Changing to stainless steel prop

[Kchomes1]

Prop started slipping this weekend. Gonna change it out in the next few days. Currently have an aluminum 3 blade 15x17p. Want to switch to stainless steel. Any recommendations on size and 3vs4 blade? With current prop 35mph top speed, 4600 rpms at WOT range is 4400-4800
Boat info 1993 Monterey cruiser 25’
Engine mercruiser alpha 350 mpi
Outdrive alpha one gen 2 1.47 ratio

thanks

 

[Scott06]

Prop started slipping this weekend. Gonna change it out in the next few days. Currently have an aluminum 3 blade 15x17p. Want to switch to stainless steel. Any recommendations on size and 3vs4 blade? With current prop 35mph top speed, 4600 rpms at WOT range is 4400-4800
Boat info 1993 Monterey cruiser 25’
Engine mercruiser alpha 350 mpi
Outdrive alpha one gen 2 1.47 ratio

thanks

What are you looking to improve ? Ive found four blades to improve hole shot stern lift and planning speed. Larger boat like that may like a revolution 4 in 15 or 16” pitch . If you aren’t dead set on stainless might be good to try an aluminum four blade like a michigan vortex 16” . They are relatively cheap and would allow you to cut your teeth trying out a 4 blade

 

[Kchomes1]

Thanks! Everything numbers wise is pretty good right now not necessarily unsatisfied with any performance, but since it have to be replaced any ways if there is any room for improvement might as well make it now. Definitely not set on stainless just know they are generally considered “better”.

 

[Texasmark]

You can't jump off the aluminum wagon and onto the SS wagon...not that simple. OEM aluminum general purpose props vs SS which are usually high performance props, and that could be high performance in tasks other than top speed. are like night and day.

 

[jonny rotten]

Years ago I switched to a Stainless prop. Sure enough I bottomed out on a rocky bottom and bent the shaft. Never again.

I'll take a loss of like a 1/2 MPH with a disposable $100 aluminum prop over an outdrive rebuild.