Why stainless steel prop?

Garcia · 07-01-2018, 10:01 AM

I've been boating a long time, but only just started thinking about stainless steel props. My question is what is the advantage? My understanding is that if you hit something with a SS prop, it has the potential to do internal damage to the lower unit (and I know people that hit rocks at slow speed thinking there was no damage, only to realize later that they caused serious damage), while a non SS prop will tend to bend or break. I know the obvious solution - don't hit anything! - but am curious as to advantages...

Kamper · 07-01-2018, 11:50 AM

I've been told they flex less and you get a slightly higher speed.

jeffk · 07-01-2018, 01:22 PM

From an internet article:

"The advantage of a stainless steel propeller over aluminum is durability. Stainless props can withstand more of the damage caused by small rocks, sand, or other loose objects in the water.

However, the disadvantage to a stainless propeller is that there is “minimal give" to the blades, so if you hit an object hard enough, there is the possibility of causing major damage to your lower unit. With aluminum props, the blades will most likely sacrifice themselves before any damage is caused to your lower unit. "

Also the high cost of stainless steel makes repair and replacement VERY pricey. New Aluminum prop around $100, Stainless $400 - $500.

Supposedly any performance difference is only minimally (10%) due to prop material. It's more the design of the prop. Well designed aluminum beats mediocre designed stainless.

I have dual stainless steel props (Bravo 3 drive) and have the same ones for 24 years. I dinged one early on and had it reconditioned. No trouble or work required since then.

SAB1 · 07-01-2018, 02:23 PM

Gain you some advantage in performance boats and if you ski a lot. If you are just a recreational boater, fisherman and occasionally ski or tube people they aren’t necessary.

Cal Coon · 07-01-2018, 02:38 PM

Also human nature being what it is, thinks that if it cots more it has to be better, faster, stronger... In some cases it's true, but imho, when it comes to props, I would stick with aluminum if you are just a recreational boater. If you own a boat, it's not IF you hit something, it's when... I run a 4 blade aluminum prop on my 22' boat (7.4L - Bravo 1) and it comes out of the hole much faster, (fully loaded), and is significantly more economical on fuel than my standard 3 blade ss prop was, and my top end speed is just fine with the aluminum, keeps the boat right at 45mph...

Garcia · 07-01-2018, 02:46 PM

Thanks all! My next question, is that I am about to buy a used 19 foot Whaler that has a SS prop. Thoughts on putting on an aluminum one instead?

Slickcraft · 07-01-2018, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia

Thanks all! My next question, is that I am about to buy a used 19 foot Whaler that has a SS prop. Thoughts on putting on an aluminum one instead?

I would get an aluminum prop and carry it as a spare for when you zap the SS prop.

Resident 2B · 07-01-2018, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garcia

Thanks all! My next question, is that I am about to buy a used 19 foot Whaler that has a SS prop. Thoughts on putting on an aluminum one instead?

It comes down to how well you know the areas you will be boating in. If you are new to the areas, I would buy an aluminum prop and use it for a few years. Just my opinion.

R2B

Garcia · 07-01-2018, 05:40 PM

Thanks all! I know the waters Well - but boat will be used bu many others who might not. I’m going to look into a prop change.

SAB1 · 07-01-2018, 06:03 PM

If it comes with stainless use it. You want to come out of the hole fast get trim tabs.

Charlie T · 07-01-2018, 06:14 PM

I purchased a SS prop set for my Volvo Duo prop outdrive. I got a little more top end 62 vs 59 but you can't use that top end on Winni. I ultimately put a Aluminum prop set on the boat again and keep the SS for a spare. I'm sure this decision saved my outdrive one day a couple of years ago when I hit some rocks in a location I'd never been. No doubt in my mind that I would have lost the drive if a SS prop set was on. Some will argue that the insurance company will cover your drive if it gets wiped out on rocks, this may be true but you still will lose weeks or months with downtime waiting for the drive repair.

My $0.02.

noreast · 07-01-2018, 06:59 PM

Did you say how much HP you have? If it's under 150HP save your money. Aluminum won't really flex under 150.

Garcia · 07-01-2018, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noreast

Did you say how much HP you have? If it's under 150HP save your money. Aluminum won't really flex under 150.

