Yamaha 90-HP; Using Quicksilver and Mercury Propellers

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Author Topic:   Yamaha 90-HP; Using Quicksilver and Mercury Propellers

Russ 13 posted 05-06-2012 08:10 AM ET (US)
Has anyone used a Quicksilver and Mercury stainless propeller on a Yamaha 90-HP two-cycle outboard engine? What were the results [of using a Quicksilver or Mercury stainless steel propeller on a Yamaha 90-HP two-cycle engine]?
[The author says he is] Looking at a four-blade Trophy. Thanks--Russ
outragesteve posted 05-06-2012 02:44 PM ET (US)
On my 22 Outrage with twin Yamaha four-cycle 90-HP outboard engines I run Mercury four-blade Trophy-Plus propeller of 17-pitch. Engine max RPM is 6,100 to 6,200 Yamaha specification and about 38 MPH. Although the Trophy propellers are designed for use on flats boats and bass boats needing props with bow lift, they work very well on my boat. Hole shot is great, and the overall speed increase was almost 5-MPH over the stock three-blade Yamaha aluminium props. Good luck!
Teak Oil posted 05-06-2012 08:45 PM ET (US)
Why do you want to go to a four blade? A four blade will give more grip in rough seas and turns, with a little less top end.
Russ 13 posted 05-06-2012 10:45 PM ET (US)
The reason for my question: I am adding a jack plate to a classic 15-footer and had heard that a four blade prop would provide a better grip than a three blade, when used running higher up. My past experience with a Stiletto stainless three-blade 17 Pitch was good, but I have never used a four blade propeller. So anyone's experience with the Mercury Trophy, or other brands of four blade propellers would be helpful. Thanks--Russ
jimh posted 05-07-2012 10:16 PM ET (US)
Quicksilver is just a brand name for Mercury propellers when they are sold by dealers who are not Mercury dealers. Mercury tends to make their Quicksilver line a red-headed step child of their Mercury line of propellers. I would not limit my selection to just Quicksilver branded propellers. They are usually sold by outlets that are big chains. Mercury reserves their Mercury-brand propellers for their real Mercury dealers. The Mercury line is generally considered a premium line. The Quicksilver line is for big-box stores.
Stainless steel propellers work better than aluminum propellers, and that is why people will pay four or five times more for them than they will for other types.
What kind of boat are you asking about? I could tell you about my experience with propellers, but I don't know how applicable it would be for you if your boat is quite different than mine. I don't think there is anything specific to a Yamaha 90-HP about stainless steel propellers. That engine will operate with a stainless steel propeller in the same way that any other outboard engine would. It is hard to differentiate responses about stainless steel propellers by limiting it to a specific brand, model, and horsepower outboard engine.
Russ 13 posted 05-08-2012 07:47 AM ET (US)
I am going to be running a Yamaha two stroke 90-HP on a 15' classic hull with a center console, 18 gallon fuel tank, one battery, and one 15-gallon live well.The live well, console, and fuel tank will all be mounted on the centerline, with the live well forward of the console. The boat will have a 5-inch setback jack plate installed. I used a three-blade Stiletto 17-pitch on my last 15-footer with good results, but without a jack plate.
Would I see better [acceleration to plane from a standing start] and overall performance with a four-blade stainless propeller over a three-blade stainless propeller running the engine higher due to the jack plate?
Is there a large loss in top speed with a four-bladed propeller?
If a 17-pitch worked well with the Stiletto three blade would the four blade prop also need to be a 17 pitch?
Recommended four-blade propeller brands and models others have used with good results, on 15-foot or 17-foot hulls. Thank you.
russellbailey posted 05-08-2012 11:30 AM ET (US)
Russ 13,
I don't know about top speed or how it will compare to a 3-blade Stiletto, but I did find the 4-blade notably different on my boat.
On my 1980 Striper 15 with 1987 70 Evinrude, switching from a 13x17 SST to a 13x15 Stiletto BayPro resulted in a noticeable change in stern lift, so much so that I had to actually drop the height that I had the jackplate by about an inch to avoid the propeller slipping in turns. The boat runs well with the BayPro.
