Michigan Wheel Propellers

Michigan Wheel Props and Michigan Wheel Propeller Accessories - Resources & Information

For over 100 years, Michigan Wheel has built a reputation among boaters for its quality and performance propellers in recreational, commercial, and military vessels. Michigan Wheel propellers are trusted for their high performance and durability, becoming a well-respected brand that are engineered to provide optimal thrust and efficiency for a wide range of boat and engine types.

PartsVu offers a complete Michigan Wheel prop catalog, as well as OEM manufacturer and aftermarket parts, propeller hardware, and propeller tools. Whether you need a Michigan Wheel hub kit, Michigan Wheel 3-blade Match Props, and more, PartsVu has what you need to get the job done. 

Need help servicing your Michigan Wheel Propellers? PartsVu regularly publishes helpful how-to guides and other valuable maintenance information to help boaters service their outboard engines, boats, trailers, and more. Browse the PartsVu Xchange, our outboard maintenance blog, for a wide range of relevant topics and review the FAQ section below, covering everything you need to know about maintaining your boat in confidence.

Michigan Wheel Propellers FAQ

What should I know about Michigan Wheel Propellers for boats and outboard engines?

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a Michigan Wheel propeller for a boat or outboard engine:

1. Size: Michigan Wheel propellers (sometimes erroneously referred to as “Michigan propellers”, “Michigan prop”, or a “MI wheel prop”) are available in a range of sizes to suit different engine horsepower ratings and boat hull sizes. It is important to choose a propeller that is appropriately sized for the engine and boat to ensure optimal performance and efficiency (especially when considering commercial marine propellers).

2. Pitch: The pitch of a propeller refers to the distance that the propeller would travel in one revolution if it were moving through a solid. A higher pitch propeller is generally more efficient and will provide more thrust, but it may also require more horsepower to turn.

3. Material: Michigan Wheel marine propellers are available in a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and composite. Each propeller Michigan Wheel manufactures is made from material that has its own pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the boat and engine.

4. Number of blades: Michigan Wheel propellers are available with two, three, or four blades. In general, a propeller with more blades will provide more thrust and be more efficient, but it may also require more horsepower to turn.

Overall, Michigan Wheel propellers are a reliable and high-performing option for boats and outboard engines, and can help to improve the performance and efficiency of the boat. It is important to choose the right size, pitch, material, and number of blades to ensure the best possible results.

What's the difference between a 3 blade vs 4 blade prop for outboard engines?

Are you deciding between a 3 blade or 4 blade prop for your outboard motor(s)? The main difference between 3-blade and 4 blade props (such as a Michigan Wheel 4 blade prop) for outboard engines is the amount of thrust they can produce and the smoothness of operation.

• 3-blade propellers are generally more efficient at producing thrust, as they have less blade area and create less drag. This means they can often provide more speed for a given engine power. They also tend to be more durable and require less maintenance than 4-blade propellers.
• 4 blade propellers, on the other hand, are known for smooth operation and low vibration levels. They are often used on boats that need to operate at low speeds or in rough water conditions, as they provide a more comfortable ride. However, they are generally less efficient at producing thrust than 3-blade propellers and may require more power to achieve the same speed.

Overall, the choice between a 3-blade and 4 blade prop for an outboard engine will depend on the specific needs of the application. 

Are aluminum propellers or stainless steel propellers better for boats?

The type of material that a boat's propeller is made of can affect its performance and durability. Aluminum propellers (such as Michigan Wheel aluminum props) are typically less expensive than stainless steel propellers and are known for being lightweight and easy to handle. However, they can be more prone to damage and may not last as long as stainless steel propellers. Stainless steel propellers are far more durable and resistant to corrosion, but they are also heavier and may not be as effective in some applications. In general, the best type of propeller for a boat will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the boat and its operator.

How do boat propellers contribute to a boat’s performance on the water?

Besides the tachometer, the propeller(s) is the most important thing on the boat because it is the only thing that moves the boat. Without the correct pitch and diameter, a boat will not perform. Propellers limit the RPM range that motors need to run in. They help control speed, fuel economy, lift, cornering, and hole shot. With such a wide variety of boat, motor, and weight combinations, there are hundreds of boat props to choose from.

Unique hull designs affect the way water flows across the bottom of a boat so having the technical knowledge of propeller design helps ensure that the best selection is made for a given boat. There is a vast difference in propellers’ performance; many consumers do not always understand the performance advantages of selecting a high-quality propeller like Michigan Wheel.

What type of propeller maintenance should boaters do?

Routinely inspect boat propellers for larger knicks and make sure the blades are not bent. Also, remove the propeller every six weeks. Fishing line tends to wrap around behind the thrust washer, which can lead to a seal failure.

With a ball-peen hammer, tap the edge of the washer to knock it loose so the fishing line can be removed. When putting it back together, apply a light coating of grease on the splines.

What outboard engine tools should I have onboard?

Even if you don’t do your own maintenance, all boaters need some basic boat tools in their marine tool kits to help them out of a jam. Of course, if you plan to do your own maintenance or a portion of your own maintenance, you’ll need to be a bit better equipped.

So which boat tools should you have onboard? The following are our recommendations and the reasons behind them. Of course, the tools you should have onboard are significantly dictated by the type of boating you do. As a practical matter, a near-shore, freshwater boater needs fewer tools than an off-shore boater. While a problem close to the shore can be an annoyance, a problem off-shore might be a whole different matter.

• Fuel filter wrench—good idea to have on board if you get enough water or debris in your fuel system that a fuel filter change becomes necessary.
• Adjustable band filter wrench—you may need to change your fuel/water separating filter if you have water in your system or if you got some bad gas at the marina. US marinas nearly always sell high-quality filtered gasoline, but marinas in the Bahamas are notorious for selling contaminated gasoline.
• Prop nut wrench—carrying this wrench only makes sense if you carry a spare prop. Many boaters carry a spare inexpensive aluminum prop in case they spin a hub or bend a blade so severely that it wobbles.
• Deck fill key/deck plate key/spanner wrench—these universal tools are designed to open all types and sizes of deck fill lids and shackles. Many of these tools also include bonus tools like bottle openers. Perfect for a cold one after fishing.
• Toolkit—if you have room on your boat, all-purpose toolkits can come in handy. 
• Pliers—channel lock, standard, and needle nose
• Leatherman–a very helpful all-purpose tool.
• Rigging knife
• Serrated knife—for cutting rope, your all-purpose tool might include a serrated blade.
• Flashlight
• Emergency plug set—in case a leak manifests while you are out on the water.
• Battery booster pack
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Zip ties—because we all know that you can fix almost everything with zip ties and duct tape.
• Duct tape

Where can I learn more about Michigan Wheel Propellers for my boat and outboard motor?

PartsVu has plenty of resources for everything you need to know about Michigan Wheel Propellers for your boat, including common propeller problems, maintenance tasks, and more. Start with the following guides and be sure to use the search bar to find plenty of other useful guides to maintain your boat in confidence:

• Outboard Propellers - Engineered for Performance - PartsVu
• Boating Safety - Essential Guide to Gear & Technologies
• Easy Step-by-Step Guide of the Most Common Boat Motor Repair
• How to Install a Propeller on a Mercury Outboard?
• Selecting the Yamaha Propeller That’s Best for You
• Boat Propeller Physics—Insight from Turning Point Propellers