It is 115 HP. My friend who nicked a rock and lost the lower unit had a 200 HP outboard. All very helpful advice!

icg56 · 07-01-2018, 07:33 PM

If you nick a rock with stainless steel, you are sure to cause lower unit drive damage. Usually far exceeds the deductable on the boat insurance. Could be an advantage in some eyes.

ursa minor · 07-01-2018, 09:14 PM

In reality the difference between the "impact damage" from hitting something with an aluminum propeller and a stainless propeller is minimal. If you hit something at speed you can wipe out the lower unit regardless of what material the propeller is made of. Stainless steel has a higher strenght than aluminum and allows for a thinner blade profile relative to the same propeller in aluminum resulting in a more efficient propeller when properly designed.

Like many things, propeller design has come a long way in the last 30 years. The stainless propeller on the Whaler you're considering may well be the ideal choice for that boat. Why would you remove a perfect propeller to substitute something less efficient on the odd chance you would hit something? Don't buy into the aluminum absorbs damage myth.

We have a Whaler with a mere 90HP for reference; the stainless performance propeller on it made a massive difference, try 43 MPH top end vs 38 with the supposedly same aluminum propeller. That's a pretty significant difference, I'll pay attention to the markers and charts to avoid damaging it...

MAXUM · 07-02-2018, 06:24 AM

Stainless props are more durable no question - the performance argument is nonsense unless you are running a high performance high horsepower racing boat. Bear in mind that many of those performance boats are running exotic blade and pitch combinations that can only be attained by using stainless. I'm sorry but I don't buy a change of 5 MPH on the top end just because of the prop material.... change in pitch, 3 versus 4+ blade, absolutely (which would also require a pitch change), but doing a like for like not buying that. In fact I have run both SS and Aluminum on my stern drive and saw 0 performance difference. Same diameter, pitch and blade count.

I also don't buy the argument that a stainless prop will destroy your stern drive if you hit something. Hit anything hard enough the lower unit will sustain damage. For anything else I don't think there is a prop today that doesn't come with a hub that will strip out if the prop hits something. At least that's what Merc has done for years and I know my Johnson outboard has the same design. Both early 2000 vintage.

One reason NOT to use stainless is that it does accelerate drive corrosion a consideration if your boat sits in the water.

Think of it this way.... all these ski and wakeboard boats where performance is such a big deal run brass props. Brass is nearly as soft and flexible as aluminum. If stainless was all that you can bet those boats would be using them.

Dave R · 07-02-2018, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Think of it this way.... all these ski and wakeboard boats where performance is such a big deal run brass props. Brass is nearly as soft and flexible as aluminum. If stainless was all that you can bet those boats would be using them.

Pretty sure those are nibral, not brass.

ursa minor · 07-02-2018, 09:16 PM

The key point I was trying to make in my post above is that stainless allows for more advanced blade design. Things like the rake of the blades, skew in the blade that allows more effective control of pitch from the blade root to the tips and more aggressive cupping of the trailing edges of the blades to reduce tip losses. No question that a stainless propeller made in exactly the same manner as an aluminum one would have minimal or no performance difference.

The prop I'm running on the Whaler is optimized to run with the engine mounted higher on the transom. The reduction in drag from raising the gear case higher is probably the reason for the speed difference. The aluminum prop was probably cavitating with the engine raised up, it definitely ventilated in turns. It may have performed better with the engine mounted lower. This was all part of dialing in the new engine when we replaced the original engine a few years ago. Also, what I'm seeing on a relatively lightweight 17 foot skiff doesn't necessarily translate to a heavy deep V or a pontoon boat.

Dave R · 07-03-2018, 06:39 AM

Stainless is substantially stiffer than aluminum and flexes less. Thus, for the same or more strength it can be made with much thinner blades, and thinner blades means less drag and less opportunity for cavitation, which translates to more efficiency. If your boat is light and tops out under 40 MPH, it probably won't be worth the expense of replacing aluminum with stainless, based solely on efficiency, but it might be worth trying for the improvement of the feel of the boat. Stainless props tend to grip better and feel more connected to the water. If the boat already has an ss prop, enjoy it. FWIW, I like to gunkhole and have touched bottom many times (at low speed) with my two Bravo 3 SS props. The prop shafts are still both straight and the props have never needed any repairs. I'm confident that aluminum would props would not have been as forgiving of my need to explore. If you hit a rock at low speed with SS, I think you'll be fine. If you hit a rock at high speed with aluminum or SS, well, you kinda deserve some damage...

AC2717 · 07-03-2018, 08:06 AM

we can do back and forth all day, and you can get SS ones with Blow away hubs in the hopes that if you hit something it will pop the hub and not cause lower end damage.

OEM recommendations is what I would go with. I hit a rock at headway speed memorial day weekend. Marker was missing and I was in a new area and mist judged the next marker.

