Solas Titan Prop

[sidelock]

I have a 3 blade SS 13 1/2" x 17 Power Tip Ballistic prop on a 1998 Yamaha 115 that came with my 1975 18 SF when i bought it and although my WOT is 5500 rpm as per Yamaha's manual, I don't think its a good match and it seems to take a little long to get on plane so I'm seriously thinking about replacing it. I don't know what my top speed is since I don't have a speedometer nor a gps on the boat yet but next time out, i will take my car gps & see if i can get a speed reading.
A very knowledgeable and experienced forum member suggested a Solas Titan 13"x17 in a 3 blade or a Quicksilver Trophy Plus 13 1/4" x 15 in a 4 blade and I was wondering if anyone is running these props on a similar set up.
I'm not second guessing the advice given to me, just hoping to hear some opinion from someone using the same set up before I decide which one to order .

[McGillicuddy]

The Ballistic prop you have is designed to lift the bow. That's why it feels like it's slow to plane. Not really what you want on a SeaCraft, although once on plane it probably moves pretty well.

The Solas Titan may be a good match, its a bigger blade with moderate rake and cup. They list it as a high power prop, so I'm not sold on it for a 115, but maybe. I think 13-3/4 x 15 might be a better bet, but I really don't know as I haven't used any Solas products. Just make sure its the regular Titan. The HR Titan is a bow-lifter. The Trophy Plus in the given config sounds good, too.

PowerTech MQF3 series in a 13-3/4 x 15 or a 13-1/2 x 17p might be a fine choice too.

Before you spend a bunch of money on SS, I urge you to go borrow a 13-3/4 x 15 Mercury/Quicksilver Black Max /Black Diamond from a local boat/prop shop and see how it feels. Very similar to above listed three blades and some elements of the Trophy Plus.

[sidelock]

I would also like to be able to plane @ a lower speed in rough water and don't mind sacrificing a little top end to achieve . I looked in the Mercury wesite and found the Black Max but there is no listing of a Black Diamond.

[McGillicuddy]

Originally Posted by sidelock

I would also like to be able to plane @ a lower speed in rough water and don't mind sacrificing a little top end to achieve . I looked in the Mercury wesite and found the Black Max but there is no listing of a Black Diamond.

The "Black Diamond" is merely the Quicksilver brand. Mercury branded products are found at Mercury Dealerships, while
Quicksilver brands are sold through retail outlets, independent dealers, etc. Quicksilver is an OEM, and a Mercury company. Their products are identical to the Mercury brand other then the name/part number.

Big blades and or 4 blades will help you achieve you low plane in rough water goal, as will trim tabs. In addition to the Trophy Plus, Merc/QS offers a four blade aluminum version called the Alpha 4; PowerTech has a MQF4, and a semi-cleaver like Yamaha's own called the SCD4.

Good luck

[eggsuckindog]

make sure the motor is high enough, that will change both things your looking for

[sidelock]

Sometimes I wonder why 18 SF owners don't reply and help when questions are asked specifically about 18's . I know they may be fewer in numbers compared to owners of larger boats but it seems like owners with larger models are more willing to chime in and assist with all sorts of information regardless.
So, what props are you guys running on what motors on your 18's and what are the pros and cons ?
ESD. the motor is mounted @ the correct height .

[SportPort]

I'm running a 15 x 19 on my 18ft cc with a DF175. It's too much pitch by 1,000 rpms. So still working thru it. Thinking I need a 16, but not sure that sounds right.

[SportPort]

If you have an iPhone, download the speedbox app. Pretty cool.