Need advice - composite props

[subkron]

Went thru two aluminum props this year (after having both repaired last year). Thinking of switching to composites, either propulse or piranha.<br /><br />Does anyone have any experience with these or any other recomendations?

 

[Catchem]

Re: Need advice - composite props

Subkron,why the problems with the aluminum ones?<br />Did you hit something or severe cavitation etc.Must be a reason why your going thru props so fast.

 

[subkron]

Re: Need advice - composite props

I boat on the Delaware around Philadelphia and there's alway's stuff in the water.<br /><br />First one was at night, the second time was a week or two after a hurricane came through. Lot's of debris.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Need advice - composite props

I've ran several piranhas in testing, and they aren't "bad" props, but they aren't on my top 5 picks either. What type of bottom substrate are you dealing with??? Sand, rock, wood, etc??<br />What engine/boat combo are you operating?

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Need advice - composite props

I run a pirhana prop on my 15hp Evinrude on a 10ft Zodiac. It works vastly better than the OEM aluminum prop. Less ventilation/cavitation. On the water blade replacement is quick and easy, blades are inexpensive, and no "downtime" while my prop is off getting fixed. The other advantage is that you only need to change the damaged blade, not all of them, depending on the damage. I run into extremely remote areas and have found the Pirhana prop to be a extremely good solution for me. Any tests that I have seen they are deemed to be superior to aluminum for performance, but not up to stainless. Pirhana props may not be for everyone, but for me they are the answer.<br />Just my 2 cents,<br /> Snow.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Need advice - composite props

I know nothing about composite props.<br /><br />Can composite props be drilled? - Reworked? - Even blueprinted?<br /><br />Has anyone any experience in this?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Need advice - composite props

How bout telling us what you are hanging the prop on. Have you considered SS?

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Need advice - composite props

Still fishing, I have drilled a set of Pirhana blades to induce controlled ventilation during the hole shot with good success. <br /><br />Snow.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: Need advice - composite props

Subkron, I run Pirhana with great success. Twice they saved me some serious damage. Once backing up into a garage, (I left the engine down) and once in a sandbar. My friends go through aluminum props like candy compared to me replacing a blade now and then. We usually go the same places. They are not that expensive and well worth the try. I use mine on a 48 Special.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Need advice - composite props

I had a CompProp. I liked it. But then I ran over a rock pile no-waking out and damaged it and threw it away. Those are 1-piece. 2 of 4 blades were still usable. If they'd have been opposing blades, I'd have sawed-off the bad ones just to see what happened. But no such luck.

 

[subkron]

Re: Need advice - composite props

Sorry for the late reply, but from earlier posts:<br /><br />I have a 19 1/2 ft '94 Wellcraft Eclipse bowrider with an 4.3L, 180 HP Mercruiser and a Alpha one sterndrive. WOT RPM is 4400-4800.<br /><br />I was considering stainless except I'd rather not transfer the shock/forces to the outdrive when I do hit something.

 

[reference123]

Re: Need advice - composite props

I have also used a 4 blade compprop and pirahna. The compprop performed well but cost about the same as an aluminim prop and was toast the first time I hit a rock. Tore most of one of the blades off. <br /><br />The pirahna performs well also. In fact, i prefer it to the aluminum counterparts. Havent had to replace a blade yet but the place I ordered it from included one extra and the cost was about the same as a similar aluminum one. <br /><br />I cant run SS because of the age of my drive and cost of repair if I tear it up.