Stainless Props on Pontoons

[WaterDR]

Hey guys, would a stainless prop on a pontoon with a 115 be a total waste?

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Stainless Props on Pontoons

Just a partial waste. Seriously, it would have some effect. I don't think it would be much. Maybe a better hole shot?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Stainless Props on Pontoons

around here, one reason we use SS props is for their durability. We have shallow water with soft bottoms.

Some people who boat over hard bottoms will say a SS prop can harm the motor with a hard strike where an aluminum will break a fin. I personally don't subscribe to this, since props have bushings, but I really don't care.

For general recreational use, the pitch/diameter is where you adjust for speed and power, more than material, even tho SS is slightly superior. On a pontoon, wouldn't matter; like a spoiler on a Dodge Dart.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Stainless Props on Pontoons

Hey guys, would a stainless prop on a pontoon with a 115 be a total waste?

If better acceleration, cruising efficiency, increased top speed, less ventilation while turning , and 5 times the durability are things that interest you; then a good stainless prop might be worth consideration.

A good candidate would be the Solas New Saturn line of SS props; made for pushing loads.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Stainless Props on Pontoons

+1 to what jestor68 stated.

 

[WaterDR]

Re: Stainless Props on Pontoons

Yes, Jester, that would be my goal!

We boat 100% on the St. Croix River. It is all, soft sandy bottom with an ocassional tree stump, but really no rocks to speak of. I think a SS might have a good fit.

My current prop is a 15P alum and I run 6000 RPMS with a light load. The current prop would seem to be a perfect match. For kicks, I had tried a 17P, but my rpms dropped a whopping 1200! So, I gave up on that. No one makes a 16P alum. There are some SS props in a 16P.

I would have no problem trying a few SS options in both a 15 or a 16, but I am not sure there are too many places that will loan them out.

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Stainless Props on Pontoons

I would think a stainless 15p would work great for you. Generally ss props have more cup and thus often turn less rpm in the same pitch as aluminum. On a boat I used to have i went from 17 alum to a 17 ss and dropped about 400 rpms, top speed remained the same. Not saying you will have the exact same results as i did, but ss props deliver a better grip on the water, and much less flex under load.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Stainless Props on Pontoons

If you visit the Yamaha site, you can view a test of the 115 on a 24Ft Bennington pontoon boat.

Results using their 14 X 13 SS Pontoon Performance Series prop was 5850 rpm @ 33 mph.