Composite prop satisfaction

Moxieabs · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:25 am Post subject: Composite prop satisfaction

Stevej,
Tried to email you, but was returned. Put a post on the tech thread under props, but doesn't show as recent topic, so will try here. Just wondering how well the composite prop is holding up. I will be buying a spare prop and wanted some input. The rocks in ME are a legend in my mind. Thanks

stevej · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 10:39 am Post subject:

Moxieabs the propulse has been working fine so far. Only have a couple hundred miles on it but have been happy with the performance and plan to keep it on for the upcoming ocean season.
I like the no corrosion and being able to repair yourself aspect enough that I doubt I will go back to metal. Guess the biggest fear would be losing all four blades at once out in the ocean but then again if you hit something that hard with metal you could still end out of commission with lower end problems.

stevej

Moxieabs · Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 6:21 pm Post subject:

Stevej,
Thanks for the vote of confidence in the composite prop. Laughing

stevej · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 1:18 pm Post subject:

Just the original post, ended up setting the propulse for a 17" pitch same as my alum. props.

stevej

El and Bill · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 1:42 pm Post subject:

We had composite props on Halcyon for our cruise up the Inside Passage last summer and through our fall cruising on the Delta -- they have worked perfectly so would, from our experience, suggest them to others.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 1:42 pm Post subject:

Patty here. FYI, first time out with the composite props we hit a submerged log and lost all four blades on one prop! EVERYONE we know with them has loved them, but we are using the second one as our spare prop and have gone back to the originals. We are a magnet for luck like that!

El and Bill · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 2:04 pm Post subject:

Patty --
We have been told that shearing blades of a composite is prefereable (and far cheaper) than wrecking the lower unit if a "tougher" aluminum or stainless blade had hit the log and not sheared the blade. What do you think?
See you on Powell --

Jon - CLou · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 11:39 pm Post subject:

For the last two years, I've been using a four bladed composite prop and have been very happy with the performance. The best thing I like about it, is that it corners better than a three bladed prop. The prop I use for our Honda 90 is called a Comprop and is a 4 x 13.5 x 15. Bass Pro Shop catalog sells this prop for $78.99. I use this over my aluminum three bladed Honda Prop. If someone decides to order this from Bass Pro Shop, the correct catalog item number is 20-546-598-00 unlike what the catalog says. (Error in the catalog part number)

F.Y.I- With my 1986 Angler, I turn 5500 rpm's and with no water movement, I can go 30 mph at W.O.T.
Jon

Rock-C · Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:52 pm Post subject:

We have a new Honda 90 that came with a 3x13x19 prop. The WOT rpm is about 4800 and I've been able to get up to 30 mph on smooth water. From what I've read hear, the BF90 should top out around 5500 rpm. I'm looking for a new prop and save this 19 pitch for a spare. Now for the questions. Would a 3x13x17 be enough of a step down in pitch to bring the RPMs up where it should be running? Or 3x13x15? Has anyone ran with a 4 blade prop on the BF90? How does the diameter of the prop affect the performance? And is there clearance for a larger diameter prop?
There are a lot of Honda 90's being used on CDs so I know your experience & advice will save the day.
Thanks

Mighty Bite · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 4:18 am Post subject:

I have run the 3/15, 3/17 and 4/15 Solas aluminum props on my 22 cruiser with the Honda 90. These were all on measured runs, both directions and averaging out the two directions on each prop. Needless to say I spent a little time on the swim step in PWS swapping props, (love that swim step)! Here's what I came up with. Obviously subject to "pilot error" but it was as close as I could get it without having Sawdust on board.

3x13 1/4 x17: 3000rpm/9.4mph, 3500/13.3, 4000/19.2, 4500/25.3,
5000/29.9, WOT @5380/32.2

3x13 1/4 x15: 3000rpm/9.2mph, 350012/4, 4000/16.2, 4500/20.2,
5000/24.6, 5500/29.2, WOT @5860/32.7

4x13 1/4 x15: 3000rpm/8.1mph, 3500/11.2, 4000/15.2, 4500/20.8,
5000/23, 5500/27.94

I was running with full tanks but a modest load. Water wasn't flat but it was good. At the time I had a hydrofoil on the boat and NO trim tabs.

Sawdust · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 11:16 am Post subject:

Aw cumon, Mark!

Sawdust ain't that fat! Those numbers look good. Cold AK water and a pro driver - I'd expect that!

Dusty

Mighty Bite · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 12:20 pm Post subject:

Hey Sawdust,

You could probably "eyeball" it and come closer than I could with instruments. It was overall "marine acumen" which brought you into play. Shucks, you're my hero, and the closest thing to a "rolling ball of fire" that I know of.

We'll be looking forward to seeing you in May, and catching lunch.

Rock-C, the gist of it is that the 19 pitch is too much.

Rock-C · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 1:12 pm Post subject:

Mark
Thanks for the info. Just what I was looking for. The 3x13x15 looks like the right choice. What prop did you settle on?
Thanks again
Terry

Mighty Bite · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 7:46 pm Post subject:

Terry,

I played with both the 15 and 17 pitch props. Either one is pretty good in my mind, but I think the 3 x13 1/4 x 15 pitch is probably tthe better match up, for all around use. Glad it was helpful.

Rock-C · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:36 pm Post subject:

Mark
I picked up a 3x13x15 and have it on the motor already. All I need now is to just add water. Thanks for the help.