Quicksilver propellers are manufactured by Mercury Propellers in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin USA and will be distributed in the UK by Seawork exhibitor E. P. Barrus Ltd. The E. P. Barrus quayside exhibition is always one of the highlights of Seawork, with a vast range of commercial marine inboard and outboard engines in display, along with ancillaries.

In recent testing, the Quicksilver Thunderbolt outperformed the Volvo F6 propeller with an improved top speed and a 5% quicker 0-20 acceleration. The Quicksilver Thunderbolt is a suitable replacement for Volvo Type F Duoprops, the most common propeller fitment for Volvo DPS drives. The performance gains are driven by the Thunderbolt’s cutting edge four blade front propellers coupled with a three blade rear propeller.

The Quicksilver Thunderbolt is available in 19 to 28 pitch. Within this range, The Thunderbolt is available in seven pitches, which offers a greater choice for top end performance. It also features Mercury Marine’s proprietary alloys, metals that provide superior strength but offer the corrosion resistance required to stand up to demanding freshwater and saltwater applications.

‘The four blade front propeller is what makes the difference, said Dirk Bjornstad, brand manager for Mercury Propellers. ‘For this system, we made the front propeller a four blade for superior holding and acceleration. As it turns out, the system is also faster at the top end as well. We think boaters will appreciate the improved performance.’

[This article first appeared in Maritime Journal]