20hp Suzuki - prop brand recommendations

Still Afloat · Aug 1, 2023

I’m picking up a newer (used) Suzuki 20A. It’s actually a 9.9b converted to the 20a. This has the 20hp ECM and the restrictor plate was replaced with a spark arrestor. I’m comfortable with the conversion and the motor runs fine. It looks and feels new.

The only issue that I could find is the prop. The prop looks new but, it‘s the original 4 blade 10 - 5 prop that ships with a new 9.9b. Suzuki recommends a 3 blade 9.25 - 9 for the 20 hp, 20A model. I was planning to stick with recommended prop sizing. My question to the forum is; What propellor brands should I look for and what brands to avoid?

For reference: The boat is a new Lowe 1448M that I’ll rig with aluminum decking, pods, Terrova and LiFe batteries this winter. I’m trying to keep the boat as light as possible. The pods are needed for the other motor, a Mercury F25 Jet which weighs almost twice as much as the Suzuki. The Mercury jet is for rivers and the Suzuki for is lakes. Having both motors will provide the most versatility and I don’t have to deal with a noisy jet OB when it isn’t needed.

flatheadsteve · Aug 1, 2023

I've had good luck on small outboards with Solas aluminum props. I'd run it with the prop you have now to get an rpm reading and you'll know which prop to get.

Still Afloat · Aug 2, 2023

Thanks. The Solas were popping up on some searches but, I have no experience with them.

I expect that it won’t over rev with the 10 - 5 four blade that’s on it. It would probably have great hole shots but, the top end speed would not be optimal.

Still Afloat · Aug 14, 2023

Just in case anyone is interested. I ran the 1448M today with th Suzuki DA9.9/20. The boat was pretty much bare bones and it was running a 3-blade 9-1/4 x 9. It was hitting the rev limiter (about 6350 rpm) at 3/4 or less throttle with a max speed of 23mph.

I wanted to try a Solas Amiya 3, 9-1/4 x 11 3-blade on the same trip but, Amazon sent me a Honda prop and the splines don’t match. I think the 11” will be fine when alone and a 10” with extra people. Will visit the local prop shop next week. Things will change as well once the boat is rigged out.

Still Afloat · Aug 26, 2023

Well, I tested a Solas 9-1/4 x 10 yesterday. The RPM drop was greater than expected. At WOT it was running 6100 - 6150 rpm at 26 to 27 mph. The lake was smooth to a little ripple.

I expected a couple hundred more RPM. I’m not going to need the 11” prop if I stick with Solas.

iplaywithnoshoes · Oct 4, 2024

I’m currently using the solas 9.25x12 on my converted DF9.9 to 20HP. I’m getting 29mph on glass and about 32 on chop. If you’re loaded with passengers, I would recommend the 11 pitch.

Still Afloat · Oct 4, 2024

iplaywithnoshoes said:
I’m currently using the solas 9.25x12 on my converted DF9.9 to 20HP. I’m getting 29mph on glass and about 32 on chop. If you’re loaded with passengers, I would recommend the 11 pitch.

I didn’t see that kind of performance but, I haven’t experimented much with motor height.

If you don’t mind; What’s the rpm at WOT and what are the boat specs? (Length, weight, hull type.). Anything special about the configuration like a Jack plate?

DaleH · Oct 4, 2024

Turning Point makes these. Read up HERE for how their ‘pressed aluminums’ props run as fast as SS props.

https://turningpointpropellers.com/PROPWIZARD/ Then click ‘Start Here’ and enter the Suzi 20hp model.

DaleH · Oct 4, 2024

FWIW, here are the stock OEM props to fit:

Still Afloat · Oct 4, 2024

Thanks, Dale. I checked out Turning Point last week based on a recommendation in another thread. They look good to me and I like their prop pitch exchange program. I’m considering their Hustler 9x10 or 9x11 three blade for the 20hp Suzuki to compare with Solas 9-1/4 x 10.

The Lowe 1448M is still in the project stage. Had to focus on other things this summer but, I plan to wrap it up this winter.