RPMs are close between the 13x17 SST and the 13x15 BayPro. I found the BayPro on sale and thought it might work well for waterskiing which is the main thing we do behind our boat. It will overrev if you run wide open throttle unloaded (we don't). It works well for us.
Ridge Runner posted 05-08-2012 10:07 PM ET (US)
On my 15 with the 2008 Yamaha 90hp two-cycle, I ran the PowerTechSCD-4 in 13x16 - this 4 blade prop is simular to the Yamaha 3 blade semi-clever and spins up quickly. It also creates nice stern lift.
Russ 13 posted 05-08-2012 10:54 PM ET (US)
By "stern lift" are you saying the boat does not squat as much when going from displacement speeds to up on a plain??
jimh posted 05-08-2012 10:58 PM ET (US)
The phrase stern lift refers to an upward force from the propeller when the boat is on plane. It does not refer to the transition to plane from displacement speed. Propeller blade design can provide stern lift when on plane. Stern lift is not a function of the number of blades, but rather of the blade shape and design.
russellbailey posted 05-09-2012 08:10 AM ET (US)
As jimh said, the stern rides higher on plane.
Russ 13 posted 05-09-2012 12:44 PM ET (US)
Does the four blade, still provide the same bow lift, as the three blade, along with the stern lift when on a plane??
russellbailey posted 05-10-2012 08:37 AM ET (US)
Russ 13,
I'm not sure if the bow lift differs. A well-powered 15 Whaler rides with the bow fairly light already. The only reason I noticed the stern lift was first the propeller losing grip in turns and then observing the height of the water relative to the engine.
Russ 13 posted 05-10-2012 11:44 PM ET (US)
THANK YOU for the schooling & information!
Tom W Clark posted 05-11-2012 10:08 AM ET (US)
You cannot talk about the characteristics of four blade propellers in general. I know, I know, even the manufacturers themselves do this, but it is meaningless. All propeller models are a little different, especially the four blade models.
Trust me: You do not want to run Trophy Plus on a Yamaha 90 two stroke on a 15 footer.
Keeper posted 05-12-2012 01:54 AM ET (US)
Respectfully Tom,
Why?
I am a prop 'groupie' and value your feedback.
Tom W Clark posted 05-12-2012 10:58 AM ET (US)
A Trophy Plus is a HUGE piece of stainless steel for a 15 foot. The Trophy Plus is used on motors up to 300 HP.
Using a Trophy Plus on a Yamaha 90 will result in lower top speed, worse fuel economy, very steering effort, tremendous shift clunk and the list to port will be exacerbated.
dgoodhue posted 05-12-2012 04:35 PM ET (US)
To much stern lift on 15' just exaggerates chine walking. The popular stiletto has a noticeable amount more stern lift than the omc sst. I theorized a prop without as much lift might have a better top speed than a Stilletto on jackplate max powered/over power classic 15's.
I found the faster you go the more stern lift it has which mean you have to raise the motor to compensate. At certain point you will out of engine height.
Russ 13 posted 05-12-2012 10:07 PM ET (US)
Tom,
I have run the Stiletto 17P vented with GREAT results on my other 15' with the Yamaha 90.
My thought would be the added "grip" of the Trophy four blade would be nice, when running the engine higher up on the jack plate.
1) Do you think I should just use a Stiletto three blade?
I was looking at a 18P Trophy made for the smaller midrange
gearcase size.
2) Did you run one & have bad results??
Thanks, Russ
Keeper posted 05-13-2012 03:30 PM ET (US)
Really good info gentlemen. Thank you.
I just hung the Yamaha F70 on mine last week. Getting closer !!!
I was thinking of 'playing' with a 4 blade, but reading this I realize it would be a waist of money.
Thank you!
Good luck with that 90 !
Russ 13 posted 05-21-2012 11:50 PM ET (US)
Got a chance to check out the Trophy in person.
A well built four blade prop, but indeed heavy & vented.
I was not too impressed with the square plastic hub idea.
It did not look as precise a fit as the old school pressed in hub type of impact protection.
Also it uses a Mercury style retaining tab, to keep the
nylock nut from backing out. With the depth of the prop's hub, this might be hard to reach, when compaired to the
Stiletto's shorter hub & Yamaha cotter pin style fastner.
