Re: Piranaha Props???
I have Pirahna prop - on a 1991 18' bowrider with 175 HP 4.3 OMC - the prop that was on my boat when I purchased it was a SS 15 x 17 (which after hitting a log, damaging the prop, bending the prop shaft and so forth) I purchased the Pirahna in the same 15 x 17 size.
The Pirahna is extremely light and strong and is nice for the fact that the blades come off the hub individually and thus you can replace a broken blade for around $22 versus the entire prop AND/OR you can swap out to another diameter and/or pitch blades using the same hub and can match different boating needs by simply swapping the blades.
I did have my SS repaired AND repitched to a 19" and the hole shot suffered only SLIGHTLY but the 19" was a much better match. Before it was like I was stuck in 1st gear and now much better and 10 mph faster!
SO, I sent my 15 x 17 Pirahna blades back (which they let you swap around for no charge, except shipping if you send them back in like-new cond) and ordered the 15 x 19. However, the 15 x 19 Pirahna gets up to about 40 MPH vs the SS at about 45-47 WOT top speed.
Although I feel that should I hit another log (I boat in the MS river) that the Pirahna would be sacrificed and save my prop shaft and drivetrain, I love the extra performance of the SS and thus that is my main prop.
Plus, storing the Pirahna on the boat as a spare really is nice since the blades and hub all disassemble and fit in a tight space.
Overall, I would give the Pirahna a definite thumbs-up, though one notch lower than the performance of SS (but a couple notches lower in price!)