I had the original prop from my boat in the hull, but had a dent in the side of the hub so I was not putting it on, i limped back on the damaged replacement prop that the previous owner had on and i used for 4 years.

Had marina order me a OEM prop - Hole shot better, better top end speed, and overall much smoother ride, even my 12 year old daughter noticed the differences.

ApS · 07-04-2018, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

Stainless is substantially stiffer than aluminum and flexes less. Thus, for the same or more strength it can be made with much thinner blades, and thinner blades means less drag and less opportunity for cavitation, which translates to more efficiency. If your boat is light and tops out under 40 MPH, it probably won't be worth the expense of replacing aluminum with stainless, based solely on efficiency, but it might be worth trying for the improvement of the feel of the boat. Stainless props tend to grip better and feel more connected to the water. If the boat already has an ss prop, enjoy it. FWIW, I like to gunkhole and have touched bottom many times (at low speed) with my two Bravo 3 SS props. The prop shafts are still both straight and the props have never needed any repairs. I'm confident that aluminum would props would not have been as forgiving of my need to explore. If you hit a rock at low speed with SS, I think you'll be fine. If you hit a rock at high speed with aluminum or SS, well, you kinda deserve some damage...

Aluminum takes poorly to flexing. An aluminum propeller would flex for a very short time before it work-hardened to its limit--stretched further, it would "yield"--to break apart!

In general, stainless steels' biggest asset is its ability to "survive" flexing: it is a very forgiving alloy, renowned for its "toughness" among metals.

Quote:

"All propellers flex. What is often missed is that flex is a good characteristic. For example, if a prop flexed under the load of acceleration, it would actually be reducing its pitch, which in turn would produce a faster acceleration. A problem would occur only if the prop failed to return to its specified pitch once up to speed with the load reduced. The measurement of this two-way propeller movement is called "yield."
https://www.canadapropeller.com

.

Dave R · 07-04-2018, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApS

Aluminum takes poorly to flexing. An aluminum propeller would flex for a very short time before it work-hardened to its limit--stretched further, it would "yield"--to break apart!

.

Next time you fly, watch how much those big aluminum wings flex...

ApS · 07-06-2018, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

Next time you fly, watch how much those big aluminum wings flex...

Modern jetliners have wings made of composite materials. Flex improves the ride, and can exceed even remarkable loads.

Aluminum wings can't be relied on for durability. Inspections are necessary, and even then, aluminum wings can't take overstress circumstances.

Dave R · 07-07-2018, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApS

Modern jetliners have wings made of composite materials. Flex improves the ride, and can exceed even remarkable loads.

Aluminum wings can't be relied on for durability. Inspections are necessary, and even then, aluminum wings can't take overstress circumstances.

So all those old aluminum-winged airplane are just falling out of the sky?

Cal Coon · 07-07-2018, 08:14 AM

Another thing that has not been mentioned that you need to take into consideration is the rpm's of your engine. Change in prop size/ and/or pitch changes rpm's of motor. KNOW your motor's maximum rpm. It's not the red line! They vary from one motor to another, not hard to find out though. I believe it's ok to get a prop that will exceed your motors rpm, just don't do it. You may want to confirm that for peace of mind though. I wouldn't even put a prop on my boat that exceeds the maximum rpm's if you have multiple drivers. Someone WILL forget, and blow the motor, just a matter of time. You don't want to have to put in a new motor to go with your new prop... (unless the other driver's are paying for it!!) Sometimes you will lose rpm's in which case you have no worries.

MAXUM · 07-07-2018, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

So all those old aluminum-winged airplane are just falling out of the sky?

Ideally they are pulled out of service well before catastrophic failure occurs.

Composite materials are far more resilient, lighter and have a longer expected service time so it makes sense they are widely used in such applications.

Modern fighter jets are primarily made exclusively of composite materials and have been for some time.

Dave R · 07-08-2018, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Ideally they are pulled out of service well before catastrophic failure occurs.

Composite materials are far more resilient, lighter and have a longer expected service time so it makes sense they are widely used in such applications.

Modern fighter jets are primarily made exclusively of composite materials and have been for some time.

Understood. My point was that aluminum can and does flex without breaking. Aluminum airplane wings are a perfect example of that. Commercial airplanes were successfully flying with flexible aluminum wings long before carbon fiber was ever used in a plane.

ApS · 07-13-2018, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

Understood. My point was that aluminum can and does flex without breaking. Aluminum airplane wings are a perfect example of that. Commercial airplanes were successfully flying with flexible aluminum wings long before carbon fiber was ever used in a plane.

