[nglauer]

I found this model prop forsale locally (actually about 1.5 hours away). The owner has this and a factory prop which he describes as being in good condition as well. He told me he would sell both props to me for $175.00 because he changed the pitch on his boat. Any thoughts on whether this will fit my boat? If it's the same pitch.... it wouldn't perform differently than my aluminum prop? or is this incorrect?

I have a 2001 Mariah 180 Diablo with the 3.0L /Alpha One. My factory prop which I just damaged is a Michigan Wheel 14x19.. but I wasn't sure if I could use this Stiletto prop. Here is a link for the model offered forsale.

Overton's® > Stiletto Performance Propeller 3-Blade 14.25 dia. x 19 pitch (ST10319)-

Thanks for the help, it is greatly appreciated.

[nglauer]

I stopped at the local boat shop and they set me up with a Michigan Wheel 14x17 prop. They told me that I would get better performance out of my boat.. atleast I hope so. I was running a 14x19 Michigan Wheel before the accident and had a chance to gauge the handling... now i'm curious what changes I will see.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I paid $110.00 for the prop. I plan on sending my old prop off to be fixed, and may have it repitched.

We may tow an occasional tuber... but 90% of the time it'll just be us out cruising and puttering around with friends.

Thanks again,
Nicholas

[mikeyt]

The 17" will give you improved hole shot & acceleration but it may reduce your top speed slightly. It will definitely help out with any tubing/wakeboarding etc. A couple of others on this site who have the 3.0L are running 17" props and they seem happy with them. Having a 17" & 19" will keep your bases covered.

[nglauer]

I just about bought the Stilettoo prop listed forsale... but the boat shop told me that stiletto makes junk props? I know nothing, and hope this wasn't him taking advantage of me. I could have bought it for 150.00, where as I paid 110 for this one?

I'm still very interested in buying the Piranha prop system...

Discount Boat Propellers, Propeller Repair, Composite Propellers

I wish someone on here had some experience with them. I've read some really good reviews, and when I spoke to the lady on the phone she seemed really knowledgable and super nice. She told me to shop around, and to not believe the nay sayers on their products, that they stand behind what they sell, and have proven performance. She also told me that the Navy Seals use this system on their boats?

It'll be awhile before I buy another prop.. the wife about had a stroke when I told her I bought another prop already !!! Good thing I didn't buy one of those expensive shiney ones lol.

By the way... do we have a forsale section in the forum? perhaps I missed it. Just curious if we have one or a WTB section. Thanks again, Nicholas

[mikeyt]

And i can point you to people who say Michigan Wheel props are garbage too..... but i have one and i'm happy with it.

As for the Piranha system....What did you think the salesperson or a company rep was going to tell you? Their props are junk & dont buy one? Its not something i would buy but i have read a mixed bag of reviews on them in other (gasp) boating forums and i understand they have improved over the years. Performance wise, they are slightly below aluminum but repairs are generally inexpensive if you break a blade. Do your own research. You pays your money & you takes your chances.

[nglauer]

I may try the Piranha system in the future (although I sure hope I don't hit anything else for a long long time.. I mean FOREVER lol. I'm sure a stainless would be better in the event of an impact, but it scares me that'd i'd damage something in the drive with a harder prop. I plan on running some small rivers that have hidden obstacles, along with the ohio river. The portion of the Ohio that we run on stays pretty clean, only things to usually avoid are other boaters and barges. Seems like the only things that i've seen over the years were whole trees.. not just little stuff.

I think we'll put the boat out in the water here in a few hours. I'm curious what the MW 14x17 prop will do. I sure hope it helps and doesn't make the boat a whole lot slower.

[nglauer]

I tested out the new 14x17 and really like it alot. The boat jumps up on plane much faster, handles better at low speeds, and seems to run at about the same speed (maybe 2-3mph less?).

I plan on adding smart tabs eventually... but will probably wait until next season. I have a few local dealers trying to convince me to try a hydrofoil.. but the ones they have suggested were actually more than the smart tabs? I sure haven't read anything positive about the hydrofoils on here though..

Will keep you posted. I plan on sending my old prop off to be fixed, and possibly repitched. I haven't decided yet.

Thanks again,
Nick

[mikeyt]

Sticking a dammed hydrofoil on the Mariah will ruin its good looks.

[nglauer]

I'm pretty sure I want to go with the smart tabs so that I can step up to a faster prop in the future. I'd like to have my cake and eat it too lol... not that the 3.0 is a speed demon, but it sure cruises nice. A few extra MPH eventually won't hurt my feelings

[Eick]

ive got a 4.3L in a 1997 shaba and im rilly spinnen cicles on a prop it came with a 14x19 prop but rpms are runnen 4800 at 35mils per hour .im whanting top end and cant go full throttle. was woundering if maybe going a 22 or 23 might be a choice.