For my intended use, I have decided to go with a vented Stiletto Advantage 1 three blade with pressed in hub.
For several reasons:
*The Stiletto is lighter & should allow the engine to reach
it's red-line with a 17 progressive Pitch.
* Hub design.
* Propeller weight.
* Stern lift of the four blade, not needed on a light 15'.
*The seller's price of the used Trophy was within $ 25.00
of the NEW Stiletto's price.
...
Thanks again for all the insight & information, it helped
me to make a decision, without having to purchase two props
for compairison.
Tom W Clark posted 05-22-2012 08:50 AM ET (US)
Russ -- The Mercury Trophy Plus uses the Mercury PVS system which allows to you to vary the size of the vent holes or plug them entirely. The Stiletto Advantage has fixed size 5/16" vent holes.
The "square plastic hub" you describe is Mercury's Flo-Torq and the square casting in the propeller hub is called a square bore. Almost all propellers made today, including the Stiletto Advantage, use a square bore and accept whatever square bore hub kit you desire. There is no loss of precision when using a square bore hub kit like the Flo-Torq II.
The Mercury Tab Washer that locks the propeller nut in place is very easy to install and remove, easier than a cotter pin in my experience, though you are always free to use whatever propeller nut and locking device works on your particular motor.
Russ 13 posted 05-23-2012 11:30 PM ET (US)
Hi Tom,
The Mercury Trophy is a nice four blade.
The one I looked at was in need of a little blade repair work on one blade, plus was missing part of the hub bushing.
The "used" price was more than a NEW Stiletto.
IF I had needed a four blade, the build quality of the
Trophy was nice, but in this compairison the Stiletto
was a better fit for my needs & wallet.
Had the seller of the Trophy, been a little flexable with
his price, then the outcome might have been different.
Russ 13 posted 05-23-2012 11:35 PM ET (US)
As to the vent holes....
I always prefer them open.
Plugs??....don't they go in the transom, to keep the water out of the boat.......
(I may need to enlarge the ones on the Stiletto, after
I get the boat dialed in, depending on how much slip I want for a good holeshot.)

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Author	Topic: Yamaha 90-HP; Using Quicksilver and Mercury Propellers
Russ 13	posted 05-06-2012 08:10 AM ET (US) Has anyone used a Quicksilver and Mercury stainless propeller on a Yamaha 90-HP two-cycle outboard engine? What were the results [of using a Quicksilver or Mercury stainless steel propeller on a Yamaha 90-HP two-cycle engine]? [The author says he is] Looking at a four-blade Trophy. Thanks--Russ
outragesteve	posted 05-06-2012 02:44 PM ET (US) On my 22 Outrage with twin Yamaha four-cycle 90-HP outboard engines I run Mercury four-blade Trophy-Plus propeller of 17-pitch. Engine max RPM is 6,100 to 6,200 Yamaha specification and about 38 MPH. Although the Trophy propellers are designed for use on flats boats and bass boats needing props with bow lift, they work very well on my boat. Hole shot is great, and the overall speed increase was almost 5-MPH over the stock three-blade Yamaha aluminium props. Good luck!
Teak Oil	posted 05-06-2012 08:45 PM ET (US) Why do you want to go to a four blade? A four blade will give more grip in rough seas and turns, with a little less top end.
Russ 13	posted 05-06-2012 10:45 PM ET (US) The reason for my question: I am adding a jack plate to a classic 15-footer and had heard that a four blade prop would provide a better grip than a three blade, when used running higher up. My past experience with a Stiletto stainless three-blade 17 Pitch was good, but I have never used a four blade propeller. So anyone's experience with the Mercury Trophy, or other brands of four blade propellers would be helpful. Thanks--Russ
jimh	posted 05-07-2012 10:16 PM ET (US) Quicksilver is just a brand name for Mercury propellers when they are sold by dealers who are not Mercury dealers. Mercury tends to make their Quicksilver line a red-headed step child of their Mercury line of propellers. I would not limit my selection to just Quicksilver branded propellers. They are usually sold by outlets that are big chains. Mercury reserves their Mercury-brand propellers for their real Mercury dealers. The Mercury line is generally considered a premium line. The Quicksilver line is for big-box stores. Stainless steel propellers work better than aluminum propellers, and that is why people will pay four or five times more for them than they will for other types. What kind of boat are you asking about? I could tell you about my experience with propellers, but I don't know how applicable it would be for you if your boat is quite different than mine. I don't think there is anything specific to a Yamaha 90-HP about stainless steel propellers. That engine will operate with a stainless steel propeller in the same way that any other outboard engine would. It is hard to differentiate responses about stainless steel propellers by limiting it to a specific brand, model, and horsepower outboard engine.
