Stainless is it worth it?

[skeeterboy]

Im thinking about buying a stainless prob for my 50hp merc, but didnt know if it is worth the 200 or so that i can get it for. Since i dont have a spare prob my alluminum would be the spare. Just curious.

 

[bayman]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

If I recall correctly, most people go though 3 aluminum props to 1 stainless. To me it depends on what you are using it for. For many people SS is better but for some people aluminum is actually better.

 

[ErikDC]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

Stainless props generally have hubs that are seated much tighter than aluminum props. If you're boating in open waters, I would use a stainless prop since the likelihood of the prop blades striking a submerged object are far less than in a shallow lake. Aluminum props are safer in shallow waters because the hub is more likely to slip and/or the blades more likely to shear, thus saving the lower unit gears. Just depends on where you go boating! Hope that helps! <br /><br />Erik

 

[monkeyboi]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

eric is right. <br />according to posts in other threads, the hub's main purpose/function is to absorb the shock of shifting into gear and not for the high impact force of striking debris/rocks.<br />stainless, obviously stronger than aluminum, has much less blade flex and the blades are thinner, reducing the drag of turning the prop blade through the water. Aluminum, being softer, allows for more flex and has thicker blades. <br /><br />bottom line, stainless offers better performance but aluminum offers peace of mind.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

Been boating in south Florida for 35 years. Started out with al and went to SS about 20 years ago & would never go back.

 

[skeeterboy]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

Just have to go see who has the best prop for the money and what pitch i need.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

its all trial and error. get a good prop shop who lets you loan their props to test and see which one works best for you.

 

[mollywalk]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

I have a 50hp johnson.<br />I purchase a use S.S. which was painted to not to confuss you with a polish one but I did get out of the hole much faster and with a tri hull it was a big diffenerce.<br />The speed will not change and it it does you will not notice it.<br />I pick up my prop for $35 but I place 8 coats of rust remover and two coat of paint reover before i use marine solvent and etch prime it.<br />I them use a engine gloss black and it looks like a million bucks.<br /><br />So if you can fine a deal like that and have time on your hands go ahead otherwise not.<br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

Agree with SoLittle.<br /><br />There's a lot of horror stories about props, particularly stainless props ripping the lower unit to pieces. Bet most of these are bar bull. It's human nature to repeat what you overhear without having personal experience.<br /><br />Stainless props, pitch for pitch, are more efficient. Set up right, they pull you quicker and they save fuel. Can't see a big downside myself.

 

[stevens]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

I have spent the last two months going from a 23" alu Black Max to a 21" SS Ballistic and then to a 23" SS Turbo. Today I put the original alu prop back on.<br /><br />The SS props each had their different characteristics and I am sure I would have found one in the end to serve me well. However, this takes a process of trial and error, and I have missed twice now.<br /><br />The alu prop gives higher rpms, a 'mushier' feel, less ability to trim out, but also a softer and gentler ride. Holeshot is decent, and the top speed about 1 knot lower than the SS Turbo.<br /><br />In other words, props aren't made equal. If you want a SS prop, by all means get one, but don't expect miraculous improvements from it.

 

[stingray190rx]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

You will notice a 5-10 mph faster difference.<br /><br />With a Mercury Mercruise 4.3L CARB Alpha 1 190HP<br /><br />I run 50 MPH with aluminum <br /><br />When i use the stainless i run about 55-60 MPH

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

Originally posted by stingray190rx:<br /> You will notice a 5-10 mph faster difference.<br /><br />

Highly doubtful...not with a 50 hp motor anyway. Your 190 likely can see a difference, but I doubt his lower hp setup will see any significant gain.<br /><br />I'd save my money and just stick with aluminum if I had a 50 hp setup. Higher performance boats will get much more noticable benefit from a stainless, then the cost is more likely worth the benefits.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

Originally posted by stingray190rx:<br /> You will notice a 5-10 mph faster difference.<br /><br />

Highly doubtful...not with a 50 hp motor anyway. Your 190 likely can see a difference, but I doubt his lower hp setup will see any significant gain.<br /><br />I'd save my money and just stick with aluminum if I had a 50 hp setup. Higher performance boats will get much more noticable benefit from a stainless, for them the cost is more likely worth the benefits.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

sorry...stupid double-post hit me for the first time....I actually made it a triple! Now I see what all you guys are talking about once in a while! Irritating.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

don't apologize, it was worth mentioning twice. no way the same two props, different material, will add 5-10 mph. even a labbed prop will only add 2-3 mph.

 

[stevens]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

Skeeterboy - If you don't have these already, you might want to consider Smart Tabs / Mobster Tabs as a much better way to spend your nearly $200. I think you'd get much more bang for your buck with Smart Tabs than with a new prop.

 

[danie]

Re: Stainless is it worth it?

Skeeterboy<br />Im not sure why you are looking for another prop. Is it for a spare, to replace a battered one, to improve holeshot, to get more speed etc.?<br />Depending on your needs I would consider the suggestion of Stevens.