Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

[mjrhoads]

Anyone have any comments on the Stilletto brand of stainless steel props? FYI - I've purchased one for three different I/O boats that I've owned in the past, and have generally had a good experience with them - they are definately priced right ($250 + shipping) .<br /><br />Also, I'm replacing a Mercruiser "Alpha 4" (4 blade aluminum prop, 20P), and someone told me a 4 blade 20P, is the equivalant of a 3 blade 21P.<br />Comments ?<br /><br />I presently run only 37MPH on the GPS, @4800RPM with this Alpha 4 (which is way under propped - excellent hole shot, but way to easy to reach max RPM's, and no top end).<br /><br />I was planning on going to a 14 1/4" x 23P Stilletto S.S. 3 blade prop.....<br /><br />Any and all comments welcomed !

 

[zzzzz]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

I can put you in a SOLAS brand high rake 14 1/4 x 22 high polish stainless for $279 plus UPS. The SOLAS brand props have MUCH thicker blades than the Stilletto's. We used to sell the Stilletto until we were introduced to the SOLAS by one of our suppliers-the value and quality switched us immediately ! The high rake combined with a degree less pitch should give you excellent performance.Let me know if I can help

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

What diameter is your 4-blade?<br /><br />You would likely gain 7 mph or more just going to a 3-blade, 21p of the same diameter.<br /><br />The 23p you are looking at is probably too much for your rig---it will bog the motor and kill your hole shot. Also, check your clearance--not sure you can run that big diameter.<br /><br />Try before you buy!

 

[vettman]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

Hey bobq,<br /> Have you got any stainless props for volvo 19 spline 14 1/4 by 22 ? My glastron 19 ft. 5.0 220 h.p. runs 5000 rpm with a 21 wot and 4650 with a 23 wot. Like to get it right at 4800 rpm @ wot. Thanks for any info.<br /><br /> vettman

 

[mjrhoads]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

ddboater,<br /><br />The 4 blade is 14" x 20P. <br /><br />As far as going to the 14 1/4" x 23P, I have the 1.81:1 gear ratio Alpha 1, so I "think" it should be just right (assuming that the 4-blade 20P is equal to a 3 blade 21P), but your additional comments are welcomed.<br /><br />FYI - my 19' 2" open bow boat's dry weight is 2600 lbs.

 

[zzzzz]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

VETTMAN-if you already have the 21 & 23 pitch props-just send one to your local prop shop and have it repitched(much cheaper than buying another)

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

Monte---good point on the gear ratio. Is there a way to check gear ratio by serial number on the Alpha Drive? Not sure what mine is.<br /><br />Did you request this specific ratio when you purchased the boat?<br /><br />I've been told by several prop "experts" that the standard Alpha drive has trouble spinning a 23p prop.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[mjrhoads]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

ddboater,<br /><br />Depends on outdrive & engine HP...<br /><br />For my 4.3L-190HP/Alpha 1:<br /><br />Primary = 1.81:1 (which is actually printed on my outdrive, close to the serial #)<br />optional = 1.62:1<br />High Altitude = 2.0:1<br /><br />For a 5.7L-250HP/Alpha 1:<br /><br />Primary = 1.62:1<br />optional = 1.47:1<br />High Altitude = 1.81:1<br /><br />Info was obtained from http://www.mercurymarine.com/sterndrives <br /><br />or you can also call Mercruiser Customer Service<br />at 1-405-743-6566, and give them your outdrive serial number, and they can tell you your gear ratio!

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

Monte---thanks again!<br /><br />I must have a different gear ratio because my rig dials right in at 4800 rpm and about 62 on the speedo, trimmed out with one passenger and a full gas tank. I plan to test with GPS to get a more accurate reading this spring.<br /><br />Interesting to see you have gone from the big block V8 in a 23-footer back down to a V6 in a 19-footer. Was it fuel cost that prompted you to scale back to a smaller boat?<br /><br />On the prop question, have you tried Rich Boger with your questions at www.boatsetup.com? He works only in stainless steel and may have some info for you.

 

[mjrhoads]

Re: Stainless Steel Prop recommendations?

Well - the unofficial name of my current boat is "Recession", if that tells you anything <br /><br />FYI - I have decided to replace my 14" x 20P four blade, with a 14 1/4" x 21P three blade.<br /><br />I'll have some GPS results in a week or two