Hill Marine Props?

[retroicon]

If you saw my other thread, you know I'm the guy who picked up the 18 classic that Mark re-did, and it's being pushed by a Volvo 280t.

Based on all the old threads here, and on other boards, it seems the consensus is that the best current prop to run would be a Solas Titan 23. There are a few people who seem to like the top end of the older Volvo Ultra 14 x 24's, but those are nearly impossible to find, and if you can find one, it'll probably be used, and in rough condition.

I headed over to Ebay, and noticed there's another possible option, the Hill Marine Thrasher, and it kind of looks like the older Volvo Ultra props. The interesting thing is that Hill Marine is offering a 14.5 x 26 LH prop.

Does anyone have any experience with these props? I'd rather not drop $500 on a gamble, but there aren't many options when it comes to new props for these older outdrives.

Oh yeah, it's a LH rotation, which tends to limit my options even more.

Here's the listing I've been taking a look at:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hill-Marine-...796946&vxp=mtr

Thanks,
Gary

[Kirbyvv]

I have the same Volvo 280T drive that you have. I had an original Hill Bronson Thrasher, but it was a 24". I liked it up to about 45 mph, but after that it seemed to give too much stern lift and felt squirrely. I subsequently sold it. I have a Solas 21 and a couple Ultra's both a 24 and a 26 that I found new in the box, which work much better on the 18 hull. I actually prefer the Ultra's, as they seem to provide more bow lift but the Solas works nicely too.

[Lenny]

Your "left" hand option is easily changed in 5 minutes by removing the cover on the drive, REMOVING A COTTER PIN , move the linkage to the other side of the lever, replace the cotter pin and voila ! I used left and right props for about 8 years on my Volvo X18.

No issues. They don't care.

[retroicon]

If I could find an ultra 24, or 26 I'd definitely be up for giving one a shot, but finding one in decent shape doesn't seem all that likely these days... unless you have one to spare?

And that's news to me on the right/left rotation option, and sounds incredibly simple. I guess it's about time I find an old 280 manual. I'm sure someone must have a PDF version floating around out there somewhere.

-Gary

[jl1962]

A couple of RH Ultras on eBay


24"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Penta-...d70d16&vxp=mtr


26"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Penta-...f8e613&vxp=mtr

They do pop up every now and then, although it has been over a year since I've seen a LH version.

[Lenny]

The LH RH swap is about 5 minutes tops. I ran mostly right hand props in my left hand boat. By far, my FAVORITE, was the 24" ULTRA RH. Carried the bow better than any other and I tried about 5 over the years. The best for all round use was my 21" SOLAS that I bought from Grizz. Didn't carry the bow as well, but still good, but had incredibly slow slip numbers and "cruise" numbers of 40 mph were at minimal RPM.

Have you tapped the prop shaft for long hub props yet ? or does it already have that feature ?

[yeller]

And that's news to me on the right/left rotation option, and sounds incredibly simple. I guess it's about time I find an old 280 manual. I'm sure someone must have a PDF version floating around out there somewhere. -Gary

I've posted this link before. Great resource site:

http://boatinfo.no/lib/library.html

[Lenny]

Here's another read if you're on your break

http://www.marineengine.com/boat-for...-Prop-rotation

I never had any problems , nor does the new owner

[mattyboy]

work shop manuals and owners manuals for most aq stuff on our resource page

www.lgdonziclassic.com


http://www.lgdonziclassic.com/pages/resources_ps.asp

page 23 of this manual same on the 200-280 lh rh switch

http://www.lgdonziclassic.com/pdfs/HM200.pdf


gonna need big HP to turn a 23 solas or a 26 ultra

The ultra was good on the 16 skisporterand the hornet but would always blow out and ventilated in turns and rough water the 18 hull is different with more lift in the back it needs more bow lift than the 16 skisporter or hornet

[Lenny]

Good link Matty ! Page 23 of the manual is actually page 14 of the pdf

Great info

[mattyboy]

yeah that works too Lenny


the aq handles and performs a bit better with a wider hubbed prop pushing the blade outside of the blunt gear case

the solas was also better than the ultra on the Cig 19 which has the same setup on the bottom as the 16 and the hornet very short inner strakes. Besides the lift the longer strakes on the 18 provide i think they also help the boat track straighter or help dampen the squirrely quirks like chine walk and loose feeling . the hull without the strake can roll easier side to side