Average Propeller Life?

[gpolson]

I am investigating the average life of Aluminum and Stainless Steel propellers on outboards over 100 HP. About how often are they replaced due being damaged beyond repair from striking things, corrosion, or other problems? Any rules of thumb about the average life of a propeller or related comments would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thank You

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

If you dont try and dig clams or make small rocks out of big ones, I would say they will last a lifetime! ocationally you will spin a hub but thats about it!

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

I've had the same prop on one of my boats for 12 years, it will probably need a hub sooner or later. If you don't hit things they will last forever.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

That prop should last you any where from 2 minutes to a life time.Had a brand new one last about 8 minutes hit a submerged object shortly after leaving port.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

It depends whether you're using them in salt or fresh water. Salt water electrolysis will eat aluminum and brass props pretty quick, especially if you don't change your zinc anode frequently. If used only in fresh water, they will last many years.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

It all depends who is navigating the boat.A friend of mine bought a 268 SeaRay as his first boat.He went through 3 props in the first week of his ownership.Charlie

 

[DJ]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

Here is my experience.<br /><br />1957 Evinrude 7 1/2.-original prop.<br /><br />1966 Evinrude 3-original (well over 1500 hours)<br /><br />1989 Johnson 90-original for the 8 years I owned it.<br /><br />And the list goes on.<br /><br />Props don't wear out, they get broken. I've seen people take out two in less than 50 yards.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

Prop life directly proportional to smarts of Captain operating unit in question.....

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

I refloated my dads old boat this last year>>>it has a 1978 Johnson 115>>the prop hub spun when I hit aprox 3000 rpm>>>it was the original aluminum prop, never hit, but not used in over 15years. Found an old OMC SST that my dad had on the boats original engine (1971 85hp Johnny)& it works fine.>>>Go Figure

 

[gpolson]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

A big thanks to everybody for their responses to my question about average propeller life. After trying several way of estimating it, I conducted an online survey of about 800 boater and asked them to estimate the average life of aluminum and stainless steel outboard propellers over 100 HP. The results of those polls are at:<br /><br />Alumninum prop average life<br /> http://vote.sparklit.com/archive.spark?archiveID=456791&pollID=816341 <br /><br />Stainless steel prop average life<br /> http://vote.sparklit.com/archive.spark?archiveID=456791&pollID=816339 <br /><br />I thought some might find them interesting.<br /><br />Thanks again for your help.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Average Propeller Life?

My personal experience shows that if you are a newbie, the propeller life expectancy is limited to one or two outings. <br /><br />After the initial prop trashing experience and subsequent prop replacement costs, the propeller life expectancy is greatly extended.