Metal or Plastic??

[tomstehr]

I am trying to decide on a good prop for my boat. I am curious first of all to know if I can expect the same performance from a Stainless prop with similar characteristics ,like same pitch with cup etc., as an Aluminum prop. I know the flex is different and all, but would it be safe to get the same pitch for the same purposes? Or does te change in metals create that drastic of a change I may want to consider a different pitch? Also, I would like some opinions from folks who run or have run composite props. Just trying to educate myself as best I can from fellow boaters xperience and expertise.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

Yo tom, post the size of the boat and engine/drive combo and how you use it.

 

[tomstehr]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

Yo tom, post the size of the boat and engine/drive combo and how you use it.

Aye sir! I have a Javelin 379 FS. It's an 18 ft. fish and ski combo with a Mariner 150 outboard. My primary use for it is fishing, but I do have a tube to pull the kids, or big kids on.

 

[muskiemike12]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

What do you have now for a prop?

 

[tomstehr]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

muskie, I currently have a 24p with a spun out hub. I just bought the boat and found out when i was trying to open it up. I hit 4000rpm fine, but when I pushed the throttle forward more, it spun. So, I am not sure what the top spwith that prop is, or where it would have hit at WOT.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

Speaking very basically usually your best overall performance will be with a stainless prop But how much better can vary from a few tenths to a few mph.There are aluminum props like the Hustler and rascal that can deliver close to ss performance at aluminum prices.
Composite props you can repair in the field but if you strike something they will fail and need a blade change. $18?
They do flex more than ss or al.Sometimes they have a spontaneous failure.Aluminum is inexpensive though some what delicate if you strike something, they do cost less to repair than ss.SS holds up a little better if you boat where soft contact is likely, mud and sand.
But cost more to repair.If you get us all the info requested in "read this first" at the top of the prop forum we may be able to suggest
a prop.

 

[tomstehr]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

1) Performance issue you are trying to correct. Spun Hub?
2) Current prop manufacturer, model, aluminum or stainless as a minimum. Don't know who makes it, but it is aluminum
3) Current prop diameter and pitch (required). I havent measured the diameter, but it is a 24 pitch.
4) Wide open throttle RPM and speed with an average load (very helpful. Have not been able to acheive WOT becauseof issue with prop (see #1 above)but the average load would be around 350 pounds.
I have a 1996 Javelin 379 FS with a 86 Mariner 150 outboard

 

[steelespike]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

Is the Javelin considered a light fast boat?
It may be cost effective to have your prop rehubbed.
Then you could get some numbers and if a prop change is in order
sell or use the old prop for a spare.

 

[tomstehr]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

Ok.. the aluminum prop is a three blade.. but i still dont know the diameter. Also.. this is an 18 ft bass boat and i guess my load would be closer to 400 pounds with an icechest added in there. I know the WOT range for this engine is between 5000 and 5600.
Thanks for setting me on course for sucess guys..

 

[tomstehr]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

Is the Javelin considered a light fast boat?
It may be cost effective to have your prop rehubbed.
Then you could get some numbers and if a prop change is in order
sell or use the old prop for a spare.

steele: I dont now if is considered light and fast, but i googled that question and found a guy who is running a jackplate an all that on his and says he is getting 85 gps with a 26 raker?? And I guess there isnt a fast simple answer to my question. I am on the tail end of an overseas deployment for the Army and wanted to order a prop so when I get home in August, I can get on the water quick! I went ahead and ordered a Hustler 14 1/4"x 23 and I guess I will have to re-open this post or start a new one when I get home and hit the lake!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

Was 85 with a 150 Mariner?? Calculator says at 6000 with 6% slip 26" prop = 74 mph.
I sure hope he uses a kill lanyard and wears a pfd.A boat can instantly turn killer at those speeds.

 

[tomstehr]

Re: Metal or Plastic??

Was 85 with a 150 Mariner?? Calculator says at 6000 with 6% slip 26" prop = 74 mph.
I sure hope he uses a kill lanyard and wears a pfd.A boat can instantly turn killer at those speeds.

No.. it was a 260?? The page I found it on had some crazy setups! Don't think any of the guys posting were trying to fish. The setups listed jackplates they were using and spaces for setback? I know I don't need my boat haulin that fast though! Anything over 60 on the water seems fast enough! Although, if I happen to find a set up that works and gets me up around 70-ish, I wont complain. Just not gonna go to the extreme those fella's did to get my boat goin fast!