Russ 13	posted 05-08-2012 07:47 AM ET (US) I am going to be running a Yamaha two stroke 90-HP on a 15' classic hull with a center console, 18 gallon fuel tank, one battery, and one 15-gallon live well.The live well, console, and fuel tank will all be mounted on the centerline, with the live well forward of the console. The boat will have a 5-inch setback jack plate installed. I used a three-blade Stiletto 17-pitch on my last 15-footer with good results, but without a jack plate. Would I see better [acceleration to plane from a standing start] and overall performance with a four-blade stainless propeller over a three-blade stainless propeller running the engine higher due to the jack plate? Is there a large loss in top speed with a four-bladed propeller? If a 17-pitch worked well with the Stiletto three blade would the four blade prop also need to be a 17 pitch? Recommended four-blade propeller brands and models others have used with good results, on 15-foot or 17-foot hulls. Thank you.
russellbailey	posted 05-08-2012 11:30 AM ET (US) Russ 13, I don't know about top speed or how it will compare to a 3-blade Stiletto, but I did find the 4-blade notably different on my boat. On my 1980 Striper 15 with 1987 70 Evinrude, switching from a 13x17 SST to a 13x15 Stiletto BayPro resulted in a noticeable change in stern lift, so much so that I had to actually drop the height that I had the jackplate by about an inch to avoid the propeller slipping in turns. The boat runs well with the BayPro. RPMs are close between the 13x17 SST and the 13x15 BayPro. I found the BayPro on sale and thought it might work well for waterskiing which is the main thing we do behind our boat. It will overrev if you run wide open throttle unloaded (we don't). It works well for us.
Ridge Runner	posted 05-08-2012 10:07 PM ET (US) On my 15 with the 2008 Yamaha 90hp two-cycle, I ran the PowerTechSCD-4 in 13x16 - this 4 blade prop is simular to the Yamaha 3 blade semi-clever and spins up quickly. It also creates nice stern lift.
Russ 13	posted 05-08-2012 10:54 PM ET (US) By "stern lift" are you saying the boat does not squat as much when going from displacement speeds to up on a plain??
jimh	posted 05-08-2012 10:58 PM ET (US) The phrase stern lift refers to an upward force from the propeller when the boat is on plane. It does not refer to the transition to plane from displacement speed. Propeller blade design can provide stern lift when on plane. Stern lift is not a function of the number of blades, but rather of the blade shape and design.
russellbailey	posted 05-09-2012 08:10 AM ET (US) As jimh said, the stern rides higher on plane.
Russ 13	posted 05-09-2012 12:44 PM ET (US) Does the four blade, still provide the same bow lift, as the three blade, along with the stern lift when on a plane??
russellbailey	posted 05-10-2012 08:37 AM ET (US) Russ 13, I'm not sure if the bow lift differs. A well-powered 15 Whaler rides with the bow fairly light already. The only reason I noticed the stern lift was first the propeller losing grip in turns and then observing the height of the water relative to the engine.
Russ 13	posted 05-10-2012 11:44 PM ET (US) THANK YOU for the schooling & information!
Tom W Clark	posted 05-11-2012 10:08 AM ET (US) You cannot talk about the characteristics of four blade propellers in general. I know, I know, even the manufacturers themselves do this, but it is meaningless. All propeller models are a little different, especially the four blade models. Trust me: You do not want to run Trophy Plus on a Yamaha 90 two stroke on a 15 footer.
