should I replace my prop?

[NathanY]

My evinrude 9.5 has a plastic prop on it and I was wondering if I should put a metal prop of some sort. The plastic prop has no kind of cupping on it and I think that a metal prop will give me a little more performance, well I dont expect a 9.5 to run a 100mph either, but I do want it to plane out a little better. Will a metal prop give me that?

 

[corm]

Re: should I replace my prop?

Hi Nathen,<br />A metal prop with a diferent style blade may give you more push. The plastic props were known to wear down (get smaller in diameter) with out getting out of balance due to their light wt. This smaller dia will hinder your performance.<br />Take your prop to your dealer and check the dia against a new prop of the same pitch. If it is the same to get more power you will have to get a prop 1 in smaller in pitch. This is dependent on having a well tuned motor as the 9.5s weren't real powerful to start with. <br />Hope this helps some.<br />...have fun...corm

 

[btwitche]

Re: should I replace my prop?

You will get better performance and durability out of a metal prop. Manufacturers are able to make the blades much thinner without having strength issues, thus making the prop more efficent. Althoug this tends to be more of a factor in high speed situations, there is still some gain. Also, more agressive blade cup and rake configurations are possible using higher strength material. Plus the metal prop will keep its edges better when the prop gets into sand or dirt regularly.