 3900 rpm at WOT .

my options given at iboats for stainless are mainly the michigan wheel apollo in 14 3/8 x15 or the solas rubex in 14 1/2 x15 .

the price is comparable, i think the performance of this props is also comparable- however -does anybody of you have experience with this props and can tell something about them. do both have cavitation holes for the exhaust ?

thanks much for any input

 

[steelespike]

Re: michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

We need more info to tell if your setup is working.Please read the stickys at the top of the prop forum and get us the information.
The typical 3.0 application with a 17" prop would likely be over revving.
Guessing your wot rpm at 4800 your about 900 rpm low.That would require about a 4" reduction pitch putting you at about 13"
a prop you would usually find on a really heavy application.

 

[aerobat]

Re: michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

We need more info to tell if your setup is working.Please read the stickys at the top of the prop forum and get us the information.
The typical 3.0 application with a 17" prop would likely be over revving.
Guessing your wot rpm at 4800 your about 900 rpm low.That would require about a 4" reduction pitch putting you at about 13"
a prop you would usually find on a really heavy application.

ahoi ! i think i,m aware about the basics in the sticky so i just questioned the experience with this props and not a basic question how to reprop.

nevertheless . its a 3300 lbs dry ,21 foot cabinboat , so the 3.0 is a little bit less engine for this . however - for me its enough, it glides even with 4-5 adults and i,m happy. the drive is a 1.97 SX and topspeed about 29 mph at 3900 rpm.

the recommended WOT range for this engine is 4200-4600.

back to the question - experience with the michigan wheel or the solas rubex ? do both have cavitation holes ?

cheers !

 

[jestor68]

Re: michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

I have used both of those brands(and others). Now I prefer Solas. They do not have the vent holes. In your application, vent holes would not be appropriate.

The Mercury Laser is not the best prop for your application. The Solas Rubex is designed to move heavy loads(like yours).

The Solas HR Titan SS 4 blade 15 " prop might also be a good choice(over the 3 blade) for improving planing time, maintaining a plane at slower speed, and better mid range cruising efficiency.

 

[aerobat]

Re: michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

thanks jestor for the useful info !

where in your eyes is the solas superior over the michigan ?

cheers !

 

[jestor68]

Re: michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

thanks jestor for the useful info !

where in your eyes is the solas superior over the michigan ?

cheers !

Quality. Design. Materials. Manufacturing technologies. Quality control. Performance.

 

[aerobat]

Re: michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

thats sounds really interesting jestor , please tell more !

what performance was better - hole shot, topspeed, economy ? did you drove both props with the same setup ( pitch, diameter) ?

since i,m really interested in buying one of them i would love to hear more details for decision .

 

[aerobat]

Re: michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

thats sounds really interesting jestor , please tell more !

what performance was better - hole shot, topspeed, economy ? did you drove both props with the same setup ( pitch, diameter) ?

since i,m really interested in buying one of them i would love to hear more details for decision .

 

[jestor68]

Re: michigan wheel vs solas rubex stainless on a 3.0 Volvo penta sx

I tested(this summer) various SS props on my 23 ft boat(see to the left) that weighs 4000 lbs operating weight.

In terms of pure performance(hole shot, cruise, top speed), there was not much difference, but the Solas had the edge in hole shot and cruise performance. Top speeds were within 1 mph of each other; with a Mercury prop actually winning top speed.

I did not really compare fuel economy, but my sense is that there is really no measurable difference.

The main thing that impressed was the quality of the casting, and the finish of the prop. The Solas 3 blade seemed to run more smoothly(less vibration). The 4 blade is super smooth(no vibration).

Of the props I tested, the top two were Solas and Mercury Marine. All things roughly equal; considering the price difference, the Solas wins the "best bang for the buck" category. That coming from a die hard Mercury fan.