We started the prop testing at 10:30 AM on White Bear Lake. The skies were sunny, just a gentle breeze, and few boats. It was Ross's first time out this year, and my second time. Scott showed up later and we all parked in a bay with the three boats tied together and talked. Scott left for work about 3:30 and Ross and I left at 5 PM. A leasurely and relaxing day. The prop tests are as follows (all GPS recorded):
Ross:
Solas 19" 3-blade aluminum 41.8 MPH @5,000 RPM
Quicksilver 21" 2-blade bronze 45.6 MPH @5,000 RPM
Quicksilver 23" 2-blade bronze 48.3 MPH @5,000 RPM
Quicksilver 23" 2-blade bronze 48.6 MPH @5,200 RPM
Ballistic 21" 3-blade stainless 44.8 MPH @5,000 RPM
Note: 5,000 RPM's is Ross's recommended redline.
David:
Quicksilver 23" 2-blade bronze 49.6 MPH @5,100 RPM
PowerTech 21" 3-blade stainless 46.7 MPH @4,900 RPM
Ross ended up buying my 23" bronze prop. The PowerTech prop was a disappointment. It has high rake and my setup does not like high rake as I have had poor results with Laser II's also. On prop Testing day I my three 2-bronze props were turning 50.7 - 51.7 MPH at 5,300 PRM and that prop may well be the best prop to be found on my setup.
The White Bear Lake setting is great and would be perfect for a midweek Glastron boating outing in the future.
David