Prop conundrum

[Mike C]

For some time I have been meaning to change my 23" ali prop.... which only achieves 400 - 500 revs BELOW the recommended WOT, for a smaller pitched steel one.

Having finally decided to go ahead, the main choice seemed to be between a high rake Laser II or a more standard Vengeance. Andre has the Laser II and swears by it, but sought opinion seemed to favour the Vengeance for my weight diesel boat. Whichever of those 2 props I chose, in theory the reduction to a 21" pitch should give me the required extra 400 revs to get to correct maximum WOT

However, I then rang Steel Developments who recommended a 3rd option of the larger diameter 'Titan' prop, (apparently the Solas version of a Mirage), in 21" pitch. I was persuaded and bought one. Unfortunately, this has turned out to be not right for my boat; the extra diameter producing only 100 revs more. Due to the fact that, (for good theoretical reasons), Steel Developments suggested that prop, wrongly as it turned out, they have agreed to change it for another of my choice. Their suggestion now is that a 19", ‘Titan’ prop would be best.

So here is my conundrum.... Which should I choose? Steel Developments tell me they will only change it this one time, so do I take their advice and get a large diameter 19” prop. Go with the more common advice and get the 21" pitch steel version of the one I have, (i.e. the Vengeance) or follow Andre’s lead and get a Laser II?

Whichever I do, I will probably wish I had gone for the other but does anyone have any experience of the Titan… or the Vengeance versus the Laser II etc… on a 1,200 kilo diesel RIB. Andre has kindly offered to let me try his Laser II – (thanks mate!) but after that, I am choosing blindly and I’m stuck with my decision…..

Does anyone RENT props????

Thoughts appreciated!

Mike C

[Pete7]

Stick the Ali back on so you don't damage or mark the one from Steel Developements, try Andre's prop and make the decision once you have seen the results.

Pete

[Scary Des]

I think that Steel Devs were doing a try before you buy at last year Ribex, might we worth seeing if they are doing the same this year . Des

[Mike C]

Thanks for the comments lads.....

Pete7

The Ali is back on.... The steel one is in a box waiting to be posted back to Steel Dev. I will try Andre's prop but I won't know if its better or worse than the Vengeance or the one Steel Dev is now recommending cos I have to choose which one I want before I can try them!


Scary Des,

Steel Dev may have been offering that at Ribex last year… and I must admit I was hoping they would do something like that for me…. But they are adamant they won’t. I have to accept, I am lucky they are taking the wrong one back!

There must be someone who RENTS props!

Mike C

[codprawn]

Well JK - how about it??? Maybe a prop swop shop or similar???? Or maybe a pool prop programme where people can rent spare props off each other for a small fee???

Don't know how it would work but I am sure you could come up with a solution!!!!

[Mike C]

Now THERE'S an idea......

[Searider]

Mike,

I have a 19" Vengence you can try if you like.

For my boat, however, the Laser II is better (faster and less cavitation / ventilation).

Also, send Jon Adlard a PM - he's got an identical boat to you and may be able to offer some advice.

Regards

[Richard B]

You can try my S/S Solas Titan 19" if you like, but as it's got a Yamaha hub I don't think it will fit your Mercruiser.

I'm not 100% happy with it, and will be fitting my other prop, a Yamaha "Black Max" Stainless Steel this season, unless I can find someone who will lend me a LaserII to try.

[Louise]

Originally Posted by Mike C

I have to accept, I am lucky they are taking the wrong one back!

Why do you consider yourself to be 'lucky'? On their advice you bought a prop which was not the right one! IMHO surely they are obliged to replace the prop? Personally, I would ask for a refund because (IIRC) once you have accepted an exchange you have no legal grounds to ask for a refund later if the goods are still not right.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Louise

Why do you consider yourself to be 'lucky'? On their advice you bought a prop which was not the right one! IMHO surely they are obliged to replace the prop? Personally, I would ask for a refund because (IIRC) once you have accepted an exchange you have no legal grounds to ask for a refund later if the goods are still not right.

Couldn't agree more - it just goes to show prop choice is something of a black art as there are so many variables - also the way you use the boat also has a big impact.