Micigan wheel ss props?

[bigeasy1]

Has anyone run the Apollo series stainless steel props from Michigan wheel?.
They are basically the equivalents, to the Quicksilver Thunderbolt and Merc Mirage Plus.
After much experimentation,I found I need a 15-1/2 diameter prop,and after trying a Mirage plus, on my boat,it worked the best by far.

I can get the Michigan through a friend at his cost,which is about half of the price of the others.
I was wondering if the performance is pretty much the same.

When I spoke to the guy at Michigan,he said that the Apollo is the cross ref # for the Mirage.
He was pretty much non committal about the performance comparison,however.
He didn't brag about theirs,or knock any others,which I thought was very professional.

Any info is helpful,thanks all.

[Fr. Frank]

The Apollo IS NOT the Mirage equivalent. It has significantly more bow lift, and less stern lift.

The Apollo is the Michigan direct equivalent to the old OMC "Raker" props, which were originally designed by Second Effort Marine in Lake Hamilton, FL, back when it was mostly owned by OMC. The Raker was the first mainstream prop with significant progressive rake and cup from hub to tip.

[Bushwacker]

John - I have both a Michigan Vortex 4B Aluminum and a SS 4B Apollo and they're both great props. After trying a couple of 3 blade loaners from the dealer, I found that I get much better performance with the 4B with my relatively stern heavy rig. Although the Apollo is advertised as a bow lifting prop, the extra blade in the 4B version gives it more stern lift than the 3 blade OMC and Stilleto loaner props I tried. I also tried GFS's 3B Mirage 3+, I think about a 15 1/4 X 17P, on a back-to-back test, and the Apollo was noticeably better. The 4B 14.125 x 20 was about 1/2 mpg better in cruise MPG, min planning speed was about 5 mph lower, and it was 3-4 mph faster at all rpm's. Both are too much prop for my rig if I'm loaded very heavy, however. The Michigan 2-piece hubs are also quite a bit more robust than the Merc system, so the plastic sleeve doesn't tend to crack around the splines.

I had the 14 x 20 Vortex repitched to a 14 X 18, and it's just about perfect. Currently running a SS 15x15 4B PowerTech with the old SST blade profile for heavy loads; it has an awesome hole shot and seems to be a little more efficient than the Vortex. It might pay you start with the aluminum Vortex which a good shop can repitch by +-2", so you could dial it in before spending big bucks for SS!

I know your sterndrive rig is quite a bit different and you'll need more diameter, but the 4B Michigan props work well on my outboard rig. Denny

[76Red18]

Not a bad prop for the money. I run a 15.25 x 17 3 blade on my 18 cc/150 Johnson. It has more stern lift and holds in the corners better then my original OMC Viper 14 x 17. I can plane at 12 - 14mph with full tabs and hit 42mph at 5800 with a heavy load. The blades are thin but pretty tough.( I've opened a few oysters with no dings ). Next prop will be a 4 blade apollo or hopefully a Mercury Rev 4.

[gofastsandman]

20cc, no bracket, carbed 150 Rude. Originally had a Mich. Match 14.75 x 17 from the 70`s. POS. Almost lost the horizon out of the hole. Picked up a Mirage + 15.25x 17 for 200 used and much better stern lift but can`t plane under 17mph. No tabs yet. I can`t keep my hi speed wahoo lures in the water even w/ 30 feet of shock and 2# cigar weights Still want to try the Apollo...... Really want a Powertech ofs 4 blade. The Verado owners club site has some Rev 4 s for sale now and then. Just too big so far. I`ve learned a bit , but still in the weeds on the subject.
GFS

[bigeasy1]

Thank you all very much.

Looks like I may have got some incorrect info.
So,Decisions,Decisions,should I go with the Mirage + that seemed to perform good,or maybe the Quicksilver thunderbolt.
The thunderbolt was recommended by a couple prop shops, I spoke too.
One thing I'm finding out,is it seems like prop guys are like Ford and Chevy guys.

I'm currently running a 3 blade Merc alum.14-1/2"X 17 pitch,and the boat,(23 Tsunami 260hp I/O),hops up on plane very fast,but there was a noticeable improvement,when I tried the larger diameter Mirage 15-1/2" X 17.

I tried the Mirage,on a recommendation from "Prop Gods."
He actually recommended the Quicksilver Thunderbolt,but said,that if It was too expensive for my budget, to try and find a used Mirage,as they are very common,and i might be able to find a used one to save a few bucks.
He was one of two people, that mentioned the Quicksilver Thunderbolt.

There are a few Mirage props on Ebay,maybe I'll try that. route,

And,BTW my apologies for beating this question to death.As most of you know,I've posted this similar prop question a few times before.

[Fr. Frank]

John, I don't know the Thunderbolt, but the Mirage is a very good prop. That sounds like a good way to go.

[eggsuckindog]

Ken knows alot about props and has helped a bunch of guys - follow his suggestions, he sets up props for a living and it probably doesn't matter which one with him. The mirage has been the most popular prop for us OB guys too, whether its best I'm not sure but everybody is happy with them - I would like to try one myself.

Know more people that didn't like the Apollo's than did