AL versus SS for efficiency; Spark Plugs

[emsai]

PROPS
I have a 1995 Whaler Outrage model 1 and a 1995 Evinrude 115 hp. I have a choice of two props to use: an SS prop 13x19 and an AL prop 14X19. I do not pull skiers, and usually there are no more than two people on the boat, fishing in quiet waters on the Intercoastal Waterway, and the Cape Fear, Black, and NE Cape Fear rivers. I am interested in efficiency __ want mo MPG's! It seems the answer is obvious, AL, but sometimes "obvious" is not the correct answer. Which prop will give better mileage?

PLUGS
Does anyone have an opinion or experience with Pulstar.com plugs? Seems they might be better in 2-cycle engines because (they say) their spark is hotter and faster, and would seem to "flash" the gas and oil mix better.

Ed Scott
emsai@yahoo.com

 

[rndn]

Re: AL versus SS for efficiency; Spark Plugs

I would tend to think SS is more efficient. The MFG can make the SS a little thinner because of the strength of SS over AL.
I don't know about the Pulsar plugs as I just ran across them in a magazine atricle a couple of months ago. If you do find anything out about the Pulsars please post a new thread with the information as I and I'm sure many others would be interested.

 

[steelespike]

Re: AL versus SS for efficiency; Spark Plugs

People have been making all kinds of goofy plugs since internal combustion
engines were invented.They have succeeded in making plugs last longer both with design and better ignition systems but performance improvement in a 4 stroke or 2 stroke won't happen.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: AL versus SS for efficiency; Spark Plugs

Stainless steel props are more efficient than aluminum because they are made a lot thinner and are still stronger than aluminum.

 

[QC]

Re: AL versus SS for efficiency; Spark Plugs

Yes, SS is more efficient, but a bad or wrong SS could be worse than a good AL. With that said, if they were the best of both, or even a bad of one and a good of the other, I think we're talking .1 MPG best case . . . There are very few things you can do to improve MPG other than cruising at the most economical speed. Sadly, with most v-hulls, that's idle

Although the above is true, it is ridiculous . . . A good cruise speed over a bad one could net you 1 MPG, so the best thing you can do is to get used to cruising just after she starts to make a clean wake. Use your trim, get her perfect and leave it there. A lot of guys start talking repowers, but you can buy a lot of gasoline for the cost of a new OB, or a new flangelrod, or titanium muffler bearings . . .

 

[JCF350]

Re: AL versus SS for efficiency; Spark Plugs

PLUGS
Does anyone have an opinion or experience with Pulstar.com plugs? Seems they might be better in 2-cycle engines because (they say) their spark is hotter and faster, and would seem to "flash" the gas and oil mix better.

Ed Scott
emsai@yahoo.com

Old smoke and mirrors technology in a new wrapper.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: AL versus SS for efficiency; Spark Plugs

If they provided any improvement at all (highly unlikely) their cost would be nowhere offset by fuel savings. Keep your engine tuned, get all of the useless stuff out of the boat, go on a diet, don't run around with a livewell full of water when there are no fish in them, and take one six pack of adult beverages instead of a case. Lose the 1000 watt amplifier and extra battery while you are at it. All of that saves fuel. Changing props and plug types will not.