While viewed as "aluminum" wings, that only refers to the outer skin, which is made of sheet aluminum. It's the structural elements, also made of aluminum, that are subject to catastrophic breakup.

In the early days of aviation, aircraft had wings made of wood covered with fabric—later, with canvas. In WW1, a French inventor seeking to fly an invisible aircraft designed and flew a wood aircraft with outside surfaces covered with a plastic predecessor to Saran-Wrap!

By WWII, much of aircraft "skin" was redesigned for aluminum. (Canvas was retained on some outer surfaces). Structural elements, subjected to most of regular inspections and replacements, were likewise changed to aluminum. (Although some rebuilders of WWII aircraft have changed structural wing elements back to wood).

Aircraft older than 18 years were no longer subject to lawsuits in a bill signed by President Clinton. Older aircraft were criticized for weakened lifting surfaces subject to "flutter", which fatigued aluminum parts.

One month following the C-130 disaster, a second aircraft (a Consolidated Privateer) also lost wings, attributed to aluminum metal fatigue.

Quote:

"...also as a result of structural failure, in this case in the wing's spar adjacent to the left side of the fuselage. While still in the 15–20° left bank, witnesses on the ground and in another tanker observed the left wing separate from the aircraft and "fold upwards", followed almost immediately by the initiation of a fire. The aircraft continued to roll left, impacting the ground at a 45° nose down attitude, starting a large fire at the wreck site.
A detailed investigation by the NTSB showed that the wing's lower spar cap had extensive stress fatigue and had fractures through the lower spar cap, vertically up the spar web and into the upper spar cap. The lower wing skin also found signs of fatigue in the area adjacent to the cracked spar cap.[6][9] "

My Dad piloted commercial amphibians for Chalk's Ocean Airways until about the year 2000. In 2005, a wing broke off one of their aircraft.

Quote:

"NTSB issued a press release which included pictures showing metal fatigue on the wing that broke off.[6] The discovery of the metal fatigue in the wing led to Chalk's Ocean Airways voluntary grounding of the rest of their fleet for further inspection.[7][8]

On May 30, 2007, Reuters reported that "The National Transportation Safety Board asserted Chalk's Ocean Airways failed to identify and properly repair fatigue cracks. The plane lost its right wing a few minutes after take-off for the Bahamas at 500 ft (152 m) and plunged into the shipping channel adjacent to the Port of Miami on December 19, 2005." The safety board, in its final report on the probable cause of the crash, noted numerous maintenance-related problems on the aircraft and another owned by the company, raising questions about Chalk's Ocean Airways' aircraft maintenance practices. "The signs of structural problems were there but not addressed," safety board chairman Mark Rosenker said. The safety board also said the FAA failed to detect and correct the airline's maintenance shortfalls."
—Wikipedia

The fatigue noted was in an internal aluminum structural strut. painted over, and could not be seen.

Wing loss due to aluminum fatigue is not limited to US aircraft:

Quote:

"The probable cause of the crash was determined to be the center wing section failing due to a fatigue crack in the lower central wing panel.[3] Following this accident, Aeroflot ceased the operation of the An-10.[4]
—Wikipedia

Aircraft wings are hardly a good example of flexing, as they are a construct of integrated trusses, and not a solid casting or forging—as conventional boating propellers are.

While all metals are subject to flexion and failure, aluminum is particularly susceptible. As stated earlier, stainless steel is a far better alloy for desirable propeller "yield".

.

--

Dave R · 07-14-2018, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApS

While viewed as "aluminum" wings, that only refers to the outer skin, which is made of sheet aluminum. It's the structural elements, also made of aluminum, that are subject to catastrophic breakup.

In the early days of aviation, aircraft had wings made of wood covered with fabric—later, with canvas. In WW1, a French inventor seeking to fly an invisible aircraft designed and flew a wood aircraft with outside surfaces covered with a plastic predecessor to Saran-Wrap!

By WWII, much of aircraft "skin" was redesigned for aluminum. (Canvas was retained on some outer surfaces). Structural elements, subjected to most of regular inspections and replacements, were likewise changed to aluminum. (Although some rebuilders of WWII aircraft have changed structural wing elements back to wood).

Aircraft older than 18 years were no longer subject to lawsuits in a bill signed by President Clinton. Older aircraft were criticized for weakened lifting surfaces subject to "flutter", which fatigued aluminum parts.

One month following the C-130 disaster, a second aircraft (a Consolidated Privateer) also lost wings, attributed to aluminum metal fatigue.

My Dad piloted commercial amphibians for Chalk's Ocean Airways until about the year 2000. In 2005, a wing broke off one of their aircraft.

