General prop question

[GatorMike]

I'm getting ready to shop for a new prop. Searching online I see a pretty big price difference between a prop from Evinrude and one of the aftermarket brands. I was wondering if there is that much difference in quality and performance. Don't want to go cheap but if there is little or no difference why would I spend $450 for a prop I could get for $280 in an aftermarket brand?

 

[jimmbo]

There are plenty of differences between various props, brands, and models. To a lot of people, a prop is a prop, they all look the same. Well they are not. BRP makes some really good props, and so does Mercury. They, in my opinion, actually make the best props for recreational boating, period(that outta get some people riled up). Some of the aftermarket, sell props that are almost identical to BRP/Mercury entry level AL props. Other brands leave a bit to be desired, Engineering wise and quality control wise. Different prop designs will affect performance(acceleration and/or top speed), boat handling and fuel economy.
I have my favorite and it is not cheap, but none of my SS props are. I was running an BRP prop on my Volvo for a few years, then I switched to a Mercury prop.
With props you do get what you pay for, the idea is to pay as little as you have to to get what you want

The prop on the left is the one used in the video below, an OMC/BRP Raker.
I am currently running the one to the right of it, a Mercury Enertia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WBf2D0103Y

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have had good luck with props from michigan wheel. depending on the prop, I have purchased many OMC props (now BRP) in the past used from motors that were just wore out, however the pops were pristine.

 

[ahicks]

I don't spend any more than I have to for boats that won't run 35-40mph or so (outboards and I/O's). It's very difficult to justify. For boats running 65 plus, I won't buy a prop that doesn't include the best prop advice I can find, and that prop will very likely require that it be tuned for top performance. I've found that last couple miles an hour are elusive and require the patience of a saint - and saint's don't come cheap......

Point being, for me anyway, is spending 300+ for a prop that will never see 35-40mph is a waste. Spending 300 on a prop thinking it will take your 35mph boat and turn it into a 45 mph boat is a trip into fantasy land.

Inboard powered ski boats would be the exception. Those are specialty props that respond well to a few extra bucks in your budget.