Solas Propellers

Solas Props and Solas Propeller Accessories - Resources & Information

Since 1985, Solas has been a well-respected brand in the marine industry, and their propellers are designed to provide optimal thrust and efficiency for a wide range of boat and engine types. Solas propellers are among the most popular props for boats and outboard engines due to their high performance and year-after-year durability. 

Every Solas prop is constructed of high-chromium stainless steel or strong, squeeze-cast aluminum, as well as plastic propellers for small outboards. With 1,000-plus blade variations of material, style, hubs, size and pitch, Solas boat propellers fit a wide range of boats (from 2.5 to 400 horsepower). 

Browse PartsVu’s entire selection of Solas Propellers and Solas Prop Hardware by category, including:

• Solas Props for Yamaha 
• Solas Props for Mercury
• Solas Props for BRP-Johnson-Evinrude-OMC
• Solas Props for Suzuki
• Solas Props for Volvo
• Solas Props for Nissan-Tohatsu
• Solas Props for Honda
• Solas Hardware

PartsVu also offers a complete selection of OEM manufacturer and aftermarket parts  in our Solas propeller catalog, as well as propeller hardware and propeller tools.

Need help servicing your Solas Propeller? 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.

Solas Propellers FAQ

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

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

1. Size: Solas propellers 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.
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: Solas propellers are available in a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and composite. Each material 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: Solas 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, Solas 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?

The main difference between 3-blade and 4-blade propellers (such as Solas 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.

A 4 blade propeller, on the other hand, is 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. Factors to consider include the required thrust, operating speed, and the desired level of comfort and smoothness.

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 Solas.

What's the difference between a 19 pitch prop vs 21 pitch prop?

A 19 pitch prop is a propeller with a pitch of 19 inches, while a 21 pitch prop is a propeller with a pitch of 21 inches. In general, a propeller with a higher pitch will be more efficient at higher speeds, but will provide less thrust at lower speeds. Conversely, a propeller with a lower pitch will provide more thrust at lower speeds, but may be less efficient at higher speeds.

When choosing between a 21 pitch prop vs 19 pitch prop, it's important to consider the size and power of your boat's outboard motor, as well as the type of boating you will be doing. If you are unsure which pitch is best for your boat, it's a good idea to consult a professional mechanic or the manufacturer of your outboard motor. They can help you choose a propeller that is well-suited to your specific needs.

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.

How do I choose the right propeller for my outboard motor? 

The right propeller for your boat and engine combination is based in part on the wide-open throttle (WOT) operating range for your specific engine. This information is an intersection of horsepower and RPM and can be found in your owner’s manual.

An optimal outboard propeller will maximize your boat’s performance while allowing your engine to operate in the recommended RPM range. The correct propeller will prevent the engine from over-revving and facilitate maximum horsepower with minimum RPM.

An outboard engine under load should reach the manufacturer’s recommended RPM at WOT, usually expressed as an RPM range. Your optimal propeller will deliver acceptable acceleration and top speed while still allowing your Yamaha outboard to reach its recommended revs at WOT. 

If you get this relationship wrong, premature engine damage is too often the result.

Your propeller decision-making process will include the following factors: pitch, diameter, aluminum or steel, blade number, rake, cupping, and rotation.

Pitch is a critically important factor when selecting a new propeller. Pitch is the distance the prop would travel forward after one complete rotation, assuming no resistance or slip. 

Lower-pitch propellers encounter less resistance facilitating faster rotation and enabling hole-shot and acceleration. However, because each propeller revolution generates less forward travel, the ultimate top speed will be lower at WOT.

Hole-shot and acceleration will be reduced with higher pitch props because the outboard propeller encounters more resistance. This said, additional resistance reduces the motor’s RPMs and top speed at WOT.

Generally speaking, increasing prop pitch lowers RPM, while decreasing prop pitch raises RPM.

If you need more speed, a higher pitch is generally the way to go. However, If you use a propeller with a too high pitch, the motor won’t have enough horsepower to turn it adequately, so the revolutions per minute will drop. Referred to as over-propping, it overloads the engine and causes excessive wear. Under-propping—fitting a propeller with too low a diameter or pitch—can damage your engine through over-revving. Under-propping will also adversely affect fuel consumption. 

Each outboard propeller has two numbers stamped on them – diameter and pitch. For example, a 14 x 19 propeller has a diameter of 14 inches and a pitch of 19 inches. The greater the diameter, the more resistance it will experience in the water. 

A larger diameter propeller reduces the RPM and top-end speed. On the other hand, smaller diameter propellers increase RPM and top-end speed. However, smaller diameter props slip more frequently and are not good choices if hole-shot or acceleration improvement is your goal. 

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 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 (such as Solas stainless steel props) 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.

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

PartsVu has plenty of resources for everything you need to know about Solas 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