Composite, Piranha Prop?

[Chris73Cobia]

Hi guys,

I have a 1973 Cobia Trihull which is getting repowered with a 1991 70hp Force. The motor has an aluminum prop, not quite sure the pitch and all, and of course I cant make any moves in the prop department until i get it on the lake with a tach. What I was wondering has anyone had a good experience on mid power motors with composite (comprop) or the piranha prop with its quick to replace blades. I fish in an area just below a dam and when they open it, it kicks up arm wide stumps and branches, and sad to say I've hit one once with my old motor (thankfully had SS prop) but wanted to know about replacing those blades on the water, etc.

If you are of the opinion that I should go stainless with the correct pitch and size and never look back let me hear you to, I have quite a few options.

Thanks in advance.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Composite, Piranha Prop?

I've heard that the stainless holds up well to soft strikes.It would seem that replacing blades would at the least be awkward on the water and expensive over time.Aluminum are somewhat delicate but relatively inexpensive to buy and repair.I would think extreme caution would be in order at low water.

 

[you can try mine]

Re: Composite, Piranha Prop?

I have piranna props on both my boats. the reason is if you hit something solid something is going to give prop blades are 20 dollars, prop shafts are a bit more. As for replacing on the water the prop comes on and off just like any other one, then the blades slip in to slots and you put the prop back on. The only time I ever broke one is when I hit something. The other good thing is as long as the blades are in good condition you can exchange them for differnt pitches no problem. I hav had them for over ten years.

 

[wingtime]

Re: Composite, Piranha Prop?

Dude maybe you should get a Nerf prop if you expect to not have any damage from hitting a rock. No motor or prop is designed to withstand hitting objects with no ill results just maybe minimize them.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: Composite, Piranha Prop?

chris, under your circumstances I would go with SS again, as usually hitting smaller objects will not be as detrimental to SS as any other material. composite props are great, IF you run in deep water and never hit anything. BUT they are NOT cheap and the blades break very easily.


H

 

[Rusty_Stainless]

Re: Composite, Piranha Prop?

Mate, I've owned Al, SS and Piranha and the first thing I would say is avoid the Al. In terms of price, it's a very difficult decision as to either go for a good second hand SS prop or a new Piranha. My problem is that some days the family want to go skiing and some days its just me wanting to cruise a long distance to a favorite fishing spot. Thats where the Piranha comes in to its own. I can change the pitch in a matter of minutes to suit the days duties. But if you just have a set routine then go for the SS. Actually, if money was no object I would just have two SS props to choose from. (ACTUALLY at only $112 delivered for my last 2nd hand SS prop I CAN afford two props!!)
Check out my simple video review of the Piranha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpcy8yxHH44
By the way, changing the blades on the water is possible but its a hell of long way to reach the prop on an outboard from inside the boat.
Good luck
UPDATE
Just an update for others who might be researching this topic .....
I flatly do NOT recommend Piranha 3 blade for Australia because they are double the US price (ripoff!!)and cannot compete with secondhand Stainless Steel in price, performance and durability. If you are running 4 blade then maybe its still worth while.

 

[Bayliner175xt]

Re: Composite, Piranha Prop?

Hi we run a Piranha 4 blade on our Sterndrive and it has saved us allot of $$$
We hit a submerged log and all we did was brake 2 blades, easy quick fix.
Comp props are fairly cheap to buy, once you have one it's real cheap to replace blades or re pitch.

enjoy your boating