Props - SS or Alu

[cloumar]

What is the advantage of a stainless steel prop versus an aluminium cast ? Where or why the stainless steel is better ?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Mario

 

[Forktail]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

Stainless: higher cost, more durable, and usually better performance. Saltwater perferred.<br /><br />Aluminum: lower cost, less durable, and usually lower performance.<br /><br />Selection is a balance between cost and performance.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

just put an SS prop on end of last season...<br />gonna have to be more careful now though. if'n<br />I hit a big rock, it's the lower end, not the prop that's gonna give.<br />which is better?

 

[Forktail]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

Yea, we hear this alot. <br /><br />From my experience if you hit a big rock, the prop isn't the first thing to hit...the lower unit is.<br /><br />And SS props (just like aluminum props) have a rubber slip/clutch mechanism within the hub that allows the prop to stop and the shaft to continue to spin if you hit bottom. So damaging the lower unit or propshaft is nearly identical in both cases....except the SS prop may not break or need repair.<br /><br />There are very few instances where a stainless prop will cause more damage to the lower unit. The biggest disadvantage to the SS prop is cost.

 

[JB]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

I agree with Forktail. <br /><br />As to performance and durability, you get more for more bux with SS.<br /><br />The notion that a SS prop endangers your gearcase is a myth.<br /><br />I use a SS prop to avoid damage from light hits.

 

[cloumar]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

Thanks guys, for your replies !<br /><br />Mario <br /><br />

 

[jimtodd72]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

Allow me to throw a wrench in the gears here. I've been very pleased with my 4-blade composite prop. Price is about 30% less than aluminum with performance similar to stainless steel. Corrossion is not an issue and in two ears of fresh and salt waer use, it looks like new which I could never say about an aluminum prop. There are difinitely limitations though. A high speed (or even not so high speed) prop strike will destroy the prop...they don't ding or nick like aluminum, they will shatter and cannot be repaired so you have to always be mindfull of your propeller especially around ramps, shallows, and oyster beds. They are primarily marketed as spares but I have been extremely happy with mine and keeping my old dinged up aluminum prop as a spare. I bought mine at www.midwestpropeller.com which had good pricing and free shipping.<br /><br />Jim

 

[OBJ]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

JT72...good points...all wrenches welcome. The comp props haven't really caught on here along the muddy banks of the Ohio where at times it can be an obstical course when one of the dams lets lose a load of debris, every thing from milk jugs to railroad ties. Folks come in wanting to know what prop is the best and I give them the info much like it has been stated in the above posts. Then I give them the alternative to metal, comp props, and they give that "a plastic prop???" look. But as you said, the comp prop is a good alternative, just becareful with it and carry a spare.<br /><br />OBJim

 

[cgrivois]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

I run a 14' jon boat with a 25hp zuki with alluminum prop in the rivers. about once a year I have to get aluminum prop fixed. how much of an increase in performance could I expect from a ss vs an aluminum with a 25hp motor. curently runs between 27-31 mph, could I expect more. ive always been ofraid of the lower unit damage with ss prop, but makes sense, if you hit something, seems like foot would hit before prop does. i also run w/ motor unlocked so it will lift up when I hit something, sometimes not a good thing though, still got severe bruse on thigh from catching tiller handle hitting a submurged stump at 1/2 open throtle, ouch. probably saved foot on motor though. sory for the long post, in a nut shell, how much performance could I expect?<br />Craig<br />Columbia SC

 

[David Keith]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

I've been running ss exclusively. From Sarasota to the keys, never had any damage. And we have lots of skinny water. Occasionally you run aground and have to clean shell fragments out of the water output (pisshole). By the way, I've towed in a couple of boats with very mangled aluminum props experiencing bad vibrations. They seem to wilt at the slightest adversity. My SS spare has only served as ballast in a storage hatch for 3 years and 3,300 miles. The primary prop looks brand new. When it comes to props on boats and tires on cars I don't skimp.<br />DK

 

[cpasseno03]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

Personally I think a good hard bang on a SS will put a bend in your shaft, regardless of the rubber hub. Whereas an AL would take the brunt of the impact. As for the SS performance advantage, how? If both are the same specs and SS is actually faster what is changing? I have heard it has something to do with less flex, fact or fiction? Thanks<br />Craig

 

[ob]

Re: Props - SS or Alu

Craig ,Stainless steel props are able to be designed with overall thinner leading edges and blades because of the tensil strenghth and hence slice the water more efficiently.Also , most ss props are double cupped. Weight inertia enables them to troll a bit smoother as well,particularly on the 3 cyl rudes I've run that don't like to be idled in gear for extended periods.