Thinking about going w/ steel for longevity and better performance. I have a 19" CC Bay boat w/ Suzuki DF115 and would like some informed opinions. I use it both both on the north and south shores along w/ lakes upstate. I hear that if you ruin your outdrive by striking something w/ a steel prop it's covered by insurance, but do I want to wait for the work to be done in that event and miss out on fishing? How likely is it that I ruin the outdrive w/ a steel prop? I have never hit anything solid in my normal boating areas. Thx.
Steel or aluminum prop?
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I recently was informed that Quicksilver (Mercury) has been putting out stainless props w/ a poly insert. The insert supposidly will break and can easily be replaced. That's the best of bothe worlds.. aside from price, of course. There are probably options like that for suziki's....
As far as not hitting anything.. Even in fairly open ocean, it's easy enough to wack a lobster buoy w/ chain on it or floating debri.. I've seen a zillion logs & even a floating steel tank once. The last time I destroyed a prop it was in 50 ft of water and I still don't know what it was I hit. So, I'm saying that it happens and with the standard stainless props, you've got a good chance of bending the prop shaft.
For me, stainless just doesn't seem worth it, regardless of an extra few MPH or some small performance increase or longevity. They still can be dinged up on impact, and it's a huge difference in cost. I'd rather own two inexpensive aluminum props.
Jon
As far as not hitting anything.. Even in fairly open ocean, it's easy enough to wack a lobster buoy w/ chain on it or floating debri.. I've seen a zillion logs & even a floating steel tank once. The last time I destroyed a prop it was in 50 ft of water and I still don't know what it was I hit. So, I'm saying that it happens and with the standard stainless props, you've got a good chance of bending the prop shaft.
For me, stainless just doesn't seem worth it, regardless of an extra few MPH or some small performance increase or longevity. They still can be dinged up on impact, and it's a huge difference in cost. I'd rather own two inexpensive aluminum props.
Jon
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626 Posts
props
On my 23' Sea-Ox,with a single 200 HP,I had always used aluminum props.It came with aluminum,and was cheaper to replace,which I did several times per season.
My present boat,29'Proline w/twin 225 HP OBs,came set up with stainless steel props.Never needed to change one yet after nine seasons.
Pete
On my 23' Sea-Ox,with a single 200 HP,I had always used aluminum props.It came with aluminum,and was cheaper to replace,which I did several times per season.
My present boat,29'Proline w/twin 225 HP OBs,came set up with stainless steel props.Never needed to change one yet after nine seasons.
Pete
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11,904 Posts
As it was said, stainless is allegedly more efficient and much more durable. Instead of getting dinged on clams running through the mud or sand, it will cut through it. But as you know, you can ruin your lower unit. They are more expensive, but last longer.
If you are going to be running it around in shallow water and rocks on the North Shore or upstate lakes (which you probably will be in a bay boat. I know where you're fishing
) I would consider staying with aluminum. Stainless will ding, bend or break when hitting a rock and ruin the lower unit. Aluminum will be cheaper to replace and probably not damage much else.
Chris
If you are going to be running it around in shallow water and rocks on the North Shore or upstate lakes (which you probably will be in a bay boat. I know where you're fishing
) I would consider staying with aluminum. Stainless will ding, bend or break when hitting a rock and ruin the lower unit. Aluminum will be cheaper to replace and probably not damage much else. Chris
I'm doing a test right now with a Piranha Composite Prop. The best part is that the blades can be replaced for less than $20 each. They have a really cool plan;
They sent me three different pitch/blade sizes. Once I test each set to find the size that performs the best I can return the unwanted sizes for either a refund or a extra replacement blades. check them out here...
Piranha Props
They sent me three different pitch/blade sizes. Once I test each set to find the size that performs the best I can return the unwanted sizes for either a refund or a extra replacement blades. check them out here...
Piranha Props
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