Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

[petryshyn]

Hi Gents:<br />Is there an noticeable difference in running a polished versus a painted stainless prop? If so, is it practical to polish a painted one?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[bayman]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

I've never heard of anything related to performance.<br /><br />I have seen tests where it has been proven that nicks and even slightly bent props have terrible performance and cost you a lot more in fuel too.<br /><br />For those few people out there who own metal boats...<br /><br />Most of the time it is advisable to leave metals (especially below the waterline) painted as a noble metal like stainless steel can cause problems for nearby metals such as mild steel.<br /><br /><br />- bayman

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

I am with bayman on this, and have one thing to add....on trailer boats painted stainless steel props dont tend to 'walk off' as often as the shiny ones....

 

[DJ]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

Chematic,<br /><br />Agree with the others. The original OMC stainless props were called SST's. You may recall they were black. Two reasons.<br /><br />1. The paint slowed the galvanic action.<br />2. They were black to look distinct. At that time all OMC props were white. Didn't do much for the "walk off" problems.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

Some of the hotdog prop builders are glass peening there ss props. Say better performance. The one I saw had the prop builders name not peened and if looked spiffy. Don' know how they work though.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

Thanks guys.....I keep forgeting about the corrosion issues. We don't have corrosion here to any degree. It all makes sense!!

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

My OMC prop is an SST I still paint it Blk. for 1 reason, the SS still gets some fine rust on the edges. Every so often I check the prop,polish with 0000 steel wool,and repaint.It looks good , and it's part of my Prev. Maint.

 

[norman158]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

i have to agree with ODD1 on this. the polished props attract more attention than the black ones do.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

There is a performance issue but you need to get under 10% slip for it to be a real factor. This usually means you are dealing with a race boat or some type of very high performance boat. A "satin" finish vs a "polished" finish has to do with how a particular prop "grabs" or "holds" water on a particular set up. <br /><br />Other than that it's mostly a personal preference.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Clay]

Re: Polished stainless versus painted stainless props....

The "paint" on the SST is actually a teflon coating (so no I would'nt paint it) OMC's thinking was to make it as slippery as possible. Dhadley's right. test show that a satin finish prop pushes more water and is more true to its pitch. Will you notice it? Maybe if your crossing a finish line