quicksilver aluminum or SS ???

[WAVENBYE2]

I messed up my lower unit at the lake and The prop is curled up, What is on the lower unit is a Quicksilver 48 16318 A4, Is this aluminum or SS, I put a magnet to it and it stuck to it, do aluminum props have metal added to them for stregth or should I be worried that its a SS prop and could have done more damage that is not seen yet, every thing seems fine and didn't mess up internally, but we know how that goes. Input would be good, Thanks ...Pat

 

[junior1113]

Re: quicksilver aluminum or SS ???

take it off is it 20 lbs or 5 lbs. more than likely its ss if you curled it. allum props break of in most cases not bend. i would ckeck prop shaft for any type of wobble. if this got bent gears could be damaged also.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: quicksilver aluminum or SS ???

Ya I know thats what I am afraid of, no wobble at all from the shaft and she spins very smooth and not only that I was able to get it back to the dock and load her the same as normal, stern raised and lowered the same too.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: quicksilver aluminum or SS ???

waven, usually stainless steel props are silver in color and very shiny. Although some are more satin or brushed in finish.
Aluminum props are painted black. (Maybe white or even grey, but Painted nonetheless) And even when the paint comes off the blades, the hub still has paint on it. So is the prop painted or not? That's the easiest way to tell. Next is the weight. If it's heavier than sin for it's size, it's stainless steel. If it's relatively light, it's aluminum.
Once you figure out what you have and look at other props, you'll be able to tell SS from AL with just a glance.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: quicksilver aluminum or SS ???

Ya it's gotta be a SS, perfectly shiny, brushed, I even stuck a magnet to it too and it stuck right on, Yes when I get a new prop I will be able to tell at a glance, here are som pics.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: quicksilver aluminum or SS ???

Not to rub it in, but I showed my wife a picture of your prop, and she even knew it was made of steel. She said, "aluminum, no wait, it's shiny, that's steel." I did have to remind her that most aluminum props are painted.
BTW you really really really messed up your drive and prop! Impressive damge indeed! But not impressive in a "you should be proud" way! Yikes!

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: quicksilver aluminum or SS ???

Magnets only stick to steel. If you have a magnet that will stick to alum, then you are going to be a very rich man.

That must have been a hell of a ride as the skeg is gone too.

 

[hwsiii]

Re: quicksilver aluminum or SS ???

Waven, that is as bad as it gets unless you crack the lower unit housing and I am amazed that didn't happen. It sounds like you didn't ruin the gears in the outdrive and you are very lucky there, and that probably means the hub gave loose like it was supposed to.

VERY LUCKY


H