pros and cons,props

[andrewsailor]

Looking for some info on pros and cons with stainless props over aluminium.I currently run a 13 x 19 on an alumacraft 165cs with a 75 4 stroke yamaha,I am happy with the performance but am thinking of getting stainless,I usually fish in only one lake that I know pretty well, so hitting something hopefully would not be a problem,any thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: pros and cons,props

Pretty happy with performance but thinking of stainless is what you said. The question then is WHY? Just because it's shiny does not mean it performs better. Besides, you may already have the best prop setup but since you provided no wide open throttle or speed information we have no way to judge your setup. Check the READ THIS FIRST sticky at the very top of this forum. Optimnize engine setup (height) before spending money on props.

 

[andrewsailor]

Re: pros and cons,props

Happy with current performance ,but will a stainless improve anything
Current prop is 13x19 prop that came with the motor
Currently running at 5600 WOT and 38 mph on GPS
2009 Yamaha F75 four stroke,2.31 gear ratio
Boat is an Alumacraft 165cs boat,motor weigh 1300lb,plus fuel,fishing gear,2 batteries usually 2 x 200lb people

So just would like to know what effect would a stainless prop have if any
Thanks again

 

[Silvertip]

Re: pros and cons,props

The next question then is "which" stainless steel prop. Again -- just because it's stainless does not guarantee it will perform better. Your engine should be running at 6000 rpm with an average load. If you experiment with trim and setup you may get there. 6000 rpm is the target. Whatever speed that achieves is what you get regardless which prop you have on the engine. If you increase pitch you lose rpm and speed because the engine can't twist more pitch. If you decrease pitch the engine will pick up rpm but speed will be the same because the boat moves less distance with each prop revolution. See where this goes!!! I ran your current numbers through a prop calculator and it shows 12% slip which is not too bad. I then ran an 18P at 6000 and with slip the same, your speed would increase only .6 MPH. Theoretically, you would need a 17P prop to get the engine to 6000 RPM. The reason I brought 18P into the mix is that "generally" a stainless prop will have slightly less slip than an equivalent aluminum. That's about all I can do for you except for stressing again that you experiment with engine height and trim before blowing money on props that will likely gain very top end.

 

[andrewsailor]

Re: pros and cons,props

Really appreciate the anwers
thanks again Silvertip

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: pros and cons,props

I was told by a boater who had experience with both props. to stick with an alum. prop. Two reasons in my mind to avoid stainless one is cost and two if you hit something you risk damage to your lower unit where an alum. prop will bend and you are out alittle money. Where the stainless could damage your motor plus need a new prop.
The guy that I know hit a log and bent his prop shaft with a stainless prop.
I personally see not advantage for the fisherman to every pay the extra $$ for stainless prop.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: pros and cons,props

My feelings are that if you feel you must absolutely have the finest of everything and absolutely need the last 1 or 2 MPH out your boat, make a living with it, and have the money to spend experimenting to find the optimum prop for your rig, then go for it. Otherwise the investment becomes a "look at my shiny prop" situation and it becomes a target for thieves.