SS or Aluminum Prop

[Shawn]

Hi,

Right now I have a 2011 24SLI with a 115 Merc Optimax. My current prop is a Mercury 13P and RPM is about 5800-6000 with clean logs. I can touch the rev limiter if I trim up more than about 1/3 and sometimes during turns. Top speed is about 28mph with a lightly loaded boat, clean tubes, and a full fuel tank. Typical performance keeps me about 24-27 mph due to less than pristine tubes, more people, etc. If the tubes get really dirty speed can drop to about 20mph - though I try not to let that happen!

Nonetheless, I'm considering a SS prop and keeping the aluminum for a backup. Considering a mercury in 14P -do you think this offers any performance gains? Does SS offer any real performance benefit on this size boat/motor setup? Maybe the smart thing to do is just buy a 14P aluminum and keep one for a back-up.

I will say it took several exchanges to get the 13P - the boat was not propped correctly when it was delivered last summer.

Thanks.

Shawn

 

[cwag911]

I think with a 115 you're not going to see much if any performance gain switching to stainless. You might also check the height of the motor if you're hitting the rev limiter when only trimming up about a 1/3 of the way.

 

[Shawn]

The motor is mounted in the second hole. I'm not unhappy with the current performance - I do want to make sure I have the boat propped correctly with either the aluminum or SS. I also think I want a backup prop - just not quite sure what to get. I'm thinking 14P might be the right choice. The only reason to get SS would be for a potential performance gain. If no real gain then aluminum is a no brainer...

 

[Bamaman]

You're boat is performing within normal range in speed and RPM's. Unless you're boating in a shallow lake where you might chew up aluminum props, just stick with what you have.

Now, if you were running 150 hp and up, a stainless propeller (like Mercury's Enertia prop) are warranted.

On my inboard outboard boat, I used to chew up aluminum prop per year before switching over to a stainless prop. I got 12 years out of a stainless prop before blowing the engine. I do not take my pontoon boat into shallow waters, as it's just not so easy to handle in small places. Luckily, a cousin owns the local prop shop.