Buying a Stainless Prop

[keifermj]

Last year I purchased a 1999 Four Winns 245 Sundowner. She currently has on a aluminum prop with a 15" diameter, 17" pitch with 3 blades. I'm assuming this is the factory original. The boat has a Volvo Penta 5.7 SX engine and I have no complaints about how the boat has run with with current prop, but it's pretty beat up. Because of this I would like to invest in stainless prop, but I'm confused by all the different options (Solas, Quicksilver, Volvo Penta OEM, etc). Based on my boat and current prop, can someone help steer me into a prop that I should be looking at? I did notice there are 14-3/4" and 15-1/2" diameters available. Which size should I be looking at? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Buying a Stainless Prop

Many of the propeller web sites will have a 'prop selector' app to help you. I am thinking 14-3/4" would be good for you, not the 15-1/2"

You will probably end up at a similar pitch to what you already have (like 17" or 19")

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Buying a Stainless Prop

There are pros and cons to a SS prop. Because they can be maded thinner, they are a higher performing prop with everything else being equal. They also are less likely going to get dinged up hitting small wood pieces.

On the other hand, if you are one that likes to hit the bottom occasionally, they are less forgiving than an aluminum prop to your drivetrain.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Buying a Stainless Prop

Last year I purchased a 1999 Four Winns 245 Sundowner. She currently has on a aluminum prop with a 15" diameter, 17" pitch with 3 blades. I'm assuming this is the factory original. The boat has a Volvo Penta 5.7 SX engine and I have no complaints about how the boat has run with with current prop, but it's pretty beat up. Because of this I would like to invest in stainless prop, but I'm confused by all the different options (Solas, Quicksilver, Volvo Penta OEM, etc). Based on my boat and current prop, can someone help steer me into a prop that I should be looking at? I did notice there are 14-3/4" and 15-1/2" diameters available. Which size should I be looking at? Any advice would be appreciated.[/QUOTE

With what I am reading here you don't want to change to SS. You want more of what you currently have; can't beat "being satisfied with current prop". This site has alum props that can meet your needs. Start changing type of props and you start introducing unknowns into the performance equation and it could be expensive to get out of the hole you dug yourself into. And alum runs around $100 and SS goes from $250 (if you are lucky) to who knows.

I have 4 props for my current engine and 3 are SS. Had my reasons for wanting SS. Took me 4 to find out where I was. You already know where you are.

HTH,
Mark