Solas kicker prop

[RKG]

Has anybody ever tried a 5 pitch Solas 4-blade kicker motor prop for a 9.9 Mercury/ Mariner motor?? I have a older model, 1996 vintage, and am looking at a 7 pitch Solas, but now I'm wondering if a 5 pitch would work. I would like to go as slow as possible at idle, but am wondering if I will have to rev too high to get going crank speeds. Anybody ever run one?

Thanks,
RKG

[Hot Runr Guy]

RKG,
I've got a 7" pitch 4-blade Solas for the 9.9 2S Merc, you're welcome to try it. Drop me a line with a phone #, and we'll work out the details.
HRG

[yarcraft91]

I expect you'd find a 5 pitch prop is great for a kicker application. I can give you some data on a Mercury 5.5 pitch prop on a 1997 15 horse Merc 2-stroke- similar motor, similar pitch. It will troll at less than 1 mph and trolls 2.0 at less than half-throttle. At WOT, it pushes my 19' fiberglass boat at 6.5 mph. I find the motor runs much better when trolling with this 5.5 pitch prop than with the original 9 pitch, also less carboning, less black goo dripping from the exhaust, a bit easier to adjust speed.

My buddy tried Solas on the same model 15 horse motor and went with a Merc prop instead. IIRC, he found the Solas vented more exhaust around the prop (caused cavitation at WOT), while the Merc vented exhaust through the hub. Difference was due to fit of the prop body inside the lower unit- Solas had a bigger gap than the Merc. So5.5 , we both run the Merc props. WOT operation matters to us, as we use these kickers for backup power in case the main motor fails on the Great Lakes- been there, done that, bless those kickers for getting us home.

Bear in mind, my data on the Solas is second-hand and I'd defer to the experience of actual Solas owners. If it matters, I can check my recollection with my buddy after he gets back from pheasant hunting next week.

[RKG]

Yarcraft91,
So is the Merc prop you run a 3 or 4 blade? I am running a Starcraft Tourney Pro 180 so boat size is similar, won't be backtrolling or going more than 2 mph so what you describe sounds about perfect.
Thanks for the offer HG, is that prop for sale??

RKG

[Hot Runr Guy]

Thanks for the offer HRG, is that prop for sale??

RKG

It could be. $70 including shipping.
HRG

[yarcraft91]

The Merc prop I'm running is a 3-blade. I got it through Cabelas. Their price is higher than HRG is asking for his Solas. Either prop should do nicely on your boat.