The fatigue noted was in an internal aluminum structural strut. painted over, and could not be seen.

Wing loss due to aluminum fatigue is not limited to US aircraft:

Aircraft wings are hardly a good example of flexing, as they are a construct of integrated trusses, and not a solid casting or forging—as conventional boating propellers are.

While all metals are subject to flexion and failure, aluminum is particularly susceptible. As stated earlier, stainless steel is a far better alloy for desirable propeller "yield".

.

So you are saying SS is better because it flexes ("yields") more than aluminum? Sounds backwards to me.

Poor Richard · 07-14-2018, 05:25 PM

I flexed my aluminum prop until it yielded. Glad it will cost only 90 instead of 300.

Woody38 · 07-14-2018, 07:09 PM

I was in a commercial jetliner enroute from San Francisco to Los Angeles when it hit turbulence flying over the Santa Monica MTN. Included was an air pocket in which the plane dropped vertically several hundred feet. When we hit bottom my heart sank as the wings flexed a great distance several times. Made me wonder just how much punishment it would take to separate a wing from the body of the plane. Fortunately I am here today to recall that event.

---------------------------------------------

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic

Dave R · 07-14-2018, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poor Richard

I flexed my aluminum prop until it yielded. Glad it will cost only 90 instead of 300.

You've run rings around me, logically.

ApS · 07-15-2018, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

So you are saying SS is better because it flexes ("yields") more than aluminum? Sounds backwards to me.

That's what these folks say:
https://www.canadapropeller.com/sele...php?t=aluminum

That above site has information regarding replaceable individual blades—not a new idea, but the blades are composite!

Reminds me of the aluminum "Dial-a-Prop" of the 1960's. ('Can't find anything with Google, but the geared hub had a vernier scale to "dial-up" your pitch).

.

Dave R · 07-16-2018, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApS

That's what these folks say:
https://www.canadapropeller.com/sele...php?t=aluminum

That above site has information regarding replaceable individual blades—not a new idea, but the blades are composite!

Reminds me of the aluminum "Dial-a-Prop" of the 1960's. ('Can't find anything with Google, but the geared hub had a vernier scale to "dial-up" your pitch).

.

I clicked on the link you shared and the website says this about Stainless Steel:

"Strongest
At seven times stronger than aluminum the blades hold their shape through the varying torque applied during its rotation. The strength also allows the blades to be thinner, allowing the prop to turn easier in water, and that unused horsepower can be applied to better performance shapes and heavier cupping."

That's the opposite of what you wrote earlier. :confused

Cal Coon · 07-16-2018, 05:21 PM

Man this thread is really getting into the weeds... Unless you're a professional offshore powerboat racer running a multi-million dollar boat in the equivalent of "Nascar", where you are constantly looking for every possible advantage to squeeze one more MPH out of it, who cares what your prop is made of...??

BroadHopper · 07-17-2018, 06:52 AM

OK you tech junkies! Read the following link! Kinda like a cross between SS and aluminum prop!
https://www.mercalloy.com/

The old 454 Magnum is getting tired so I decided to go down a pitch. Rather than buying a new SS, I decided to try a 4 blade Spitfire. I am very please with the result! I went down a pitch, the top speed remains the same, better hole shot, and the rpm is back to maximum. I also notice a decrease in GPH, I expected that.

With a full tank and max capacity and gear, I am very surprise how the Mercalloy prop handles the load, actually better hole shot than an SS.

Dave R · 07-17-2018, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

OK you tech junkies! Read the following link! Kinda like a cross between SS and aluminum prop!
https://www.mercalloy.com/

The old 454 Magnum is getting tired so I decided to go down a pitch.

SNIP

With a full tank and max capacity and gear, I am very surprise how the Mercalloy prop handles the load, actually better hole shot than an SS.

If you go down in pitch, the hole shot should be better.

4 blade aluminum props are a nice compromise, IMO. That said, a few years ago, I had a boat with a 4 blade aluminum and upgraded to the same diameter and pitch 4 blade SS prop (with more rake though). My boat gained a couple of MPH on top with the same WOT RPM, and mid-range acceleration was noticeably better. Hole shot felt the same. Mid-range punch is what actually sold that boat. The first guy to test drive it was cruising at 3000ish RPM and I said "punch it", the resulting acceleration from 30ish to 50+ produced a huge smile and I knew right then and there that I would be getting my asking price. Helped that it was a really nice boat and a reasonable price, I'm sure.

