Stainless vs Aluminum - Comparison

[topglock]

I'm currently running a Solas 13 x 21 aluminum on my 2011 Merc 75 4 stroke. Pushes my NITRO 170TF 45 mph at 5600 rpm WOT. Hole shot stinks! Thinking about going to a Merc Laser II and want to know what changes I can expect in comparable dimensions. I've found the Laser II in 13.25" x 20P and 13.5" by 21P, but nothing with the same specs as the Solas. Some have told me that SS turns higher with identical specs and others have told me that they turn slower. Given the information above, which of the Lasers would you recommend, and why. Does diameter play a large part in selection?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

 

[steelespike]

Re: Stainless vs Aluminum - Comparison

minor diameter changes have little affect.
If you go through prop sizes you will notice "usually" as pitch goes up diameter goes down
and a 4 blade usually has less diameter.
Its very difficult to estimate the results going to a ss prop.
Some props have a lot of bow lift which helps speed but usually slows hole shot.
Speed and hole shot don't usually go together.
Your setup is working pretty well but for you complaint.
Could you be a little more specific about hole shot?seconds to plane.seconds to 20?
Thats a pretty old boat is there any possibility the foam under the floor has absorbed a load of water?
Usually results from years of outside storage without proper cover.
Are batteries and gas back near the transom?
Do you trim down for hole shot?Is hole shot slow with just you and the boat?
ss is any expensive tryout unless you can find a dealer that will let you test props.
I can tell you that an al Solas Amita 4 blade in a 20" should geve you good hole shot
stay on plane better with reduced throttle,handle better at speed and at the dock.
It will likely cost you some speed.The Solas has been predictable.

 

[topglock]

Re: Stainless vs Aluminum - Comparison

Thanks for the informative reply. To answer your questions, the boat has always been garage kept and has no water intrusion that I can detect. There are two batters and a 22 gal. tank under the rear deck, not far from the transom. Hole shot is very slow, sometimes requiring a passenger to move forward on the boat. It's rated for a 120hp, max. The Merc is a 75 and weighs 400lbs. Also, though the boat is solid and running well back on the pads, I'd like to see the nose a little higher. I could move one of the batteries well forward, but worry about bow lift if I do. The Laser II claims PVS porting gives better hole shots and increased bow lift. I'd love to get out of the water consistently and maintain 45mph top end or better. Any suggestions?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Stainless vs Aluminum - Comparison

The porting improves hole shot and the prop design improves bow lift for speed.
I kind of forgot about ports; they can help hole shot on a prop that otherwise might not do well.
Not sure if they are as effective on a 4 stroke.Less exhaust volume ?
You might check out the Turningpoint props the Hustler is an al prop with ss performance
and they are vented.Turning point does have a support line.
they have an exchange program for a fee.
With the Hustler you likely may have to exchange after trying a 21.
Maybe you could move the batteries to a mid point.
Will handle differently than with batteries at either extreme end of the boat.

 

[topglock]

Re: Stainless vs Aluminum - Comparison

Thanks again. I'm going to try the Hustler. I'll let you know what develops...

 

[steelespike]

Re: Stainless vs Aluminum - Comparison

Great we'll be watching for your results.Good luck.

 

[topglock]

Re: Stainless vs Aluminum - Comparison

Just an update. Fitted the Hustler; here's the results. Top end is virtually unchanged, 44 mph @ 5600 rpm. Hole shot is better ( I did move one battery up, along with spare prop and tool sack). Still requires an idling start, but gets up on plane in 4 seconds and will walk on the prop if I go all out on the trim. That's with two people and 20 gallons of gas. Over all, I'm satisfied, however I got a great deal on a NIB Merc Laser II, 13.25 x 20 that I couldn't pass up. Guess I'll be trying it next. I let everyone know if it makes a difference...