How long do alum props last?

[electricjohn]

I have a Michigan Wheel aluminum prop on my Winner boat that is now 20 years old with 1000 hrs on it. Prop has no dings and most of the original black paint is still on it. 75% of the hrs are in salt water with an engine flush after every salt water use. Hub does not seem to be slipping at all yet.

My question is, do these props fatigue to a point of performance downgrades? Using the boat myself all the time, I think it would be hard to notice continuous changes that happen so slowly. Am I pushing my luck running a prop of this age? If I do replace, are the Merc Quicksilver alum props that much better both performance and design wise? A better hold with the Merc prop? Holding of the M. Wheel never impressed me.

Thanks for any input. John

 

[aspeck]

Re: How long do alum props last?

You are to be commended! A 20 year old aluminum prop with no dings! Man, around here they only last a year or two because by then logs, sticks, rocks, etc., have ruined the blades! I have no idea about the fatigue factor ... cuz mine were always shot MUCH sooner than that. I will tell you that when I changed to a stainless prop my performance changed dramatically and it was worth every penny of the investment!

 

[electricjohn]

Re: How long do alum props last?

The Raritan Bay is by no means a clean operating environment. I attribute my good luck to vigilance and possibly hull design. The hull of my boat does seem to push small object out from the keel line and off to the sides.

I always avoided going to a SS prop because I figured that's when the big flotsam strike would happen.

By the way, I do carry a spare and the wrench to change a prop if need be.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: How long do alum props last?

Where we fish the flats around here an aluminum prop would be doing good to last a whole trip - out & back. I don't really know anyone using an aluminum prop to be honest.

 

[electricjohn]

Re: How long do alum props last?

I have tried a few friends SS props in the pitch that is needed for my boat, and couldn't justify the $250 markup for the barely noticeable perfomance improvement I saw. Besides a $400 prop would double the value of my boat, of which I am the original owner.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: How long do alum props last?

Well i hate to sound so cliche' but, "if it aint broke....." you know the rest.

 

[aspeck]

Re: How long do alum props last?

Well i hate to sound so cliche' but, "if it aint broke....." you know the rest.

....give me a hammer, it will be????

 

[steelespike]

Re: How long do alum props last?

I have tried a few friends SS props in the pitch that is needed for my boat, and couldn't justify the $250 markup for the barely noticeable perfomance improvement I saw. Besides a $400 prop would double the value of my boat, of which I am the original owner.

A prop is not the only way to improve performance.Careful motor setup can help.Raise the motor vertically to a point just before venting becomes a problem.Just be sure it pumps water.If you have no venting issues you need to raise the motor.you could gain a couple of mph with a slight improvement in efficiency at no cost.A ss prop can help improve the height limit.Hustler makes an al prop that delivers close to ss performance at al prices.