Michigan vs Solas Prop

[wakeup 19]

I have a 4 blade question. I have been running a Hill Marine 4 blade stainless 17" pitch. They were good performing prop. I lost the left and Hill can't replace it for a while due to manufacturing issues. I was getting 4100 RPM tops. Lift was incredible along with fuel compared to my old 3 blade. So I need to purchase 2 new props to match. (unhappy with Hill but that is another story)
Has anyone had any issues/comments regarding the Solas or Michigan wheels? I am contemplating 16" by Michigan or 15" by Solas. Just wanted to get opinions on both as far as quality and performance. If Hill doesn't get back to me with a firm date on replacement I will be selling my RH 14 1/8 x 17" RH prop for a reasonable price to help compensate for loss.
Thanks, Rob

 

[dpmulvey]

Pirahna composite props. Had one on my Regal after trashing my metal one. Never looked back. Wish they had them for inboards.

 

[Ten Years Gone]

edit

 

[dpmulvey]

+1 What Rob said. I have a friend who completely trashed two drives due to stainless props. Megabuck repair bill!

With the Pirahna the hub is a holder for sacrificial blades. The blades are about $25 each. The composite weighs less than the Al and obviously much less than the SS.

I have no no affiliation with Pirahna. I've gotten a lot from this site and am just trying to give information to aid in your decision.

Good luck.

 

[wakeup 19]

I like the idea of Piranha props but every prop "expert" I talk to says go SS because of flex on heavy stern boat. I have been using SS for years and am comfortable with SS. Anyone using Solas out there with comments on quality?

 

[aerobat77]

i had an aluminium michigan on my previous boat and it just worked fine with the 3.0 Volvo penta / SX drive without any issues . never tried the solas but you hear only good about them so i assume a solas will also just work.

that said i cannot comment how an aluminium will work with such a big boat and a 350 V8 , but i strongly assume it will.

btw : a buddy in our marina hit a rock with an outboard / alumniumprop resulting he bent the driveshaft - an aluminium is not a guarantee to save your drive when you hit something.

best

 

[BillK2632]

Mine are aluminum - Merc Alpha I - I have a 21p that came on the boat and I bought a second 23p from Michigan wheel. No issues with either. Michigan Wheel has been around for decades, all of the propellers we used on our wooden Chris Craft and Correct Crafts where Michigan Wheel. Never heard of issues with Solas either, but no personal experience there.

 

[KnotEasy]

Solas casting methods are inconsistent. Thus you do not know what the real quality of their props is. You might get a good one, you might not.
I was at a boat show last year, and a prop distributor had some cut up examples of solas props in his booth, full of inclusions. The distributor was
not a Mi Wheel or Solas vendor.

 

[wakeup 19]

Solas casting methods are inconsistent. Thus you do not know what the real quality of their props is. You might get a good one, you might not.
I was at a boat show last year, and a prop distributor had some cut up examples of solas props in his booth, full of inclusions. The distributor was
not a Mi Wheel or Solas vendor.

Thanks all I appreciate the replies. It is looking like Michigan and I will let you know if I have any issues.