Suzuki props - UK or USA?

[Erin]

Just looking at getting a slightly lower pitch prop for my DF200 and got a quote from my local agent. Practically fell off my chair when they said £600 for an S/S 16x21.5. I then set about googling and naturally only came up with American suppliers, though their prices were much better at $540 +shipping. Trouble is, the part numbers are different, and I really don't fancy taking a gamble on something of this price.

So the question is, does anyone know if there really is any difference or whether it's just Suzuki trying to be awkward and confuse us punters?

[Screaming04]

You could buy a mercury hub kit for suzuki 150-300 hp outboards #835281Q 1
and then pic any one of the hundereds of cheap merc/mariner/quicksilver props available in the US.

[Hightower]

I had the same thing happen years ago when I was looking for Yam props. Essentially they were the same, just different part numbers.

What I did was to count splines and measure the diameter of the prop shaft to determine fitment. I can't see why any manufacturer would make two prop shafts different for the same basic outboard sold in different countries

I would measure your prop shaft and email the seller in the States and ask for the fitment details. If they match I would say it's a pretty safe bet.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by Screaming04

You could buy a mercury hub kit for suzuki 150-300 hp outboards #835281Q 1
and then pic any one of the hundereds of cheap merc/mariner/quicksilver props available in the US.

Lots of Merc props in the UK too. What pitch are you looking for?

[aquatec]

Hi Erin,
The Suzuki props are made by Solas. You could try the UK importer which is Steel Developments for a better price that Suzuki GB retail. The correct part number for this prop in the US is 99105-00800-215. Price I found was $537.95 US + shipping and import tax.
Hope this might help.
Aquatec.

[Simon B]

Used a SOLAS brand prop for quite a few years, good prop. Do not know what their ST/ST ones are like.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by aquatec

Hi Erin,
The Suzuki props are made by Solas. You could try the UK importer which is Steel Developments for a better price that Suzuki GB retail. The correct part number for this prop in the US is 99105-00800-215. Price I found was $537.95 US + shipping and import tax.
Hope this might help.
Aquatec.

Thanks for that Aquatec. I did speak to Steel Dev at the end of last year, but as I'm sure youknow all aftermarket props are a smaller diameter, so it's not just a straightforward matter of choosing the next size pitch down. I currently run a 16 x 23, and was looking for a 16 x 21.5. If I go for a Solas 14.75 diameter, what pitch would I need?? Here endeth the calculations and starteth the art

[martini]

Keith, if you were to invest in a Quicksilver hub kit I've got various 3 and 4 blade 14.75" props for you to try. Both GJ0KYZ and I have seen big overall improvements with 4 blades so well worth a try. Once you've got data from one prop then at least you've got a datum to work from.

[Erin]

Ah, ok. That sounds like a damn fine idea. I've got enquiries out to a couple of people including my friendly Suzuki agent in Gue, so it'll be good to see their thoughts as well. I 'spose GT Marine will probably have a hub kit.

[martini]

Merc props @ full retail are a similar price but there's a lot more choice, specially in 2nd hand. What's your top speed? I've got a 19" 4 blade which would suit a wot speed of 45 ish knots at a guess. It would be similar to a 21" 3 blade.
I'm guessing that the profile of yours is such that your 26" dia is giving a similar pitch comparison to the merc props, ie in terms of merc 14.75" 3 blades, a 23" would be close if not slightly big for your boat. Although I'm not considering the likely reduced max rpm range of your 4 stroke.
The one thing I found when experimenting was the lower fuel consumption of a small pitch. Obviously you need to make sure you don't exceed max rpm (but that's what rev limiters are for) and you'll probably see your top speed drop a knot or two. But you don't fly around at WOT so it's not really an issue