Bravo III Mixing Prop Materials

[prestonthayne]

I have a Bravo III with counter-rotating props. Is there a reason I shouldn't replace my front prop with a four blade stainless steel while keeping my three blade rear aluminum prop? Is it bad to have props made of different materials?

 

[alldodge]

Welcome

Don't know of a B3 prop set front or rear which is made of aluminum, all are SS

Merc made what is called XR series (4 blade front, 3 blade rear) but all are SS.

It's your drive but that is a $10K+ gamble

 

[prestonthayne]

Well, the whole reason I asked the question is I was hoping someone would answer if it was a gamble or not. Obviously if it would put my outdrive at risk I would never do it. I take from your answer that you don't know for sure either. I took this pic a couple years ago and thought it looked aluminum. I guess it could be painted stainless steel. I guess I will need to double check next time run up to the dry dock.

 

[alldodge]

That is a stainless 24 pitch

 

[tpenfield]

Bravo 3 are stainless steel propellers - no hub. I have the 4/3 set on my outdrives.
you can get a 4/3 set if you want to try it - about $2k

 

[JimS123]

I have a Bravo III with counter-rotating props. Is there a reason I shouldn't replace my front prop with a four blade stainless steel while keeping my three blade rear aluminum prop? Is it bad to have props made of different materials?

I don't know if there a reason you can't do it or not, but I would ask WHY?

So what's the problem? Are you trying to solve 2 problems at once, and thus need 2 different technologies?

Whether mechanically possible or not, sounds like something I would not even think about.

 

[prestonthayne]

I don't know if there a reason you can't do it or not, but I would ask WHY?

So what's the problem? Are you trying to solve 2 problems at once, and thus need 2 different technologies?

Whether mechanically possible or not, sounds like something I would not even think about.

No, I just thought that since the prop was painted that it was aluminum. Since it isn't, I guess I don't need the original question answered. I was just wondering if I could save $800 by only replacing the front prop instead of replacing them both.

 

[prestonthayne]

That is a stainless 24 pitch

That is a stainless 24 pitch

Perfect. Thanks. I guess I don't need the original question answered then.

 

[tpenfield]

Also, keep in mind that the Bravo 3 propellers are 'matched sets' and the 24 pitch is for the overall set. Individually, you will find the outer propeller has more pitch than the inner propeller. So, you really want to find a matched set.