Composite props - any feedback ?

[Moody Blue]

Thinking of getting one for my 40HP as a spare or primary prop. Existing prop is 10 1/8 x 15 pitch 3 blade. The composite prop is 10" x 13 pitch 4 blade. Would they be compatible as far as performance and RPM ? Thanks all.

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Composite props - any feedback ?

I have a Pirhana composite prop on my 15hp Evinrude that I run on my inflatable. It performs better than the OEM aluminum prop. The fact that the blades are individually replacable by the user is an added bonus! I can replace a broken blade, or do a pitch change on the water easily. It takes me more time to remove and install the prop nut than it does to change the blades. There is less cavitation and ventilation than the OEM prop, and overall seems to have far more "bite" on the hole shot.

<br /><br />Yah Think?<br /><br /> Cheers,<br /> Snow.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Composite props - any feedback ?

I had a Comp Prop on a trihull I had and really liked it until I broke it on a rock pile. The gearcase survived, however. But the single-piece prop had to be tossed.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Composite props - any feedback ?

For small HP, open water guys, they're great....other-wise I'd recommend them for a spare only......4lb carp will peel a blade off.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Composite props - any feedback ?

I think I might go for it. What effect is there by changing from a 3 to 4 blade and reducing pitch by 2" ? Any other pros or cons ?<br />Snowdrggn, is yours 3 or 4 blade ? Haven't seen the replaceable blades. I'll take a look.<br />Walleyehed sound as though you speak from experience. Are they really that fragile ? I run in open deep water 95% of the time. I like the fact though the prop sacrifices itself to save the gear case. Hopefully I'll never need to verify that fact Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Drydocked]

Re: Composite props - any feedback ?

Originally posted by RodC:<br /> Thinking of getting one for my 40HP as a spare or primary prop. Existing prop is 10 1/8 x 15 pitch 3 blade. The composite prop is 10" x 13 pitch 4 blade. Would they be compatible as far as performance and RPM ? Thanks all.

I have a 90 HP motor that I have tried both ComProp and Piranha props on. Compared to the OEM aluminums, I've found the following (again, this is on my motor, not a generalization):<br /><br />Piranaha 3-blade: performs the same as the aluminum, but you get the advantage of replaceable blades<br /><br />ComProp 4-blade: actually performed slightly better than the OEM aluminum and the Piranha props with the same pitch. The blades on the Comprop are thinner, allowed the motor to spin at higher RPMs, even though it is a 4-blade. However, it you damage a blade or two, they are not easily repairable, and you have to toss the prop.<br /><br />If the 4-blade you are considering is a ComProp, I would stick with the same pitch as your aluminum 3-blade, unless you think you need more RPMs.<br /><br />The Piranhas are handy as a spare prop because you can store them dis-assembled, and it takes less room. The box they come in is something like 5" x 5" x 18".

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Composite props - any feedback ?

RodC,<br /> I run a 3 blade Pirhana, there isn't a 4 blade available for my small outboard. I've given mine a fair bit of "testing" against objects and found them not to be overly fragile. The thing I like is that if you damage one blade, you replace one blade. The cost of a full set of blades is slightly less than a trip to prop shop, and no down time while the prop is being repaired. Plus you don't have to drop it off, then go back and pick it up at a later date when it is fixed. I know a few people that run the Pirhana props on 100+ hp outboards, and say they aren't as good as stainless, but like them better than aluminum.<br /><br />Here is their website: http://www.piranhapropellers.com/ <br /><br />I get mine online from: http://www.acepropeller.com/ who are located in western Canada and also have a toll free phone number.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /> Snow.