Stainless vs. Aluminum Props

[JPSchmitty]

After taking a substantial chunk out of one of the blades on my primary prop earlier this year, I have found myself to be in the market to purchase a replacement. Right now I am just not sure which material would be the best choice for my use and boating area. I boat primarily on the Mississippi between Dubuque IA and Bellevue IA, just so you have a bit of reference as to the type of water I am in, and as for use, I am not looking to really change any of the performance characteristices of my boat. I just want to replace the OEM prop with one of the same size and pitch.

I realize that aluminum is not as durable as stainless, but with the frequent debris and other submerged hazards in my boating area, I think I might prefer a prop that will break before something in the drive breaks.

Just curious what some of the more seasoned boaters thoughts are relating to prop materials.

Any discussion is definitely appreciated.

Thanks

Schmitty

 

[RiverRat]

I also boat on the mississippi.... Unless you are aiming for the rock dykes go with stainless. Using aluminum may protect your outdrive a bit, it will get bent easily when hitting small debrit in the water. (sticks & stuff) then it's off to the prop shop to get it straitened or replaced frequently.

Stainless will take the debrit much better. Unless you hit something pretty large and solid the stainless will take the sand and (beaching) much better. If you hit a dyke at cruise speed it doesn't matter what type of prop you have you'll be replacing the whole outdrive anyway...

 

[cr0ck1]

If choose a WOOD prop.. LMAO :smt043

Just kidding.. well if stainless is more durable go with the one that is more durable.. im in sand all the times and it does a tune on my aluminum one.. but im new to boating and not as good at navagating like these veteran boaters!.. to me go with whats stronger and will last longer.. if the stainless is more money.. it will last as long as 2 aluminum ones so the price would be good to buy a stainless one... hope this is helpfull. :smt001

 

[First Born]

I realize that aluminum is not as durable as stainless, but with the frequent debris and other submerged hazards in my boating area, I think I might prefer a prop that will break before something in the drive breaks.

John,

This was my thinking personally as well. I did switch to a 4 blade aluminum but I like the idea of it giving if it comes in contact with something and me only having to replace the prop instead of having to replace the drive. Not really sure how the Mississippi is but your logic is what made me choose aluminum instead of stainless as my new prop. The stock one became my spare.

Good luck with your choice!!!

Wesley

 

[Hampton]

Aluminum. If you just broke a blade on an Al, there is your answer. That would likely have been a drive with a SS prop. Do as mentioned above. Keep one on the boat, and the other at the shop or FIXED in the garage/trunk...... When it does happen again, swap 'em out and repeat.

SS is best in sand with no rocks. Al would be ground down in a hurry, but SS lasts forever. With any rock/hard debris, go Al.