Prop for 18C with Alpha drive

[Pat McPherson]

My new to me 1994 18 with Alpha came with a 23p Mirage prop. My bet is that it’s the original prop that came with the boat from the factory.

Before I send the Mirage out for repair, it has a few dings/dents, should I be looking for a different prop?

Plan is new vortec 350 so 23p is likely the correct pitch. Others props owners are running on 18C with an Alpha?

I have read maybe a Merc Tempest or Turbo One would be good 3 blade options?I I will definitely be testing a Merc Rev 4. Any other 4 blades props to try?

[chip w]

After we built the 377 for my 18 (bored .040 0ver) I ran a 25P REV4 (if my memory isn't failing me). That took me to around 70 mph at 4800 rpm. These are approximate numbers, not GPS.

[DickB]

I have a 1999 18C Alpha Mirage Plus 23 P runs near 65 mph at 4800 RPMs.

[Pat McPherson]

Good info guys. Thanks

[smokediver]

Late reply. I had an 04 and a 92 18 classic. I ran a mirage plus on the merc drive and a raker on the omc drive. I messed around with a lot of props and always went back to the mirage plus on the 04 350 mag mpi. Be careful with 4 blades on an alpha.

[FitchPowerboatServices]

After we built the 377 for my 18 (bored .040 0ver) I ran a 25P REV4 (if my memory isn't failing me). That took me to around 70 mph at 4800 rpm. These are approximate numbers, not GPS.

It was a Rev4 but it was a 23P the 25P is on your new boat. That little Stroker motor was HOT and it would turn that 23p to 5K easily and put it on the limiter in a little chop. I tried a few different pitch Mirage's and Bravo's on your boat and I liked the Rev4 the best

[tmdog]

1988 Donzi 18 now on its fourth engine. Dart 406 and gps at 80.2 mph 5800 rpm. Props tried, Turbo, clever, Mirage+, Rev4 and a few others. Rev4 was by far the worst prop used. Kept hull glued to water and had no lift. Finally tried a Hydro Quad 4 O/T 25p and what a difference, hull lifted and trimed perfect. Also note outdrive is Alpha SS. That was the only time I ran wide open.

[Pat McPherson]

I plan to test each of the props suggested and report back.
Happy New Year everyone.
Only 4 months to boating season here in the NE...

[yeller]

I plan to test each of the props suggested and report back.
Happy New Year everyone.
Only 4 months to boating season here in the NE...

Happy New Year Pat and enjoy the prop testing!
I'm going to go out on a limb and say boating starts in 4 months for me too.