Stainless Steel Props for Older Volvo Drives

[BigGrizzly]

I will be testing some Solas Stainless Steel props for older Volvo drives such as 250,270,290. Solas wants some feed back on the props and to see if there is going to be a demand for them in the USA. The prices when marketed will be similar to the ones already sold by Solas. What I need from you guys is to see if there will be a demand for them from sport boat owners. Right Volvo owners have Four options 1) Michican wheel aluminum($160) 2)Bronson Hill (mine was over $600) 3) finding an old Volvo Ultra prop(price undetermined but scarce) or 4)Some used unknown version of something.

The current prop in my possession looks similar to the ultra prop and is 15 1/2" in diameter. The Volvo gearcase thrives on a big diameter prop (my Hill is over 15 inches). I will keep you guys posted. Please give me some responses on this thread not by E-mail. I am not selling them. I am just testing for possible sale by Solas- in the near future. This is a good opertunity to voice your needs of a Volvo prop, this includes you lurkers jump in and give your 2 cents.,

<small>[ March 20, 2003, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: Harbormaster ]</small>

[Jbesst]

Yes, I have some interest.289/302in a 16 Skisporter, volvo 250. Just about out of prop with around 200 hp.(48-50mph@5K rpm) Planning some hp upgrades 285-300hp and the old Michigan wheel is tweeked as far as it can go. Please keep us informed.

[mphatc]

Absolutely!!!

My 69 Corsican will definately need atleast one, and another there after. I plan on keeping this boat original except for a larger more powerful engine, (next year)and even that will be built to "look" original . . .

Mario L.

[krakmeup]

Yes, I am interested also - 350 Corvette SBC w/280 drive (not sure yet how to tell LH from RH??), but I want to optimize! Keep me in the loop! Thanks!
Keith

[Tony]

My '67 16'/AQ200 with a fresh 302/300hp works well (for top end!) with a 14 x 24 ss Ultra, while my standard 14 x 21 aluminum gives me great low and mid range power.
But, I am always curious about what might work better, especially at a reasonable price.

<small>[ March 18, 2003, 08:02 PM: Message edited by: Tony ]</small>

[Bigbroadjumper]

I am interested also, I have twin SBC's and 290 drives on my Magnum. If anything happened to the two sets of props I have now, I would have to install a mast and sail.

Bob

[Dredgeking]

i just bought my 16 with a 345hp 350 and 270 drive. i know i'll need props. i was just wondering what the hell i was going to do about it.

this may be the ticket

[knee deep]

My 68 18 2+3 is almost ready to go back in the water, I know I'm gonna want at least one decent performance prop for it. Its LH and has a 351W of undetermined horsepower&gt;

[BigGrizzly]

I'm really happy with the honest responses. I feel that some have changed drives just because of the prop situstion. I know that there is a large market for these durable but forgotten drives. Keep them comming guys.

<small>[ March 19, 2003, 06:54 PM: Message edited by: BigGrizzly ]</small>

[Surfer]

Count me in, 350 / 280 LH how much and where?

[Forrest]

Grizz, what pitches will Solos be offering? I would be interested in a RH/LH pair of 25" or 26" pitch three-blade or 23" to 25" four-blade.

[BillG]

I would certainly be interested also. Keep us informed.
Bill G

[penbroke]

As the new owner of a '66 18 2+3 with a 200B drive I am very interested in any info on LH props.

Frank,
Still 26" of ice on my lake. Grrrr...

[wje]

Love to get a hold of a good prop for 21GT with SBC and 280 drive. Interestingly, the drive I have is badged a 280 and I scavenged it out of an old Glastron. I had previously had another 270 on it(the Donzi) and I had some good 14x23 aluminiums left from this, long hub. They would not fit the 280. I had to get a short hub, of which all I could get at short notice was a 14x19 which was garbage for this application. I spoke with some high performance prop shop in Miami at the time who said that all the 280's took long hub props. This led me to believe the drive had a new shift cover plate with a 280 on it or a different prop shaft installed at some point in it's life.
In any event, the boat went back into storage in Maine last fall and I headed back to Australia where I am now. Nonetheless, I still need a new short hub prop, and would love 15x23 similar to use on the boat if I get back there this summer.

[mattyboy]

yes Grizz,
I'd be interested in props for a 16 with a 250
and a 20 cig with a 270


Matt

[Kent Perroux]

Used Merc Chopper props can be found a relatively low prices. These can be machined for a Michigan/Volvo hub for approx $150. I had very good luck with these. My favorite was a 26p that I had labbed and diameter reduced.

Customizing a prop is a heck of a lot less expensive than changing drives.

I changed my drive mainly because while I was in the process of deciding to raise the x-dim, I got a really good price on a used Bravo. Since I had to plug the back anyway....no contest.

[BigGrizzly]

Kent this thread was specifically for the need for off the shelf props which may be swupplied by Solas, with no modification. reed the fitst entry

[Kent Perroux]

I did Griz. And I think it is great that a prop manufacturer is stepping up to the plate. For a long time I was not happy with the selection of props available for the older Volvo drives. I just wanted to make sure that people don't go changing their drives just because of lack of prop availability as commented previously.