I’m also looking at Turning Point SS props for a larger boat (North River Mariner, 18ft/115hp) with a hole shot problem. This boat is heavy and it seems a bit underpowered with the 115. I bought it used and it came with a cheap generic prop. I want to try a good SS prop before making a decision if repowering with a 150hp is necessary.

iplaywithnoshoes · Oct 4, 2024

Still Afloat said:
I didn’t see that kind of performance but, I haven’t experimented much with motor height.

If you don’t mind; What’s the rpm at WOT and what are the boat specs? (Length, weight, hull type.). Anything special about the configuration like a Jack plate?

1436 Tracker, minimal decking, On the Fly Jack Plate.

I’m between 6200 and 6250 with the 11 pitch at 29mph and 6000-6050 at 32 mph with the 12 pitch

DaleH · Oct 4, 2024

Still Afloat said:
Thanks, Dale. I checked out Turning Point last week based on a recommendation in another thread. They look good to me and I like their prop pitch exchange program. I’m considering their Hustler 9x10 or 9x11 three blade for the 20hp Suzuki to compare with Solas 9-1/4 x 10.

The Lowe 1448M is still in the project stage. Had to focus on other things this summer but, I plan to wrap it up this winter.

I’m also looking at Turning Point SS props for a larger boat (North River Mariner, 18ft/115hp) with a hole shot problem. This boat is heavy and it seems a bit underpowered with the 115. I bought it used and it came with a cheap generic prop. I want to try a good SS prop before making a decision if repowering with a 150hp is necessary.

See if they have a 4-blade for that 115, you won’t have a blazing fast WOT, but otherwise the hole shot & all-around performance can be awesome!

Make sure that OB is not mounted too deep!!!!! That kills a boat’s performance almost as much as wearing the wrong pitch prop! Less where too steep a pitch WILL KILL the engine.

Still Afloat · Oct 4, 2024

DaleH said:
See if they have a 4-blade for that 115, you won’t have a blazing fast WOT, but otherwise the hole shot & all-around performance can be awesome!

Make sure that OB is not mounted too deep!!!!! That kills a boat’s performance almost as much as wearing the wrong pitch prop! Less where too steep a pitch WILL KILL the engine.

The four blade SS may very well be the way to go. I’m also open to raising the motor at bit to see if changes anything.

With the current cheap 3-blade the RPM IS Ok at WOT. At hole shot the motor has to be trimmed all the way forward or the prop will lose its bite. Once on plane if trim back a “normal” amount the boat tends to porpoise very easily. So there are some set-up issues.

airshot · Oct 4, 2024

In my 60 plus years of boating, I have always used "Michigan Wheel" propellers with no issues. On occasion they have even made props for me to my specifications in past years.

Still Afloat · Oct 5, 2024

Funny how this old thread woke up.

iplaywithnoshoes said:
1436 Tracker, minimal decking, On the Fly Jack Plate.

I’m between 6200 and 6250 with the 11 pitch at 29mph and 6000-6050 at 32 mph with the 12 pitch

Thanks. That’s about 25% less hull to push around than mine so I can see the 12” pitch working for you. I think I’ll stick with a wider hull, however.

iplaywithnoshoes · Oct 5, 2024

Still Afloat said:
Funny how this old thread woke up.

Thanks. That’s about 25% less hull to push around than mine so I can see the 12” pitch working for you. I think I’ll stick with a wider hull, however.

Surprisingly I’ve seen 1448s get within 1-2mph with a 11 pitch so you won’t be losing much.

Still Afloat · Oct 6, 2024

iplaywithnoshoes said:
Surprisingly I’ve seen 1448s get within 1-2mph with a 11 pitch so you won’t be losing much.

Good to know and I may continue to ticker around with this motor and boat combination Achieving top speed in this little boat is probably my goal at this point. (But it is fun) I'm not even sure if the Sukuki 20 will stay on this boat since the kicker on the Mariner is a little tired. I do enjoy the performance of the Zuki 20 and considering the motor weight, it has a lot of bang for the buck.

When I’m finally finished rigging this boat I’ll have three outboard options, Suzuki DF20A, Suzuki 25 (could bump to a 30 with ECM swap) and a Merc 25 Jet. The later two are similar in weight and that’s what I’m rigging for.

20hp Suzuki - prop brand recommendations

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