ApS · 07-17-2018, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top-Water

"Dial-a-Prop" = Multi-Pitch

Thanks: Same idea, (maybe an earlier design?) but the dial was rearmost, forming a nice taper. (Like an analog radio dial, but tapered).

ETA: Also with "OMNI-Pitch" stamped into the hub.

Quote:

Yes confused, He's not going to let go of 'his" theories about metallurgy.
Aluminum or Stainless Steel it does not really matter,

Oh, yes it does.

Quote:

It depend more on the application and what it the very most desirable end result. (Kind-ah) only 2 choices when you get down to it, economy or high performance . Most everybody here has got it right in the previous posts.

Not saying they're wrong.

So as not to break apart, aluminum props have to be fatter. While S/S can be much thinner, with the ability to repeatedly flex for "hole-shots", (described as "yield" in the link). Aluminum can't do it, but good for Lake Winnipesaukee, where a spare prop can be carried on board for the expected or unexpected exigencies.

Then, there's this: are replacement blades available?

☞ For example, try taking a ¼"x4" aluminum bolt (used in screen enclosures), and put it in a vice next to a ¼"x4" S/S bolt—bend both with a short pipe—you'll be lucky to get two bends out of aluminum, and S/S will take forever to break.

Most (not all) alloys of S/S are well-known among mechanics, sailors, and metallurgists for its extreme resistance to fatigue and eventual failure.

Used on a steel trailer, a loose S/S bolt will wear out the hole it's used in!

.

07-01-2018, 10:01 AM	#1
Garcia Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 604 Thanks: 136 Thanked 274 Times in 168 Posts	Why stainless steel prop? I've been boating a long time, but only just started thinking about stainless steel props. My question is what is the advantage? My understanding is that if you hit something with a SS prop, it has the potential to do internal damage to the lower unit (and I know people that hit rocks at slow speed thinking there was no damage, only to realize later that they caused serious damage), while a non SS prop will tend to bend or break. I know the obvious solution - don't hit anything! - but am curious as to advantages... Last edited by Garcia; 07-01-2018 at 01:26 PM.

07-01-2018, 06:14 PM	#11
Charlie T Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 306 Thanks: 256 Thanked 181 Times in 86 Posts	Save the gear I purchased a SS prop set for my Volvo Duo prop outdrive. I got a little more top end 62 vs 59 but you can't use that top end on Winni. I ultimately put a Aluminum prop set on the boat again and keep the SS for a spare. I'm sure this decision saved my outdrive one day a couple of years ago when I hit some rocks in a location I'd never been. No doubt in my mind that I would have lost the drive if a SS prop set was on. Some will argue that the insurance company will cover your drive if it gets wiped out on rocks, this may be true but you still will lose weeks or months with downtime waiting for the drive repair. My $0.02.

07-01-2018, 07:33 PM	#14
icg56 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 81 Thanks: 3 Thanked 33 Times in 19 Posts	Advantage Stainless Steel If you nick a rock with stainless steel, you are sure to cause lower unit drive damage. Usually far exceeds the deductable on the boat insurance. Could be an advantage in some eyes.

07-01-2018, 09:14 PM	#15
ursa minor Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tuftonborough & Franklin MA Posts: 265 Thanks: 99 Thanked 143 Times in 64 Posts	In reality the difference between the "impact damage" from hitting something with an aluminum propeller and a stainless propeller is minimal. If you hit something at speed you can wipe out the lower unit regardless of what material the propeller is made of. Stainless steel has a higher strenght than aluminum and allows for a thinner blade profile relative to the same propeller in aluminum resulting in a more efficient propeller when properly designed. Like many things, propeller design has come a long way in the last 30 years. The stainless propeller on the Whaler you're considering may well be the ideal choice for that boat. Why would you remove a perfect propeller to substitute something less efficient on the odd chance you would hit something? Don't buy into the aluminum absorbs damage myth. We have a Whaler with a mere 90HP for reference; the stainless performance propeller on it made a massive difference, try 43 MPH top end vs 38 with the supposedly same aluminum propeller. That's a pretty significant difference, I'll pay attention to the markers and charts to avoid damaging it... __________________ " Any day with a boat ride in it is a good day"

