Michigan/Piranha/Solas Props on Suzuki DF50, 26M

[Robert]

If you use a prop lightly in fresh water it will clean up like new, so when in doubt the prop dealer might be convinced to let you try and return if not happy.
..
I think there could be some fitting issues, the prop must fit correctly to channel the exhaust properly.

[Frank C]

Has anyone used a Michigan Wheel 4-blade on a Mac? Valley Propellers wants to sell me a 11.5 x 9 x 4, for about $100. I'm going up there next weekend to sail out to Anacapa Island, so I might as well buy it as my early Father's Day present. I have to go by there anyway to pick up my junk Solas, so I can put rifle bullets thru it. Bet it just shatters.

Mike just posted this about a MW 4-blade on his Honda 50:

... and the replacement prop started cavitating at about two thirds throttle and felt like it was spinning in air. Not happy, I went back to the boat ramp, backed in, and installed the dog-eared 4 blade Michigan Wheel 12 in 10 pitch I'd gotten in but never tested. Oh man, what a difference. I noticed it right away, pulling out at idle. Smooth, moving a lot of water. Churning up mud from the bottom that I never saw with the three blade props.

... the ballast was empty, and I inched the throttle on up, 11 knots, 12 knots, 14 knots...I started to see something I'd never seen before, massive walls of water sheeting away off the bow. The boat was CRUISING! People in other boats I were looking on in amazement. It was awesome. I've found the right prop for my boat. Not looking any further.

[Moe]

I have posted considerably about the 4-blade Michigan Wheel Vortex prop on the Suzuki DF50 on our 26X. Search on the word Michigan by user Moe.

[albion]

Just curious but has anyone asked what prop Roger MacGregor recommends for a 26M with a Suzuki 50 on it.My engine dealer, installer,OX-BO Marine, only said he put an 11P on my boat when I asked him.

[Tahoe Jack]

Last season I bought a Michigan 4x10x9pitch prop with their recommended 115 adapter kit for my Evinrude/Johnson/Suzuki DF-50. It was no good at all, severe exterior exhaust-induced cavitation....they then provided a thinner version of their thrust washer....it is marginally better, but cavitates badly above mid-rpm. Based upon new interest on this thread, I recently have been working with Michigan's propulsion engineering team. They have been cooperative and are considering some options to cure this problem. I am encouraged and will keep you posted. Jack

[albion]

Jack do all the above motors use the same prop on a Mc 26M?

[Tahoe Jack]

Albion......seems that Evinrude...at least in the 2001 period, had Suzuki make their 50HP...and likely other models. Since then, Johnson has purchased Evinrude.... You may go to the Michigan Wheel website and check for yourself....I think 1999 to present the motors are essentially the same. I find that all the filters, etc. are also identical. You may also want to discuss with your local dealer. This is quite common in the marine field....many Merc motors are rebranded Japanese models also. Jack

[albion]

Hi Mac26m sailors, I had my boat out today on an inland lake.At WOT 6000 rpm with 3 people, water ballast Suzuki 50HP. According to my Eagle 2000 the max speed was 15mph.The prop I have according to OX-BO marine who installed it , is an 11P, what ever that means I do not know. Is that about right or do I need a different prop.I only used WOT for approximately 30-40 seconds.It did get the bow up though. As there was not a breadth of air I still have,nt had the sails up.

[Moe]

That performance tells you a couple of important things:

1. Even with a heavy load (including being ballasted), your maximum full throttle rpm is in the range recommended by the manufacturer. That range is 5900 - 6500 rpm on the Suzuki DF50. This is a good thing. It means you aren't overloading your motor, which would be the case if your maximum rpm with that load was too low.

2. Even with a heavy load, your prop is biting well and not ventilating or cavitating. If it were doing one of the latter two, the rpm could rise to the motor's self-protection rev limit, which in the genuine Suzuki Service Manual I owned, is listed as 6,800 rpm.

You have a good prop for that boat, motor, and load. It is possible that unballasted, with a lighter cargo and passenger load, that this prop would allow the motor to exceed the manufacturer's recommended wide open throttle operating range. I wouldn't worry about it if the motor isn't hitting the rev limiter, but for longer full throttle runs, I'd reduce throttle to bring the rpms down slightly. It is more important not to overload the motor with heavy loads by using a higher pitched prop.

--
Moe