S/S or aluminium for 50hp Yamaha

[lffoar]

Hi all,
I have just purchased a Quintrex aluminium 475 bay runner runabout, (15.6ft) with a 2000 50hp 4 stroke non EFI Yammy.
Only carry two people max with general fishing gear, food/beer cooler and maybe 40 litres fuel in the u/floor tank.
The boat came with an alloy prop 11.125 x 13 G which appears in good condition. I have the opportunity to get a S/S prop with the same diam and pitch so my question is: Are there any benefits/disadvantages in changing to the same pitch?
I don't want to change just to show off a shiny prop, just curious if it would be better.....and I can get it real cheap!! I've only been out twice but due to weather haven't had it at WOT so can't supply RPM, speed etc but have to grab this S/S prop in the next day or two if I want it.

 

[steelespike]

Re: S/S or aluminium for 50hp Yamaha

If you boat where hard contact (rocks)is likely a ss is less forgiving and al prop will crumple easier protecting the gearcase.
Most props have a cushion hub that is supposed to help.If you boat where contact with a soft bottom(sand,mud)is likely
a ss prop will hold up better.Al props cost less to repair.
Usually a ss prop will give an overall improvement in performance.It could range from a few tenths to a few mph.
Improvement would depend on the props design and how well your present setup is working.
If its cheap and is intended for your motor; grab it if it doesn't work out you can carry it for a spare
or resell it.

 

[lffoar]

Re: S/S or aluminium for 50hp Yamaha

Thanks Steelespike,
good advice, I'm gonna grab it, try it, if no better, spare or sell. Can't pass it up at AU$50