SS vs Aluminum

[1FASTLASER]

Ok let me say this before I get to my point of this post. There are several of the oldtimers here that if they tell you a mouse can pull a boxcar u better hookem up. I am NOT challenging anyones knowledge.... I am trying to gain knowledge
Time and time again I see a recommendation for an aluminum prop over a ss prop. Now I have been helping people setup there boats for optimum performance for along time now. Now grant it I do mostly bass boats and ya'll do alot of ski rigs and deep v's and they certainly are different critters than a boat with a pad. In 99% of the boats I have done ss is by far superior for performance reasons. One question I have is.... have the prop companies advanced there aluminum props where they hold cupping...where they dont flex etc..etc...Like I stated i am not challenging your knowledge just trying to gain knowledge simly because I see alot of recommendations made for aluminum over ss.

 

[jestor68]

Re: SS vs Aluminum

It might be helpful for you to read up on the current technology in casting aluminum props; called "squeeze casting" and how it differs from die casting.

Right now, I know two companies employing this process; Solas and Turning Point. It results in aluminum props that are superior to the "old" die cast props.


Edited: to remove reference to a test of al vs SS. I couldn't find the reference, so it never happened. SS props are always better than aluminum props.

 

[emilsr]

Re: SS vs Aluminum

Both manufacturing techniques and metallurgy have advanced over the years. This doesn't just apply to aluminum props. That said, the application still determines the best metal for the job; aluminum, stainless, bronze or nibral.

Your concerns are still valid, but the amount of power that can be absorbed without blade deflection has gone up considerably over the past 30 odd years that I've been messing about with boats. SS is still king in high power/high speed applications but in the mid power levels (up to 150hp or so) aluminum is now an option. Back in "the day" I would have never tried to run more than 100hp thru an aluminum wheel.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: SS vs Aluminum

It might be helpful for you to read up on the current technology in casting aluminum props; called "squeeze casting" and how it differs from die casting.

Right now, i know two companies employing this process; Solas and Turning Point. It results in aluminum props that are superior to the "old" die cast props.

I can show you test results of two identical boats; one with a SS prop and the other using a Solas aluminum prop. Look at the numbers and see that the Solas ran side by side with the SS prop up to top speed; where the SS bested it by 1/2 MPH.

Plz do so. It's about time tech showed some improvement it marine.

 

[1FASTLASER]

Re: SS vs Aluminum

Thanks so much for pointing out the casting improvements. I was unaware that they had advanced there technology.
I had seen several recommends for an aluminum Solas Amitas and I forget the Turning Point that comes highly recommended by several of you. I now understand why. With the new casting process I can DEFINATELY see some advantages now in running aluminum over stainless.Again Thank You for pointing this out and I have alot of reading to do.