Nautical
Well-Known Member
I was under the impression that above a certain HP you pretty much had to use a stainless prop. However, the boat I just bought, which has a 225 HP Honda, is equipped with an aluminum prop. When I told one of our mechanics I wanted to put an SS on it he strongly recommended against it. His reasoning was that I would only gain 1 or 2 mph but should I ever hit something, the aluminum prop would sacrifice itself whereas the stainless would allow a lot of expensive damage to the happen to the lower. He also said he finds SS props very rarely on pontoons (but he doesn't like outboards and tries to avoid them). For me this was the first outboard with a larger than 200hp engine that I've seen (and I've seen plenty) that did NOT have a stainless prop.
I can live without the extra 1 or 2 mph because the former owner told me he reached 51mph with clean toons (and he said this after the sale was complete so no motive to embellish).
What do you think? I see 3 options here:
1. Dump the aluminum now and go with the good stuff
2. Run it until such time as I have to change the prop for whatever reason then go with the good stuff
3. Not worry about it; "live and let aluminum" and enjoy the perpetual savings
What say Y'All?
I can live without the extra 1 or 2 mph because the former owner told me he reached 51mph with clean toons (and he said this after the sale was complete so no motive to embellish).
What do you think? I see 3 options here:
1. Dump the aluminum now and go with the good stuff
2. Run it until such time as I have to change the prop for whatever reason then go with the good stuff
3. Not worry about it; "live and let aluminum" and enjoy the perpetual savings
What say Y'All?