07-02-2018, 09:16 PM	#18
ursa minor Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tuftonborough & Franklin MA Posts: 265 Thanks: 99 Thanked 143 Times in 64 Posts	The key point I was trying to make in my post above is that stainless allows for more advanced blade design. Things like the rake of the blades, skew in the blade that allows more effective control of pitch from the blade root to the tips and more aggressive cupping of the trailing edges of the blades to reduce tip losses. No question that a stainless propeller made in exactly the same manner as an aluminum one would have minimal or no performance difference. The prop I'm running on the Whaler is optimized to run with the engine mounted higher on the transom. The reduction in drag from raising the gear case higher is probably the reason for the speed difference. The aluminum prop was probably cavitating with the engine raised up, it definitely ventilated in turns. It may have performed better with the engine mounted lower. This was all part of dialing in the new engine when we replaced the original engine a few years ago. Also, what I'm seeing on a relatively lightweight 17 foot skiff doesn't necessarily translate to a heavy deep V or a pontoon boat. __________________ " Any day with a boat ride in it is a good day"

07-01-2018, 11:50 AM	#2
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,302 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	I've been told they flex less and you get a slightly higher speed.

The Following User Says Thank You to Kamper For This Useful Post:
Garcia (07-01-2018)

07-01-2018, 01:22 PM	#3
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,165 Thanks: 205 Thanked 432 Times in 249 Posts	From an internet article: "The advantage of a stainless steel propeller over aluminum is durability. Stainless props can withstand more of the damage caused by small rocks, sand, or other loose objects in the water. However, the disadvantage to a stainless propeller is that there is “minimal give" to the blades, so if you hit an object hard enough, there is the possibility of causing major damage to your lower unit. With aluminum props, the blades will most likely sacrifice themselves before any damage is caused to your lower unit. " Also the high cost of stainless steel makes repair and replacement VERY pricey. New Aluminum prop around $100, Stainless $400 - $500. Supposedly any performance difference is only minimally (10%) due to prop material. It's more the design of the prop. Well designed aluminum beats mediocre designed stainless. I have dual stainless steel props (Bravo 3 drive) and have the same ones for 24 years. I dinged one early on and had it reconditioned. No trouble or work required since then.

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Garcia (07-01-2018)

07-01-2018, 02:23 PM	#4
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,230 Thanks: 188 Thanked 319 Times in 234 Posts	Gain you some advantage in performance boats and if you ski a lot. If you are just a recreational boater, fisherman and occasionally ski or tube people they aren’t necessary.

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Garcia (07-01-2018)

07-01-2018, 02:38 PM	#5
Cal Coon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 475 Thanks: 179 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	Also human nature being what it is, thinks that if it cots more it has to be better, faster, stronger... In some cases it's true, but imho, when it comes to props, I would stick with aluminum if you are just a recreational boater. If you own a boat, it's not IF you hit something, it's when... I run a 4 blade aluminum prop on my 22' boat (7.4L - Bravo 1) and it comes out of the hole much faster, (fully loaded), and is significantly more economical on fuel than my standard 3 blade ss prop was, and my top end speed is just fine with the aluminum, keeps the boat right at 45mph...

07-01-2018, 02:46 PM	#6
Garcia Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 604 Thanks: 136 Thanked 274 Times in 168 Posts	Thanks all! My next question, is that I am about to buy a used 19 foot Whaler that has a SS prop. Thoughts on putting on an aluminum one instead?

07-01-2018, 05:40 PM	#9
Garcia Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 604 Thanks: 136 Thanked 274 Times in 168 Posts	Thanks all! I know the waters Well - but boat will be used bu many others who might not. I’m going to look into a prop change.

07-01-2018, 06:03 PM	#10
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,230 Thanks: 188 Thanked 319 Times in 234 Posts	If it comes with stainless use it. You want to come out of the hole fast get trim tabs.

07-01-2018, 06:59 PM	#12
noreast Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 648 Thanks: 316 Thanked 120 Times in 93 Posts	Did you say how much HP you have? If it's under 150HP save your money. Aluminum won't really flex under 150.

07-02-2018, 06:24 AM	#16
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	Stainless props are more durable no question - the performance argument is nonsense unless you are running a high performance high horsepower racing boat. Bear in mind that many of those performance boats are running exotic blade and pitch combinations that can only be attained by using stainless. I'm sorry but I don't buy a change of 5 MPH on the top end just because of the prop material.... change in pitch, 3 versus 4+ blade, absolutely (which would also require a pitch change), but doing a like for like not buying that. In fact I have run both SS and Aluminum on my stern drive and saw 0 performance difference. Same diameter, pitch and blade count. I also don't buy the argument that a stainless prop will destroy your stern drive if you hit something. Hit anything hard enough the lower unit will sustain damage. For anything else I don't think there is a prop today that doesn't come with a hub that will strip out if the prop hits something. At least that's what Merc has done for years and I know my Johnson outboard has the same design. Both early 2000 vintage. One reason NOT to use stainless is that it does accelerate drive corrosion a consideration if your boat sits in the water. Think of it this way.... all these ski and wakeboard boats where performance is such a big deal run brass props. Brass is nearly as soft and flexible as aluminum. If stainless was all that you can bet those boats would be using them.

