Stainless Props

[Fishtails]

I'm in the process of replacing my props. I'm trying to find the perfect props for my boat. I'm looking to get on plane faster and increasing my cruising speed a little. I'm not worried about top end, as it has plenty of power and I never run it at wot anyway. Right now my cruising speed is around 26mph @ 3300 rpm. Any less rpm's and she starts to drop off plane. I'm hoping to get the same cruising speed, but at less rpm's?

I have been talking with Propgods in Florida and after giving them my specs they suggested going with a Mirage Plus 17 pitch. I currently have 19 pitch alum props. Are these props worth the money? Propgods said they will sell me the pair to try, and If I'm not pleased they will replace them with a different prop. Should I expect to see a big difference switching over to a stainless prop?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rod

[ray koziatek]

Going back to my jet ski days the stainless were supposed to wash out less (flex),and there a little srtonger when it comes to debres in the prop. I would rather break a alum. prop on a log in the spring off the niagra than shear a lower unit ,drive coupler,or prop hub . but your getting pretty good at changing these items.I ant no enginbuneer but back in the day less pitch ment higher rpm period. also back in the day you could shoot from the hip that every degree of pitch would change 200 rpm and 1 to 2 mph diff. so less pitch and stainless should get you up and running faster .If power is no issue do you have those little jack plaines on the back of your boat that will get you up faster than viagra so im told.

[Fishtails]

That's pretty much coincides with what the guy from Propgods said Ray. It's hard to spend that much on a set of props, but If they are as good as I'm hearing they are, I guess It should be worth it. Are jack planes those fins that go on the drive? I never tried those on this boat.

Guess I'll be a lil nervous this spring, but It should keep me alert.

[L&M]

I believe he's talking trim tabs. On the prop side of it. Yes stainless will give you better performance, bear in mind if you should happen to hit something they don't give as an alum. prop will. Something above will usually go 1st. I'd rather replace a 150 dollar prop than a drive. Good way to test your new drives tho. Only takes one submerged log an plane that you can't see.

[ray koziatek]

Thanks Hank had a brain freeze with the trim tabs ,Also rod i got thinking if (yup me) if you have lots of hole power (burning the tires so to say) smaller prop will grip or push less water and slow the plaining process .my boat needs lots of time to plane due to lack of power and water resitence ,so I would benifit from the flatter pitch on low end and watch my rpms on top .So if you have hole power then move to a bigger prop for (better traction) .But i think trim tabs is more your answer. my old outdrive did have on of those fins on it and it came out of the water much (lots) better,er than without it .

[Fishtails]

Ahhhh....yes, I do have trim tabs Ray I use them on bumpy days to keep the bow down, but not so much to get on plane. I'm more looking to cruise at lower rpm's and save on gas. I gotta gun it to get up on plane, then back off, but it's no biggie.

Hank, You serious about that? If I whack something I stand a higher chance of loosing the drive with ss props :shock: . Geez....It's always something! I seem to have a magnetic pull toward rocks, so this is not a good thing. Only positive is that I'm pretty sure my insurance would cover that if I were to hit something and kill a drive. I've shopped around and Mirage Plus props are $400 each, so If I buy them I'm gonna have to learn to be more careful :roll:

[motoman]

stainless is going too do what you want but there right about if you hit somthing hard and something has too brake it won"t be the prop ! , i personal have hit a few thing and bent a few props , take into thought if you fish out of anyplace very shallow too note you mite better stick with the auminium but if not shallow mud turning water i"d get the stainless ! plus you can always trim them up in the shallow water ,witch i"m sure you do already . ether way good luck ! jonny

[Chromeslayer]

who ever you buy from make sure you can return the props just incase they dont perform up to your standards... i went through several props to get mine dialed in

[Fishtails]

Yes....Propgods already said they'd exchange them if I'm unhappy until I get the right one.

I think I'm going to order them and I'll use them for Stripper fishing next month, but now I'm thinking I'll put the old aluminum props back on for fishing the bar in the spring....least till the debris field clears up a bit.

[borderline 350]

Dear FT,

S.S. props are expensive, but out perform aluminum props in a relatively heavy twin engine IO boat (like yours).The lower pitch will lift the boat sooner and put less strain on those old style outdrives. (when coming up on plane) The blade area is different then your AL. props. And less flexure takes place during operation. I will guess that you may be slightly faster at cruise (1 to 2 mph). Any evaluations should be done with a GOOD GPS. in relatively calm conditions with at least 1/2 fuel load and all fishing gear aboard. You should be operating the trim tabs in the full down position, when attempting to achieve plane. Pull the tabs up as soon as the boat comes over the hump. You will use less fuel using this method. When at cruise, play with the tabs until you achieve max. speed on the GPS. Same with the drive trim at cruise..a couple of degrees (out) may improve your cruise speed & improve your fuel economy.

As far as hitting anything with SS props, the drives will sustain damage internally. AL props will save some damage at low speeds, but what you hit and where it hits, still adds up to major repairs.

The trash line in the spring coming out of major rivers on LO will eat any prop on any boat and the drives if so equipped. You must be very carefull!!

SS props will cause corrosion (pitting around the lower gear case) You must replace your outdrive zincs often to keep this to a minimum. Warmer water will dramactically increase this pitting.

In closing, as I have said in the past, The most expensive way to propel your boat is with outdrives! You don't see Mercury Marine in Financial problems!! The cost of repairing these drives keeps them eating steak! That,s why I went to a Hamilton Jet Drive. Total cost of maint. since 1999 has been one set of zincs ($50.00) Have hit sunken bridge pilings and run the shoreline...very close! Logs mean nothing as long as you don't hit them head on!

Sincerely,

Jet Boat Bill Monday 10:30 PM

[ray koziatek]

Ah thus the name jet boat Bill . now that makes sence.As always JB goes above and beyond with his explaining the pros and cons of a product.You are truely a assett to this site(you too Hank) when it comes to the knowlage you know and more importantly share.Thanks Guys...2 stainless =800.00 ,,,5 alum.=750.00

[Fishtails]

Yes...ditto that statement Ray. Thanks to all for pointing out the ups and downs of going stainless. I'm glad I asked and think I have a pretty good understanding of the pros and cons. I'm going to order the set, but I do think I will possibly use both AL and the stainless depending on the circumstances I find myself In.