difference between aluminum and SS

[PowerAddict]

Why would you choose a prop in either material over the other? Whats the difference?

 

[frozenokie]

Re: difference between aluminum and SS

Why would you choose a prop in either material over the other? Whats the difference?

Aluminum is softer and the prop ears will flex under heavy load and are much cheaper than stainless. They are not as "heavy duty" as stainless since the SS takes harder tings and ticks.

Stainless props are more durable, much more expensive but, in my opinion, are far better value due to allowing you to be comfortable knowing that if you hit a little something going down the lake (God forbid), the SS prop will take it much better than aluminum. The aluminum will more than likely snap an ear.

I believe in aluminum props ONLY for a backup somewhere in the boat, but I also fish in very stumpy waters!

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: difference between aluminum and SS

I had two aluminum props when I first bought my boat. I would run one while the other was in the shop getting fixed from hitting something and messing it up. After that cycle went round and round a few times, I wised up and bought a stainless prop. Now ten years later, the stainless prop still looks like new.

 

[steelespike]

Re: difference between aluminum and SS

The stainless is a finer design,less flex cleaner edges generally produce
better bite with less ventilation.They are tougher but more expensive to repair.Stainless is said to hold up better where stumps or soft impact is a problem. If hard impact is likely aluminum while more delicate is cheaper to repair.

 

[Bondo]

Re: difference between aluminum and SS

Ayuh,....

The guys who insist on running SSteel Props are much more likely to be buying New Outdrives, instead of New Props, after a strike on realestate....

If you boat in Skinny Water,.... Aluminum is Better.....

 

[racer-x]

Re: difference between aluminum and SS

Check out Piranha composite propellers. They are stronger than aluminum, and give great performance for a composite prop.
I have read lots of performance tests on them, and their light weight seems to let the engine rev more freely (stainless is heavy) and give faster 0-30 and plane times.
Often top speed rivals the best stainless, and better than aluminum.

They also have 3 and 4 blade designs. And when you have a prop strike, you will be replacing blades on the spot, and continuing on with your day. It would suck to bend a shaft.... because you are dead on the water!

Just an alternative that I discovered, and it's for your consideration.

 

[PowerAddict]

Re: difference between aluminum and SS

So an aluminium prop MIGHT effect your topend a bit because of prop flex, but other than that, performance wise, the props are no different.

Props of the same stats, in either matearial should yield identical performance?


It just made me wonder, my service manual doesn't mention stainless props and I didn't know why?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: difference between aluminum and SS

We do a lot of fishing on the flats as a lot of folks do around here. Just came from a flats tournament with 110 boats. Not one had an aluminum prop. If you fish / boat in shallow water ss is the only way to go.

Obviously we hit bottom all the time. If we use aluminum props we'd be buying a new prop every trip. Been boating in shallow water for over 40 years. Hit pretty hard from time to time and have never tore up a lower unit. Props, yes. Lower unit, never.

 

[steelespike]

Re: difference between aluminum and SS

So an aluminium prop MIGHT effect your topend a bit because of prop flex, but other than that, performance wise, the props are no different.

Props of the same stats, in either matearial should yield identical performance?


It just made me wonder, my service manual doesn't mention stainless props and I didn't know why?

From my limited experience aluminum & stainless same demensions the stainless will generally deliver better performance.Can be especially effective combating ventilation.