Advantage of aluminum to SS propellers

[John Bett]

Hello. Can someone help me with a question I have? I have heard that SS props are better because they dont flex, but they are considerablly heavier. Does the nonflexing aspect 'outweigh' (ha ha ) the weight factor? And is the weight a factor? thanks..

 

[mark.aa]

Re: Advantage of aluminum to SS propellers

my limited experiance with pwc is that stainless steel is stronger lasts longer, blades are thinner and cause less drag,all pwc now come with stanless impellers as alloy impellers have thicker blades to give strength which are less efficient.but is this true for props?

 

[Basscat 1]

Re: Advantage of aluminum to SS propellers

SS props are more expensive for a reason, you get what you pay for. The weight doesnt factor in as much as the flex aspect does on the aluminum. Go with SS prop as long as its the size and pitch you need.

 

[ratracer]

Re: Advantage of aluminum to SS propellers

The 1 exception I'd say to that is if you're boating in shallow/rocky areas. An aluminum prop is usually cheaper to repair/replace and there's somewhat less risk of other damage if you do hit something because depending on what and how you hit the aluminum prop will "give" more readily.

 

[John Bett]

Re: Advantage of aluminum to SS propellers

Ok, thanks for the info. While I have the ears of experience, May I ask another question about pitch? I am maxing out rpms on my v4 at 5500 rpms with a 13 3/8x17. what would be the next step up 13x19? or 14 1/4x19?