Solas Bravo Three Front Propeller 16x20 (4-Blade LH) Stainless Steel

The Solas Bravo Three front propeller (Part No. 1654-160-20) is a 4-blade stainless steel prop engineered for the front position in MerCruiser’s Bravo 3 dual-prop system. As the front prop, it mounts on the outer prop shaft of the drive and rotates left-hand (counter-clockwise), complementing the rear 3-blade right-hand prop. Its dimensions – 16″ diameter and 20″ pitch – are precisely matched to work in harmony with the rear prop (14.4″x20″), forming a set equivalent to the OEM Type C6 (in Mercury’s labeling). With four blades, the front prop has greater surface area and creates a strong column of water for the rear prop to work with. This yields several benefits: better initial bite when accelerating, reduced cavitation during sharp turns, and greater braking force when the engine is used to slow the boat down. The stainless steel construction and solid Solas craftsmanship allow this prop to withstand the high forces from powerful engines (Bravo 3 drives are often mated to 250-350+ HP engines) without deforming, ensuring long-term performance. Usage and Recommendations: This front propeller should always be used together with the corresponding rear propeller (3-blade, 14.4x20RH) as a pair. It is suitable for all MerCruiser Bravo III drives that require a 20-pitch prop set – for example, in boats where the original props are labeled 20P front and 20P rear (a common case is Bravo 3 “C6” stainless prop sets). Installation is straightforward: the Solas prop has an integrated hub and uses the original Bravo 3 locking cone and nut. Pay attention to properly engage the splines and place the thrust washers as directed by the MerCruiser service manual. Benefits: With new Solas front and rear props installed, your boat will experience improvements in many aspects – smoother acceleration with little to no prop slip, quieter and more fluid operation due to better balance, and even potential fuel efficiency gains at cruise (because the two props are working more effectively together). When maneuvering, the 4-blade front prop helps “pull” the bow through turns, making the boat corner more sharply and predictably. Additionally, in choppy conditions, the dual props maintain better grip, reducing the chance of cavitation. This Solas propeller is heat-treated and polished, giving it excellent corrosion resistance and an attractive finish.

• Pair with matching rear prop for complete set – it must be used alongside Solas 1651-144-20 (3-blade, 20P, RH) for proper Bravo 3 operation; together they replace an OEM C6 prop set
• Exceptional acceleration and thrust – the four blades of the front prop provide instant bite when you throttle up, eliminating slippage and helping heavy boats gain speed more quickly
• Precise handling and sharp turns – with this front prop, the boat responds better to the helm; in turns, the props stay “hooked up” in the water, giving you confidence to execute aggressive maneuvers when needed
• Reduced vibrations and noise – Solas manufactures their dual props to high precision; the well-balanced 4-blade front and 3-blade rear prop combination leads to fewer vibrations, resulting in quieter and smoother operation of the entire drive system
• Long-lasting stainless steel – a corrosion-resistant material ideal for saltwater use; a stainless prop retains its performance longer than an aluminum equivalent and provides maximum blade rigidity for optimal efficiency