Propeller swapping time

[Marchy001]

So after recently fitting an F225 on my Seafarer Vermont I'm now fine tuning props. Currently have tried a 14 1/8 x 19 Solas 4 blade and a 14 1/4 x 17 solas 4 blade. Both props feel great. Hole shot pretty similar, wot speed the same (42kn) wot RPM 5400 v 5800

Obviously the 17" is pretty close to the mark but I was around 250kg lighter than normal when testing so really wanted to kiss the limiter (6100) that would get me pretty well suited for 95% of trips.

Traction was good engine height was good bow lift however was a non event.

I can swap the solas props some more and see how that goes but I can't deny I'm a big fan of Merc props. Enertia, Mirage+, Rev4 are 3 props I would love to test but finding a shop willing to do what Solas does is not easy.

Has anyone ran any of the merc props back to back with Solas that can give me any idea as to what they may run like?

The slip figures from both solas props make me think they are a bit heavy on pitch (-1% slip at wot speeds)

Any experience with the props mentioned would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

Marchy

[FisHard]

I know this is not exactly the info you are after, but I Repowered a 6.2 Seafarer Venom (same hull as vagabond) with a 200 Suzi and I would have thought you'd get more than 42 kts out of your combo. Fully loaded, I would get 38 kts no problem and it would do 40 on the way home. I settled on a Solas 3 blade 16 x 19. I tried a few sizes, but this was best all round. I did achieve 44 kts offshore with a Solas 4 blade (sorry can't remember the size) but it was otherwise a bad match. At normal revs, you could hear the motor working hard and fuel economy was crap. Good luck getting it sorted :)

[scottar]

Numbers are pretty close IMO. On a Victory 6 metre with a 200HO, I spin a 19" solas to 5200 and a 17 to 5700. Ended up with a BRP Renegade Offshore 19" at 5650 for about 44Kts or there abouts. I can't help with any advise on the Rev 4 sorry.

[Marchy001]

Solas have the same prop in a 16" so will try that one on for size.

It may just end up being my watersports prop, Then keep my eye on eBay, gumtree, THT etc for another decent used merc prop.

Have a 19" Enertia inbound from the US already but thinking it may need to run too fast to be much use in the real world.

[gofishin]

Here is a chart showing a comparison b/w a few of the prop types you mentioned.

Boat is bigger and heavier, and the donk has more 'sticker HP' than yours, but in reality (US EPA database) is only 5 or so HP more than yours from memory.

Your prop will be spinning faster, 1.75:1 vs 2.0:1, which normally means you would need to drop ~2" of pitch, but my guess would be the smaller boat/load will mean same pitch on yours would only drop 150 - 200 rpm. But.....

Only way to be 100% sure is to try them, as props on different boats and donks can behave quite differently.

Cheers
Brendon

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[Marchy001]

Great info Brendon. I do like a good picture such as the above.

Hopefully I get my timing sorted and I can spin the 17" Solas 16" solas and 19 Enertia the same day that should give me a decent idea where I need to be. I'm aiming to end up with 2 props 1 for heavy days waterskiing (6pob food drink and lots of gear) and another for fishing, cruising etc (2-4pob less gear).