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  1. #1
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    Need Prop Advice for a 73 X18

    I read some great content about this subject especially from Big Griz. I have an all original 1973 X18 with a recently re-built 350 Chevy 300+hp through a Volvo-Penta 270 no trim of course. I am thinking of going with a Solas SS and can't decide between a 21 inch and 23 pitch. I don't pull skiers so don't care about coming out of the hole. I like a high bow ride and run this boat on an inland lake so not concerned about going too fast. Biggest wave I see is from someone pulling a wake boarder.

    I am getting to about 52 mph GPS at 5400 RPM. Would love to approach or hit 60 mph. A little blowout occasionally is okay.

    I would appreciate any good suggestions. Thanks!
    Ted

  2. #2
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    I ordered two Solas Propellors from Griz on my Hornet 19, original stock 350 GM 320 HP that runs strong. I ordered the 19 and then talked to Griz and then ordered the 21. The 19 gave me way too many RPM's, but really woke up the engine. The 21 seems to be the sweet one for my boat. It has nice hole shot and gives me fairly good bow lift. For performance, I really do not like to rev the boat that hard on wide open, but it hits 5000 and that is plenty for me. I guess that I would try the 21 first and go from there. It would be so nice to have both props side by side so you could see the results right after another. I love how it made my Hornet perform. (now you have me thinking that I should try a 23!) Good luck and let me know how you come out!

  3. #3
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    21. 19 Solas won't be enough and you need a lot more hp to turn a 23.

    I know of a few people with Classic 18s with over 350 hp running the 23.

    I bought a 23 for my 16, with over 430 hp and 500 ft lbs. Volvo 290 with trim.

    I will let you know in the spring how it runs.
    “Oh right, because you walked into strippers discount warehouse and said ‘Help me showcase my intellect.’” - Archer

    Bill
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    1985 Donzi Criterion SS
    1967 Donzi 16 Ski Sporter, C16-409, Has a new home!
    38' Carver Aft Cabin
    1968 Sea Ray SRV 180 w/1975 70 hp Evinrude
    10" RIB w/15 hp 1984 Evinrude

  4. #4
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    With 430 hp in your 16 and a Volvo 290 with trim, that will be wild! My 19' Hornet is a big boat and alot of hull to push without trim. I have the 270 Volvo drive that is original to the boat. It is a rock solid drive, and I often wonder how much that hull and engine combo would awaken if it only had trim! At it's current state, it is a blast to drive, fun in rough water and turns alot of heads. The flared bow gives a very dry ride with a soft re-entry when I air it out a bit. No better feeling! Nice job on your 16' restoration BTW!

  5. #5
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    Solas 21 - how order?

    This forum is great, thanks guys. I just joined and can see already this is going to be fantastic.

    So it looks like a 21 inch pitch is the right one for me, maybe 23 but not for now. Couple questions... I know I need a LH prop and know I want SS. Is Solas the best or only choice? I saw some mentions of Ultra. Do they come cupped for bow lift or do I need to specify that? How do I get the right hub type? It is NOT through through hub exhaust, right? Is it long hub shaft???

    I just want to make sure I get the right kind for a 73 Volvo-Penta 270.

    Thanks!
    Ted

  6. #6
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    That will be crazy

    16 with a 23 pitch and that much hp plus trim?! That will be unreal. Let us know. Take a video of that too.
    Ted

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