Blogs

When you’re considering changing out your boat’s prop, you may be looking into a range of different options available on the market.  Beyond changing the propeller pitch to improve performance or accuracy, one of the biggest changes you can make is the type of material that is used in the propeller. Though some of these options will be limited by the mechanics of your lower unit, in many situations, you’ll be able to choose between a stainless steel prop and an aluminum prop. Before making a decision, you might be […]

Between your motor’s prop shaft and inner prop hub is a location on your boat that can dramatically impact the performance you’ll get out of it. Because of the extreme torque that takes place at this location, it’s a common area for wear and failure in your boat, commonly referred to as a spun propeller, spun prop hub, or a spun bushing. Whether you’re just trying to learn a bit more about your boat, or perhaps your prop shop threw this term at you and you want to make sure […]

There’s nothing relaxing about a deafening rumble and loud rhythmic noises. Propeller noise levels will quickly ruin your trip on the lake with friends and family. Instead of screaming over the noise levels of your motor and prop, we have a few tricks you can try out for noise reduction. In this guide, we’ll review how you can reduce boat propeller noise as well as discuss another big producer of noise: your motor. Don’t worry, you’ll get a few solutions for abating that noise level too. What Causes Prop Noise? […]

Owning a boat can be an expensive undertaking. When something breaks, your heart might sink at the repair shop’s estimate to replace it. That’s especially true when there’s a problem with your propeller. At Michigan Wheel, we understand that there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to boat prop repair. To help clear things up, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about outboard propeller repair. We’ll also dive into the difference between prop material, specifically aluminum versus stainless steel props, and what they mean in terms of likelihood […]

When purchasing a boat propeller there are a lot of options and parameters to choose from for optimal performance. One of these options is having the propeller blade trailing edges formed with a tight bend or “cup”. There is often a lot of uncertainty regarding both when a cupped propeller should be used and what cupping actually does. Hopefully this article can help shed some light on the topic and provide everyone with a better understanding on how Michigan Wheel uses this technique to provide its customers with propellers that […]

When you want to buy a replacement propeller, you need to know the directionality of your current prop. It’s important to make the correct replacement or else your boat won’t function correctly. Putting a left-hand prop on a right-hand shaft is never a good idea. If you want to avoid this problem, take a look at this piece we put together. We’re going to answer every question you have about right-hand and left-hand propellers, and we’ll even tell you which one is installed on your boat. Propellers Have Directionality? You […]

There are so many things to consider when it comes to buying a propeller. You might realize that some options have three blades on the prop, and others have four. In case you’re a little curious, we want to clear things up for you. Our prop pros are here to discuss the difference between 3-blade and 4-blade props, the pros and cons of each, and which would be right for your boat. 3-Blade vs. 4-Blade Propellers Ignoring the outer diameter, directionality, and pitch of a propeller, the number of blades […]

Enjoying time out on the water can be a great experience. For boating enthusiasts, though, some of the focus will likely be on the quality of their boat, the engine they are using, and the propeller that drives them through the water. This is especially true for anyone who wants to race their boat, or who is looking to get the most power and efficiency from their engine and propeller combination. Cavitation is one aspect of the propeller that can make a difference. Here is what to know about it. […]

What is the difference between a 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motor? As the question points out, one main difference is the number of movements (strokes) it takes for the piston to complete a cycle. For example, a cycle on a 4-stroke engine begins with air and fuel intake to the compression stroke, where ignition of fuel and air occurs. So far, that is just two strokes. The third stroke brings the piston back to the bottom, and the fourth stroke presses out the exhaust as it raises to the top. […]

If you’ve ever ridden on the open waters, you’ll notice that there are no posted speed limit signs. In a car, you know how fast you should safely go, but in a boat, there is not as much clear guidance. In this guide, we’ll explain what determines a safe speed for your boat and how to know what speed is safe for you. Internal Factors That Determine Your Boat’s Speed There are a lot of internal factors that play into how fast your boat can go. Let’s take a look […]

A boat’s motor is a huge investment. It’s the heart of your vessel, so you want to avoid making the wrong choice. The tough part is that outboard and inboard motors are both valid choices and they’re both designed for different people. If you want to make the right choice, then you’ll need to learn more about both motor types. In this piece, we’ll explain everything you need to know about an outboard and inboard motor, and we’ll help you pick which one is right for you. What Is an […]

What’s more stressful than trying to buy a used boat? There are so many unknowns and it’s easy for a misinformed buyer to walk into a trap and waste a boatload of money. No pun intended. In this guide, we’ll explain what to look for when buying a used boat. By using this information, you can help avoid a scam and ensure you only buy the perfect boat for your needs. How the Used Boat Buying Process Works Buying a used boat all starts with picking the right type of […]

The goal in propeller selection is to determine what style and size will maximize your boat’s performance, while allowing your engine to operate within the recommended RPM range. The correctly sized propeller will prevent the engine from over-revving, yet allow it to reach the minimum suggested RPM.  This will result in the engine producing maximum horsepower, but not being overloaded which can compromise engine longevity. Read on for our prop selection criteria to help you find the perfect propeller for your outboard motor. Propeller ⦁ Current Propeller Diameter ⦁ Current […]

Selecting the right propeller type for a boat is crucial to realizing the best overall performance the vessel is capable of. When selecting the right prop propeller type there are several options to choose from, all with key design elements that will influence particular performance characteristics. At a high level most propellers fall into two categories, recreational or commercial. Commercial propellers come in all shapes and sizes and are often tailored to the specific needs of the vessel’s intended use. Material type, propeller blade number, blade thickness and area, are […]