Michigan Wheel Apollo Prop

[DAVECS1]

I am new to this site, but used to frequent the last incarnation of it. I have a 2000 185BR, and just wanted to let everyone know about the great buy I just made for it, since I am sure everyone is looking for info just like me.

I purchased a 13 7/8 X 23 SS prop from MW. It was the apollo series. It is the single best upgrade I have ever made. Like a new boat. The boat stays attached to the water better. I do not have to dodge as many wakes, and best of all it maxes out my speedo at 50 mph. while turning an engine friendly 4500 RPM.

It was like it was made for my boat, I love running down big V8's with my litttle bowrider. The look on their face is priceless.

 

[Gunn]

Sounds good Dave. What engine do you have in that 185...a 4.3?

I just purchased a Michigan Wheel Vortex prop for my 3.0. Didn't see much benefit to the SS prop on this little engine.... I did pick up a couple knots from my 19 pitch prop to this 21 pitch.

 

[firecadet613]

I picked up an Apollo back when I bought my boat last year. I got a 21 pitch, and my 185 will go 50 at 4800rpms....

 

[DAVECS1]

Sorry about that. I cannot believe I forgot to post my engine size. It is the vortec 4.3L 6 cylinder, by Mercruiser of course. Not a bad little engine. Very smooth and quiet.

I ran the Vortex prop and that is how i decided to run the apollo prop. The Vortex was very good at a 23 pitch. I to figured what could a SS prop possibly gain. Well I decided to try it. My friends told me I should stp down one pitch because blase flex makes an AL prop operate like a smaller pitch, but SS will not flex and do the same. When I started shoppin I saw the DIA was different between the two, the SS was smaller, so I went with a 23 SS.

The only con so far has been that the increased exhaust size on the prop makes the engine louder.

 

[Gunn]

So in going between the same pitch aluminum to stainless, do you recall how many mph you picked up a WOT, and cruise?

Looks like I need a 4.3! Those speeds you guys are reporting are impressive. On my first WOT test with the new 14.25x21 Vortex, I was getting about 38mph. That's with a half tank of gas, two adults, two children....and the bimini top flapping in the wind.

 

[DAVECS1]

I picked up 4 according to the speedo. I need to GPS it though to get the final speed increase. The SS was smaller diameter and I think between that and the pitch, it works out great. Time to plane is great to, even my wife says it just pops out of the water.