Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

[magster65]

I've seen some beautiful polished props for the Bravo 3. Does anyone know for sure if this is this an 'asthetics-only' improvement or does it actually get you some economy or speed or something? They're definitely nice to look at...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

I seem to remember this very question posted a few months ago. I think the consensus was that polishing actually reduces performance--but we are not talking a great deal. Important in racing where every rev counts.

But they certainly have that "bling" appeal in the sun. I prefer them polished. I have a couple of Bronze wheels that I took jewelers rouge to--you should see them shine in the sun!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

Wow, those sure are pretty! I'll post a photo of mine after I "polish" them this spring. You'll get a kick out of the difference. Mine stay in the water all the time, so even if being shiny made a difference, they wouldn't be shiny for long!

 

[magster65]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

Uh hu... very pretty! Ya' see... if I was a native indian and the white-man showed up with shiny stuff... I'd have traded away all my pelts and spears for a little shiny bell or something.
Reduces performance? That would surprise me because the expensive props are all polished and the 'racers' all polish the heck out of theirs...
I googled it and couldn't find anywhere it said it was 'better' other than looks better. I do like 'bling'... but I won't do it if it reduces the props efficiency for some reason.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

Ayuh,..

I think the Polished Props are a Trailerboat option,.............

I can't see any pay-back for a Dockboat.......

I also think that any Performance Increase happens during the Grinding stage of the job,....
Thinning, Balancing,+ Then polishing.......

 

[magster65]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

Ayuh,..

I think the Polished Props are a Trailerboat option,.............

I can't see any pay-back for a Dockboat.......

I also think that any Performance Increase happens during the Grinding stage of the job,....
Thinning, Balancing,+ Then polishing.......

Yeah... I'm a dock boat for 7 months... I think I'll pass on the prop polishing.
Thanks!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

A highly polished prop has less surface stress and is more efficient...the part you don't want to wax or polish is the hull...that creates surface tension...

 

[magster65]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

A highly polished prop has less surface stress and is more efficient...the part you don't want to wax or polish is the hull...that creates surface tension...

How much more efficient? Are we talking an unmeasureable amount or like a couple %?

 

[TomP]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

What should people use to polish the SS props? Also, I too am interested in how much performance would be enhanced. I assume not much.

 

[magster65]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

I think the answer is in Bondo's response... probably varies depending how much the blades are thinned during the grinding process. I doubt a 'shine' does much other than attract the girlies
So it's worth it!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

on those stock bravo III props, its all bling bling.
youll never see a measurable difference, however polished stainless is about all merc offers.
goes with one of my all time dumb customers, got a work order to replace a black painted yamaha ss prop with a polished 4 blade tempest. when I asked the customer why? he repied, cause all my neighbors have one on there boats in the lifts and it looks cool.
I politly said nothing, pocketed the 30 min labor and walked away smiling.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

I'd agree with rodbolt on the noticeable gain being non-existent for the most part...and like I said, it relieves surface stress...the fact it looks pretty is extra gravy.

 

[seafox 257]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

I was told by several people that polished props create less drag and slice through the water better than a painted prop smoother surface. Hell I have a 4 blade polished prop on my checkmate I couldn't tell you the difference except in the pocket book but I can tell you it is a huge difference than the polished 3 blade. My center consule has painted 3 blades ( black ) they dont look as nice as the polished but for 600 bucks apiece I keep the painted with twin motors more gas money for me!

 

[Turbo1]

Re: Polishing SS props for Bravo 3

seefox ya ever seen a Turbo up close? yea, i din't think so.
them 4 blades faster than yer 3's?

holy crap! i didn't know the location where i lived ed show up on the screen. I dont really live there.