[Moody Blu']

Whats goin on griz!I would be interested in a selection of props from 24p-26p and later on down the road, 27p-34p(stroker and blower). :D

Griz, last fall I purchased a 270 drive with trim and tilt. :) I'll be startin the drive swap project soon :cool:

[Forrest]

Hay Kent. Who did you get to do the machine work for the 17-spline Volvo hub conversion on your merc prop? Do you know if they can do a through-hub prop as well?

[BigGrizzly]

Moving up to the top so it dosn't get lost

[mattyboy]

bttt

[Dredgeking]

i just dinged my stainless prop for my 270 today. i'll promote new props by buying one as soon as possible.

[Surfer]

I've been running a 16 - 21 LH on my 280 for awhile. What is the original factory spec, and what can I gain with the 15.5 that you mentioned?

[BigGrizzly]

My 1966 16 cane with a 14-3/8 19 now i5 spiba a 15-1/4 21-motor is now a 302 Ford instead of a 289 Ford. My Corsican also spins a 15 inch diameter. The best part is these props are new technology./ Moayt props are 1950-&gt;1970 designs and are out of date so the answer is yes some speed can be added,

[Moody Blu']

mmmmmmmmm I could go for some more MPH! :D

[BigGrizzly]

Anyone else, will be testing in 3/4 weeks.

[Dredgeking]

hey grizz, do you have an update on the new props?

[dixonk]

Grizz,

I have a '67 18" 2+3 classic that runs a breathed upon 350 chev through a 280 drive. I'm in prop hell trying to find the best setup. Each prop I try is a $450+ roll of the dice. Boy was I glad to see your posting! Help!

Dixon :D

[Ralph Savarese]

yes 350 350 hp volvo 270 Running a michican stainless re pitched to a 141/2 22.5 cupped turning 5000 rpm now

[BigGrizzly]

Last weekend I was testing that Solas prop. I can't say it was faster than my Hill, because I couldn't pull it It is much more prop tha the Hill. It was rough as heck on the lake but I can say without a doubt that it hadled better than any other prop I havr used including the Volvo ultra. The other minor problem was my boat was set up for a left hand prop and this was a right hander so I just swiched the linkage around and it was fine. unfortunatly my mind wasn't switched so it took time to get use to it. Now all we have to do is see what Solas has to say. BTW I will being it to Cumberland

[vonkamp]

Griz,
Any updated input? I'm looking for a L/H prop to put on a 270. Specifically a Volvo Ultra but not having any luck yet. Need some recommendations on size/pitch. I currently have a 14x21 aluminum prop. WOT 4800 rpm, 48mph. My ride is a 1968 18'2+3 with a 302 slightly above stock (supposedly) that I bought last summer and have been working on since. Thanks

[James Adcock]

To the Grizz, Yessiree! I too would be interested. 1969, 18-2+3,351 w/LH 250(Holman-Moody)
Thanks, Jamie

[Dredgeking]

i'm still interested

[mphatc]

Also still interested!!! 1969 Corsican H&M 302 Volvo 250 new 351 in build stage!

Mario L.

[Bigbroadjumper]

I'm also still interested, but my truck blew up the engine last weekend, so I will be sitting in the driveway just dreaming for now.

Bob

[BigGrizzly]

They were suppose to call me last week, I guess I'll call them this week and follow upith you guys.

[TD]

Bob,
At least the boat got you all back home to IL before giving up the ghoast. That would have surely topped off your tire coming off on the way down to AOTH III. Sorry to here the bad news, but luckily you don't have to tow the boat far to get her in for the season.
I enjoyed meeting you and your bride at Lake Cumberland and certainly love our color boats.

[knee deep]

Griz, I am in the market for a LH prop for a 1968 18 2+3 with a Holman Moody 351w and Volvo 270T. Let me know when you hear something........

[Surfer]

Griz, still interested also, 350 / 280. Let us know.

[Moody Blu']

Griz I am trying to splash in the ole moody this weekend or the weekend after, the weather has been so dismal I havent even tried to start her up yet.....

[THESCOOTER]

yes iam am interested. iam running twin volvo 250 with 302 h-m fords. my present wheels are 15x17 volvo alm. lft and right please bring on thje stainless. my boat is a 1970 28 bertram baron. the scooter

[Moody Blu']

griz, the boat is runnin, I need to order some refreshening parts, new oil filter(K&N), racor fuel/water spearator, sparkplugs, oil(contemplating amsoil), bottom paint(I know don;t cringe)

still thinking about putting the 27y0 drive in so I have trim and tilt? I may have bigger plans....

freeze plugs scare you when they pop out.. thank god all is well....

[dixonk]

Grizz,

I Talked to Solas and they think a 15'x23'LH is about right for my '67 !8'classic 2+3 with 350 chevy & Volvo 280 drive. Thanks for responding to my previous email.
Please keep me posted -we really need these props!

Dixon

[Jerry Eisele]

Keep us posted Grizz!!

[Blewbyu]

Grizz-Count me interested!My X-18 running a labbed Spinelli 14 3/4X22 @5400.SBC 355/385HP-290 lower on a 270 upper.Need better hole shot and more bow lift.Keep us posted.If they need a tester in the Northwest-count me IN!
Regards-Jeff "Blewbyu" :D