Solas prop vs. volvo prop

[captmello]

Can anyone comment on the Solas Props for my older Volvo 275. they sell a prop for under $100. The volvo brand props are $240 for the same prop. Is this a great deal or to good to be true?

thanks.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

I'm a little on the outside of prop technology.But I can say that any prop change is a bit of a gamble.even one as simple as changing your older Volvo
prop for a newer Volvo prop.You could use an educated guess as to the results but they will vary somewhat from your estimates.Changing brands adds to the difficulty of the equation.Changing material further complicates
it.I don't think there is any problem changing to the Solas just keep in mind
it may perform differently than your Volvo.Not necessarily badly just differently.Thats why a prop exchange program is important.I believe there is one here at I boats you may qualify for.More than likely the Solas will perform fine.If it was mine to do I would consider the Hustler props.The Turning Point prop is said to give stainless performance at aluminum prices.Someone should be along with more specific info and we can help with your selection if you give us your boat,engine,prop size,max speed and rpm.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

Yup -- just because it's the same diameter and pitch and fits your motor does not mean it performs the same. Blade shape, blade area, rake, cupping, finish, etc., all affect prop performance. It's called design!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[captmello]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

Thank you for the input!!

I have checked the exchange and they don't seem to do it for older volvos presumably because noone makes them.

I'm running a 20' bowrider 7'6" beam. Farely deep V. 2000LBS. w/ a Volvo 260HP 5.7ltr. Its quite a powerfull motor for the boat so I generally do't run over 3000rpm.

At WOT I hit 4400 RPM with my beat up Volvo 14X21 long hub.

Its a bit slow out of the whole but not too bad for a boat without power trim.

The Solas prop is 14 3/8 X 21.

Does Solas have a specific "Design" trend or are they simply an inexpensive alternative?

Hustler doesn't have a prop for my old 275A Long hub.

Thanks again for your thoughts

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

Your probably better off with your rpm peaking @ 4600, your 21 (beat up) is turning 4400. Now no one is suggesting you need to run @ 4600 but if the motor tops out there it tells you that on the low to middle ranges your motor is not experienceing excessive stress. MFG's have designed the power train in just that fashion ...one gear works for all speeds and rpm ranges.....pitch to the top and everything else works well.

http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/Vo...andard&**********=117338848&*******=738996751

Is Volvo a better prop... that's subjective..From personal experience i picked a 6mph gain and lower planing speed's going to a aftermarket prop. True it was SS and one pitch higher but 6mph is huge in the boating world going up 1 inch and getting that type of gain.

No one can predict the above is a absolute...lot's of trial and error to reach peak effiency, but as a rule id bet your safe with the above Solas prop's...The forum moderator WH has given them a thumbs up..and the gent is conserative read some of his post's that are pinned above..

Good luck.

 

[captmello]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

Tail_Gunner - thanks for the info.

Its funny how when you search for things in different ways on iboats, you can get different results.

The link you sent offered a little more than I've found, however I've been searching 21 pitch props.

It seems your suggesting going to a 19 pitch which I have considered. I've read about 200RPM per pitch degree? Is that right. If so that would get me up to 4800 WOT, a bit high.

What if I went to a 15 X 19 pitch? One inch larger in size. Would this bring down the ROM @ WOT.

Now there are too many options!!

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

First, pitch is measured in inches, not degrees. Again, if you change design you can't expect all the "rules of thumb" to hold true. 200 RPM/inch of pitch is true ONLY if you compare two identical props except for pitch. (Model xx from Manufacturer A in 19 and 21P for example). While the rule of thumb for RPM may still be close if you compare 19P from Solas and 21P from someone else, you may not experience the same performance. The more factors you change when analyzing a prop, the more variables you end up with and the more money you waste in trial and error.

 

[captmello]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

The more factors you change when analyzing a prop, the more variables you end up with and the more money you waste in trial and error.

Perhaps I'm overanalizing this. I could buy two Solas props for the price of one volvo.

Thanks for help!!!

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

You are not..ill post tommorrow...sometimes .oh well tommorrow

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Solas prop vs. volvo prop

First, pitch is measured in inches, not degrees. Again, if you change design you can't expect all the "rules of thumb" to hold true. 200 RPM/inch of pitch is true ONLY if you compare two identical props except for pitch. (Model xx from Manufacturer A in 19 and 21P for example). While the rule of thumb for RPM may still be close if you compare 19P from Solas and 21P from someone else, you may not experience the same performance. The more factors you change when analyzing a prop, the more variables you end up with and the more money you waste in trial and error.

Silvertip the guy is looking at 100 dollar prop...I will make a bold step here yes the Solas is better for the money... Now if he wanted to spend 500 then lets pick it apart..