Should I upgrade to SS????

[jhafner]

Hello all,<br /><br />I own a 2000 Glastron SX-170 with a 2000 Johnny 115. I currently have a OMC 14 X 19 alum prop. Its pretty dinged up. Is there any advantage to upgrading to SS??? If so, what model. I usually just use the boat for watersports, tubing, kneeboarding and wakeboarding and general lake crusing. The current alum prop seems to be just fine for hole shot and top speed. I can get up to around 46 -47 mph trimmed out. Just wondering if its worth the $400 buck a roo's. I live here in Minnesota and boy I sure miss by little guy.

 

[QC]

Re: Should I upgrade to SS????

Take a look at both of the threads at the top of this section and add in a little more data. i.e. WOT RPM<br /><br />If the aluminum is your only prop, I usually recommend that you buy a Stainless and use the aluminum as a spare. You really need to have at least two on every boat. One that you are going to mess up, not if, when . . . and another to get you back if you really mess up.<br /><br />BTW, Welcome to iboats. Watch out for addiction . . .

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Should I upgrade to SS????

There are some good SS props out there for less than 400 bucks-new....some of the best, in fact.

 

[jhafner]

Re: Should I upgrade to SS????

Thanks Guys. The WOT for my outboard is 4500-5500 right now I am around 5200 at WOT. I think my 19P is OK.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Should I upgrade to SS????

A lot depends on the water you're in. If it's a shallow lake, stick with the Aluminum. I've seen destroyed aluminum props where the gears survived. I've also seen minimally damaged stainless props where the gears were destroyed. Props are WAY cheaper than gears.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Should I upgrade to SS????

5200 isn't enough, and with my prop test above, I proved it...you should be in the 5700-5800RPM range, or you're gonna be O/H'ing that engine before long.<br />I've said this before as well too, but the hub system in a factory hub prop has a material now that gives easier than it used to, and the flo-torq/XHS hub systems are great with stainless.<br />It isn't like it used to be with SS props, if a blade hits, it's not gonna take the gears out, hitting the front of the gearcase on a rock or stump will do some major damage regardless of prop...don't be afraid of SS....there's no reason to be, anymore....