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noreast (07-03-2018)

07-03-2018, 06:39 AM	#19
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,984 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	Stainless is substantially stiffer than aluminum and flexes less. Thus, for the same or more strength it can be made with much thinner blades, and thinner blades means less drag and less opportunity for cavitation, which translates to more efficiency. If your boat is light and tops out under 40 MPH, it probably won't be worth the expense of replacing aluminum with stainless, based solely on efficiency, but it might be worth trying for the improvement of the feel of the boat. Stainless props tend to grip better and feel more connected to the water. If the boat already has an ss prop, enjoy it. FWIW, I like to gunkhole and have touched bottom many times (at low speed) with my two Bravo 3 SS props. The prop shafts are still both straight and the props have never needed any repairs. I'm confident that aluminum would props would not have been as forgiving of my need to explore. If you hit a rock at low speed with SS, I think you'll be fine. If you hit a rock at high speed with aluminum or SS, well, you kinda deserve some damage... Last edited by Dave R; 07-03-2018 at 07:49 AM.

07-03-2018, 08:06 AM	#20
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,573 Thanks: 753 Thanked 354 Times in 266 Posts	we can do back and forth all day, and you can get SS ones with Blow away hubs in the hopes that if you hit something it will pop the hub and not cause lower end damage. OEM recommendations is what I would go with. I hit a rock at headway speed memorial day weekend. Marker was missing and I was in a new area and mist judged the next marker. I had the original prop from my boat in the hull, but had a dent in the side of the hub so I was not putting it on, i limped back on the damaged replacement prop that the previous owner had on and i used for 4 years. Had marina order me a OEM prop - Hole shot better, better top end speed, and overall much smoother ride, even my 12 year old daughter noticed the differences. __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

07-07-2018, 08:14 AM	#25
Cal Coon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 475 Thanks: 179 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	Another thing that has not been mentioned that you need to take into consideration is the rpm's of your engine. Change in prop size/ and/or pitch changes rpm's of motor. KNOW your motor's maximum rpm. It's not the red line! They vary from one motor to another, not hard to find out though. I believe it's ok to get a prop that will exceed your motors rpm, just don't do it. You may want to confirm that for peace of mind though. I wouldn't even put a prop on my boat that exceeds the maximum rpm's if you have multiple drivers. Someone WILL forget, and blow the motor, just a matter of time. You don't want to have to put in a new motor to go with your new prop... (unless the other driver's are paying for it!!) Sometimes you will lose rpm's in which case you have no worries. Last edited by Cal Coon; 07-07-2018 at 03:28 PM.

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ApS (07-14-2018)

07-14-2018, 05:25 PM	#30
Poor Richard Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: The humbling river Posts: 304 Thanks: 42 Thanked 80 Times in 57 Posts	I flexed my aluminum prop until it yielded. Glad it will cost only 90 instead of 300.

07-14-2018, 07:09 PM	#31
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 577 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	Flexing airplane wings I was in a commercial jetliner enroute from San Francisco to Los Angeles when it hit turbulence flying over the Santa Monica MTN. Included was an air pocket in which the plane dropped vertically several hundred feet. When we hit bottom my heart sank as the wings flexed a great distance several times. Made me wonder just how much punishment it would take to separate a wing from the body of the plane. Fortunately I am here today to recall that event. --------------------------------------------- I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic

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07-16-2018, 05:21 PM	#35
Cal Coon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 475 Thanks: 179 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	Man this thread is really getting into the weeds... Unless you're a professional offshore powerboat racer running a multi-million dollar boat in the equivalent of "Nascar", where you are constantly looking for every possible advantage to squeeze one more MPH out of it, who cares what your prop is made of...??

07-17-2018, 06:52 AM	#36
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,205 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Composite material Prop OK you tech junkies! Read the following link! Kinda like a cross between SS and aluminum prop! https://www.mercalloy.com/ The old 454 Magnum is getting tired so I decided to go down a pitch. Rather than buying a new SS, I decided to try a 4 blade Spitfire. I am very please with the result! I went down a pitch, the top speed remains the same, better hole shot, and the rpm is back to maximum. I also notice a decrease in GPH, I expected that. With a full tank and max capacity and gear, I am very surprise how the Mercalloy prop handles the load, actually better hole shot than an SS. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.