SS prop pricing on iboats

[rkhanso]

I see a variety of pricing on iboats for a SS prop in the size I need. Is there a big difference in quality between these? What about performance? <br /><br /> http://www.boat-props.com/propeller...n-Standard/horsepower-90/year-1990/index.html <br /><br />Shows pricing from $130 to $294 for SS props. Clearance/Closeout Rapture to expensive Ballistic.<br /><br />The boat it'd go on is a 1990 Glastron G1700 fish/ski with Johnson 90hp 2-stroke (recently bored, new pistons, rebuilt). My WOT is 5550rpm now with a 13 1/4 x 19 aluminum Hustler prop. My top speed is approx 38mph. Will a new SS prop be worth the money?

 

[bayman]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

Usually you can't get a stainless for the price of an aluminum. The prices appear to be all over the place and not really based on quality...it's more obviously a clearance/closeout kind of thing. At these prices I would go with stainless over aluminum if stainless works for you.<br /><br />Read this forum for differences between aluminum and SS. They both have their advantages. The Ballistics are a good, fast stainless prop but if you are more likely to run the prop through sand then I wouldn't get it.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

In my opinion (based on test data) stay away from the Ballistic...it is a very inefficient prop, period. If it was half as good as it looked, they might have a chance.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

Gotta agree with walleyehed on this one. On my old boat, I had a Ballistic for my first ss prop. Ventilated badly on turns, and had significant torque steer issues. Also, most prop shops that I have checked with will not repair them.

 

[stevens]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

Walleyehed convinced me that my $305 Ballistic was not as good as a Turbo would be. I took his word for it, bought a nearly new $180 Turbo on ebay, and I have to say it performs very differently from the Ballistic. A lot less ventilation, better grip, more stability, better ability to trim out, less slip. The Ballistic was very smooth and responsive though, and great on take-off.<br /><br />I'd ask Walleyehed again for his specific recommendation anytime.<br /><br />Totally derailing the thread: Walleyehed - how's the kid doing? All well?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

Laying on the couch doing a breathing treatment as we speak.....pollon or something the doc says....????

 

[stevens]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

rkhanso - sorry about hijacking your thread.<br /><br />Walleyehed - glad to hear he's home and in good hands. Would that be pollen, as in pollen allergy? Common this time of year, can give breathing problems, and can be treated with antihistamine?

 

[rkhanso]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

So, is it worth spending another $130 for the Rapture SS prop when I have an already functional Aluminum Hustler?<br /><br />And if I did get the SS Rapture, would I get the same size as the aluminum prop I have now?

 

[stevens]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

I started down that road, first with the Ballistic, then with the Turbo. Although quite happy with the end result, I must say it has not been a lot of "bang for the buck" or for the effort. Should have stayed with the Black Max alu prop, added the Smart Tabs and been done with it.<br /><br />In your case, it's your call. If your current prop works well, don't expect drastic improvements. However, if you in any case need a spare prop on board, you might consider the upgrade if you can get the SS prop at a discount. Not sure how the experts here would rate the Rapture, though.<br /><br />As for pitch, it is hard to say how these specific props play out. Here are the numbers I got on my boat:<br /><br />23" Black Max alu, 36 knots at WOT of 4300 rpm.<br />21" Ballistic SS, 34,5 knots at WOT 4450 (rev limiter).<br />23" Turbo SS, 36,5 knots at WOT of 4100 rpm.<br /><br />Probably the ideal then, for me, had been to go down 1 inch when going from the aluminum prop to the SS prop, but that's just for my specific setup. Incidentally, this is exactly what Walleyehed recommended.<br /><br />So, ask Walleyehed or Dhadley what they think for your boat or, better still, try some props out before you buy, if you can. Also, consider buying used from ebay or others rather than brand new.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

Yes, if you can test props, the more the merrier.....That's the best way to find what will perform the best for ya...

 

[RatFish]

Re: SS prop pricing on iboats

I had a 17 pitch Hustler aluminum prop. A buddy gave me a 17 pitch stainless steel Mercury Mirage Plus prop he took off his boat before he sold it. I liked the Hustler but the stainless prop is a better performer from hole shot to high speed. Get a quality stainless steel prop, you won't regret it.