MacGregorSailors.com

I am interested to know what props others are using on their 26M's with Suzuki DF50 outboards. The prop that came on my engine is a C3X11.6X11 I am not sure what those numbers mean, but I have not been happy with the performance of this prop. It seems to cavitate a lot when excellerating. I would appreciate any knowledge shared with me on this topic. Thanks. Dan

I don't have a Suzuki, but I bet:
C3 = cupped 3 blade
11.6 = 11.6 inch diameter blade tip to blade tip
11= 11 inch pitch, which means that for every revolution the prop would theoretically advance 11 inches. Of course, that doesn't happen, due to prop slip, which is rather high in our boats...

Many here, including me, are not big fans of cupped blades on this boat. So, you could try a non-cupped prop...

You want the biggest diameter your engine can handle, and those with the Suzuki will chime in here... This is purely a function of clearances. On faster boats, there are reasons why bigger isn't better. But, you don't drive one of those boats... Bigger is better on the boat you drive...

9-11 seems to be the consensus for pitch on these boats in this HP range. However, since yours is cupped, your effective pitch is greater than 11, so you might try just getting the cupping removed...

I swing a 14x11 prop and it works better than any other combination I've tried... But, you probably can't swing a 14 inch diameter prop...

Just stay away from the Michigan Wheel props with the XHS hub for the DF50. I'm still having problems with them. They sent me a new thrust washer that's 0.100" shorter, and admittedly I haven't tried it yet, but needed to be about 0.300" shorter, from what I see. Looks like I'm going to have to have a machinist work the original.

Look for a 9" pitch.

I appreciate the input from you guys. I would still like to hear from someone who has a df50 on their Mac before I spend the money on a new prop. In your opinion do you think I should go to a larger diameter without the cup or a 9 or 10 pitch or both?

Moe,
I just re read ur post, and noticed you are using a df50. Thanks for the input. I will try to get a 9" pitch. Have you tried using a 4 blade vs the 3 blade?

The prop I have from MW is a 4-blade. In general, they have better control at low speed and are a little smoother than a 3-blade. OTOH, the Vortex is a cupped prop, but I got the 9" pitch anyway. A cupped prop performs about like an uncupped prop with 1-2" more pitch, depending on the amount of cupping, and it isn't quite as good in reverse as an uncupped prop.

Robert tested a Solas 4-blade prop on his, with good results except for a ringing sound at about 2,000, but went with the stainless 3-blade. The props he tested had dedicated hubs, but I believe Solas is now also using the multi-fit Mercury Flo-Torque style hubs. Don't know if their's would have the same fitment problems as the Michigan Wheel.

At this point, I wish I'd just ordered a 3-blade 9" Suzuki prop on-line from Brown's Point Marine.