I just replaced my old aluminum prop with a used stainless prop. Same pitch, everything. Today was the first day on the water with it and the difference was noticable. Boat popped up on plane much quicker and ran a little faster at same throttle position.
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"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold" - Helen Keller
The only thing I use my aluminum props for are emergency spares. There is no question that a stainless prop is worth the extra money you pay for it.
The only time a stainless prop might be contraindicated would be if you boat in water where the probablity of hitting something is very high. Then you need to weigh off the disadvantage of possible damage to the lower unit and higher cost of repairing the stainless prop to its advantages.
Generally, because of the thinner blades, reduced drag in the water, and reduced flex over aluminum, a stainless prop of the same model, diameter, and pitch will run 2-400 rpm faster at wide open throttle with a gain of around 2 MPH.
i was warned not to put a stainless prop on. i should have listen to that advice. yes the boat went better, and that shiny thing looked good. all i did was just touch a rock with it, no damage to the prop but bent the propshaft causing 1500 uk pounds damage. so i say, if theres a chance you will hit something, stick to ally it bends easily and is cheaper to fix. please no replies telling me i should be more carefull. shes done that already
i was warned not to put a stainless prop on. i should have listen to that advice. yes the boat went better, and that shiny thing looked good. all i did was just touch a rock with it, no damage to the prop but bent the propshaft causing 1500 uk pounds damage. so i say, if theres a chance you will hit something, stick to ally it bends easily and is cheaper to fix. please no replies telling me i should be more carefull. shes done that already
I thought that the prop's hub and bushing was supposed to prevent this from happening ?
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"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold" - Helen Keller
At 1000 engine rpm, the prop is spinning at about 500 RPM. Damage occurs instantly whereas the rubber hub takes a fair amount of twist before it lets go.
At 1000 engine rpm, the prop is spinning at about 500 RPM. Damage occurs instantly whereas the rubber hub takes a fair amount of twist before it lets go.
Well, that's comforting seeing how I just installed a stainless prop . Fortunately there are not many rocks here, just lots of sandbars and mud.
__________________
"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold" - Helen Keller