Opinions on good Aluminum prop

[Dank]

I'm running my stock 'spare' prop on my Yamaha 90 / '87 Ebbtide fish/ski since my last 'stupid human trick' (forgetting to trim the motor up at the ramp). I'm a casual boater / fisherman / tube puller (once a week or so), and I don't want to spend $300 for a stainless prop, but I'm thinking of buying a new prop rather than repairing my bent one. I noticed you can get a 'Hustler' alum prop here at Iboats for $105, or just the prop w/out the hub for $53 (good replacement cost), but wanted to get some opinions.<br /><br />Thanks for any input!

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Opinions on good Aluminum prop

All discussions about prop advice involves your existing prop's specs and your WOT rpm together with your boat specs and expected use of it all.<br /><br />Let us have more details about your setup.<br /><br />Even try a search on these forums for PROP or start here

 

[Dank]

Re: Opinions on good Aluminum prop

Thanks for the reply, UU. I'm not really looking to change anything regarding my dia / pitch. My stock prop is a 13.25 x 17, and it gives me 5500 @WOT (highest recommended RPMs for my motor). My prop I bent is a 13.25 x 19, which gives me about 5200 @ WOT, and about 1 MPH extra with light load. Since I do yank the kids around the lake pretty often, I figured the lower pitch is probably better for me all-around. The stock prop has little if any cupping, and it will occasionally blow-out in tight turns. I'm thinking a new cupped 17 pitch prop would help that, plus maybe give me slightly more top end. But I know all brands aren't created equally, and I'd like to know what advantages / disadvantages folks have noticed with different brands.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Opinions on good Aluminum prop

Sounds pretty right. <br /><br />Check different materials (composite) and designs (individually replaceable blades). Cupping should help your slip problem.<br /><br />I'm under the impression that within same price range and material the differences are small from brand to brand. Cupping, blade area and shapes means a lot but aren't designating certain brands - rather certain prop types.<br /><br />Brands and prices vary - stainless being more expensive and more sophisticated.<br /><br />Is there any reason why you do not turn the damaged prop to a prop-shop? They can do amazing things.. changing pitch, cupping etc.<br /><br />If you decide on a purchase, any good store should help you trying different props to ensure you ending up with the right one.<br /><br />Personnally I switched from the stock 3-blade 19" alu to a 23" 5-blade stainless and it solved heavy cavitation, loss of grip while trimming, motor mount a little too high and ventilating in turns.<br /><br />Again - the HighFive prop ain't cheap but I'm pleased as it solved my problems.