Keeper	posted 05-12-2012 01:54 AM ET (US) Respectfully Tom, Why? I am a prop 'groupie' and value your feedback.
Tom W Clark	posted 05-12-2012 10:58 AM ET (US) A Trophy Plus is a HUGE piece of stainless steel for a 15 foot. The Trophy Plus is used on motors up to 300 HP. Using a Trophy Plus on a Yamaha 90 will result in lower top speed, worse fuel economy, very steering effort, tremendous shift clunk and the list to port will be exacerbated.
dgoodhue	posted 05-12-2012 04:35 PM ET (US) To much stern lift on 15' just exaggerates chine walking. The popular stiletto has a noticeable amount more stern lift than the omc sst. I theorized a prop without as much lift might have a better top speed than a Stilletto on jackplate max powered/over power classic 15's. I found the faster you go the more stern lift it has which mean you have to raise the motor to compensate. At certain point you will out of engine height.
Russ 13	posted 05-12-2012 10:07 PM ET (US) Tom, I have run the Stiletto 17P vented with GREAT results on my other 15' with the Yamaha 90. My thought would be the added "grip" of the Trophy four blade would be nice, when running the engine higher up on the jack plate. 1) Do you think I should just use a Stiletto three blade? I was looking at a 18P Trophy made for the smaller midrange gearcase size. 2) Did you run one & have bad results?? Thanks, Russ
Keeper	posted 05-13-2012 03:30 PM ET (US) Really good info gentlemen. Thank you. I just hung the Yamaha F70 on mine last week. Getting closer !!! I was thinking of 'playing' with a 4 blade, but reading this I realize it would be a waist of money. Thank you! Good luck with that 90 !
Russ 13	posted 05-21-2012 11:50 PM ET (US) Got a chance to check out the Trophy in person. A well built four blade prop, but indeed heavy & vented. I was not too impressed with the square plastic hub idea. It did not look as precise a fit as the old school pressed in hub type of impact protection. Also it uses a Mercury style retaining tab, to keep the nylock nut from backing out. With the depth of the prop's hub, this might be hard to reach, when compaired to the Stiletto's shorter hub & Yamaha cotter pin style fastner. For my intended use, I have decided to go with a vented Stiletto Advantage 1 three blade with pressed in hub. For several reasons: The Stiletto is lighter & should allow the engine to reach it's red-line with a 17 progressive Pitch. Hub design. * Propeller weight. * Stern lift of the four blade, not needed on a light 15'. *The seller's price of the used Trophy was within $ 25.00 of the NEW Stiletto's price. ... Thanks again for all the insight & information, it helped me to make a decision, without having to purchase two props for compairison.
Tom W Clark	posted 05-22-2012 08:50 AM ET (US) Russ -- The Mercury Trophy Plus uses the Mercury PVS system which allows to you to vary the size of the vent holes or plug them entirely. The Stiletto Advantage has fixed size 5/16" vent holes. The "square plastic hub" you describe is Mercury's Flo-Torq and the square casting in the propeller hub is called a square bore. Almost all propellers made today, including the Stiletto Advantage, use a square bore and accept whatever square bore hub kit you desire. There is no loss of precision when using a square bore hub kit like the Flo-Torq II. The Mercury Tab Washer that locks the propeller nut in place is very easy to install and remove, easier than a cotter pin in my experience, though you are always free to use whatever propeller nut and locking device works on your particular motor.
Russ 13	posted 05-23-2012 11:30 PM ET (US) Hi Tom, The Mercury Trophy is a nice four blade. The one I looked at was in need of a little blade repair work on one blade, plus was missing part of the hub bushing. The "used" price was more than a NEW Stiletto. IF I had needed a four blade, the build quality of the Trophy was nice, but in this compairison the Stiletto was a better fit for my needs & wallet. Had the seller of the Trophy, been a little flexable with his price, then the outcome might have been different.
Russ 13	posted 05-23-2012 11:35 PM ET (US) As to the vent holes.... I always prefer them open. Plugs??....don't they go in the transom, to keep the water out of the boat....... (I may need to enlarge the ones on the Stiletto, after I get the boat dialed in, depending on how much slip I want for a good holeshot.)